Headache — which specialty
Pain in the head, which may be dull or come in attacks, on one side or across the whole head.
Usually seen by
Neurology
Other directions, depending on what comes with it:
- Eye — if the pain sits around the eye socket, worsens with reading, or comes with blurred vision
- ENT — if the pain is across the forehead and cheeks with persistent nasal congestion
- General internal medicine — if it began alongside recorded blood pressure changes
Not sure you have picked the right one? Start with general internal medicine — routing you to the right place is their job, not yours.
Go now, without waiting for an appointment, if any of these apply
- Severe pain that reaches its peak within seconds — the "worst headache of my life"
- Headache with weakness or numbness down one side, a drooping face, or difficulty speaking
- Headache with fever and a stiff neck
- Headache after a blow to the head, even if you felt fine at the time
- Headache with forceful vomiting, double vision, or drowsiness
This list is not exhaustive and does not replace judgement on the spot. If something is clearly wrong and you are unsure, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest facility — waiting in order to be certain is the most dangerous way to spend the time.
What you will be asked — have the answers ready
- Where in the head, one side or both
- How long each attack lasts, and how many in a week
- What makes it worse or better: light, noise, bending forward, lying down
- Which painkillers you take, and on how many days a week
- Whether it comes with nausea, light sensitivity, or visual flickering beforehand
A first appointment is short. Having these answers ready is the cheapest way to avoid a second visit that exists only to supply information.
Bring with you
- A headache diary covering at least two to four weeks: date, time, severity, what you were doing
- A list of every painkiller taken, including anything bought without a prescription
- Home blood pressure readings if you have them
What a first visit usually involves
- A detailed history — this takes the most time and decides the most
- Neurological examination: reflexes, power, sensation, and a look at the back of the eye
- Imaging is ordered when there is a reason, not by default for every headache