A man sits in a chair, rubbing his temples in pain from a headache, with a glass of water and a pill bottle on a table.

When Should You See a Neurologist for Headaches?

Headaches are common — but not all headaches are the same. Some are temporary and respond well to rest or over-the-counter medication. Others are persistent, disruptive, or signal that your brain or nervous system needs closer evaluation.

We help patients in Lake Mary and Central Florida understand why their headaches are happening and whether neurological care is needed.

Call (407) 603-1633

Our Neurology Services

When to Call Us for a Headache Evaluation

You don’t need to know exactly what type of headache you have to reach out. Many patients come to us simply because something doesn’t feel right.

You should consider seeing a neurologist if your headaches:

Occur frequently or are becoming more severe
Do not improve with primary care treatment
Disrupt work, sleep, or daily activities
Are associated with nausea, vomiting, or light sensitivity
Come with dizziness, weakness, numbness, or vision changes
Begin after a head injury or illness
Are new, sudden, or different from past headaches

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), new headaches—especially after age 40—warrant neurological evaluation. These patterns often indicate migraine, nerve-related headaches, or other neurological conditions that benefit from specialized evaluation as part of a comprehensive head and brain health assessment . If any of these sound familiar, we encourage you not to wait. Call us (407) 603-1633 or request an appointment online

How to Know If Your Headache May Be Neurological

Not every headache requires neurological care — but some do.

A headache may have a neurological cause if it involves changes in brain function, nerves, blood flow, or electrical activity. These headaches often require specialized evaluation and, in some cases, diagnostic testing.

Signs your headache may be neurological include:

Progressive worsening over weeks or months
Headaches that wake you from sleep or are worse in the morning
Headaches accompanied by memory issues, confusion, or speech difficulty
Headaches with seizures or fainting
Headaches that don’t respond to typical treatments

If you’re unsure whether your symptoms are serious, a neurologist can help determine the next appropriate step.

Headaches a Neurologist Treats (Not Just Any Doctor)

Neurologists specialize in conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, and nervous system — which means we evaluate headaches differently than general providers.

At Charis Neurology, we commonly treat:

Chronic or recurrent headaches
Migraines requiring advanced management
Headaches linked to dizziness or balance issues
Headaches associated with seizures or EEG abnormalities
Headaches requiring MRI or CT imaging
Headaches connected to memory or cognitive changes

Our focus is not just relieving pain, but identifying whether an underlying neurological condition is present.

Types of Headaches We Evaluate

Migraine Headaches

Migraines are complex neurological conditions — not just severe headaches.

They often involve:

Throbbing or pulsating pain
Sensitivity to light, sound, or smells
Nausea or vomiting
Visual changes or aura

Migraines can significantly impact quality of life and may require a personalized neurological treatment plan.

Tension-Type Headaches

Tension headaches are often described as pressure or tightness around the head or neck.

While common, frequent tension headaches may overlap with:

Neck or nerve involvement
Stress-related neurological patterns
Medication overuse

A neurological evaluation can help distinguish tension headaches from other conditions that appear similar.

Cluster Headaches

Cluster headaches cause severe, often one-sided pain — typically around the eye or temple.

They may occur in cycles and can be extremely intense. Because of their unique pattern and severity, cluster headaches often require specialized neurological care.

Secondary Headaches (Caused by Another Condition)

Some headaches are a symptom of an underlying issue rather than a primary headache disorder.

These may be related to:

Vascular conditions
Inflammation or infection
Structural brain changes
Neurological injury

Identifying secondary headaches early is important and often requires imaging or further diagnostic testing.

If this sounds like your experience, call (407) 603-1633 or schedule an appointment online

Headaches That Require Immediate Emergency Evaluation

Some headaches require urgent medical attention.

Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if a headache is accompanied by:

Sudden, severe pain (“worst headache of your life”)
Weakness on one side of the body
Slurred speech or confusion
Vision loss
Seizure
Fever with neck stiffness
Loss of consciousness

After emergency care, follow-up with a neurologist may still be recommended.

What Happens During a Neurology Headache Evaluation

We believe patients deserve answers — not rushed visits.

Your headache evaluation at Charis Neurology may include:

Step 1: Listening to Your Story

We take time to understand your symptoms, triggers, timeline, and concerns.

Step 2: Comprehensive Neurological Examination

This helps assess brain function, reflexes, sensation, strength, and coordination.

Step 3: Diagnostic Testing (If Needed)

When appropriate, we may recommend:

MRI or CT imaging
EEG testing
Review of prior studies

Step 4: Clear Explanation & Plan

You’ll leave with a clear understanding of findings and next steps — whether treatment, monitoring, or reassurance.

Personalized Headache Treatment Options

Treatment is never one-size-fits-all.

Depending on your diagnosis, care may include:

Preventive or abortive medications
Lifestyle and trigger management
Infusion therapy (when appropriate)
Coordination with other specialists
Ongoing monitoring and adjustment

Our goal is to help you feel informed, supported, and confident in your care.

Why Patients Choose Charis Neurology for Headache Care

Board-certified neurological care led by Dr. Sherif Makar
On-site MRI and EEG testing for faster answers
Collaborative team approach with experienced providers
Clear, compassionate explanations
Serving Lake Mary and Central Florida

We walk side-by-side with patients — every step of the way.

Frequently asked questions

How do you know if a headache is "just stress" vs. something serious?

Stress-related tension headaches have predictable patterns—usually both sides, pressing quality, worse with stress. Neurologically significant headaches like migraines are often one-sided, throbbing, with nausea or light sensitivity. If your headache breaks your normal pattern, it warrants evaluation.

Why do some people get migraines and others don't?

Migraine involves specific neurological and chemical differences in how your brain processes pain. There's often a family history—if your parents had migraines, you're more likely to have them. Sleep, hormones, hydration, and stress all influence frequency. The American Migraine Foundation provides excellent information on migraine genetics and triggers.

Is it normal to have headaches multiple times a week?

No. While occasional headaches are normal, 2-3+ headaches per week are not something to accept. This frequency often indicates migraine, medication overuse, or another treatable condition.

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Makar?

No. You can schedule directly without a referral. Just call us at (407) 603-1633.

Will I need an MRI or CT scan?

Only if medically appropriate. We don't order imaging just to be thorough—we order it when your symptoms suggest a structural or specific cause. That said, if your symptoms warrant imaging, we can often do it the same day in our Lake Mary office instead of sending you somewhere else.

What's the difference between a migraine and a severe headache?

A "severe headache" is a description of pain intensity, but migraine is a specific neurological diagnosis with distinctive features: typically throbbing, one-sided, 4-72 hours duration, and accompanied by nausea, light sensitivity, or vomiting. Accurate diagnosis matters because treatment differs.

Can headaches be caused by medication?

Yes. Some medications can cause headaches as a side effect. In some cases, frequent use of pain medication can actually cause more headaches (medication overuse headache). During evaluation, we review all your medications to identify if any are contributing to your headaches.

How quickly will I feel better after seeing a neurologist?

That depends on your headache type and the treatment we recommend. Some patients feel relief within days of starting preventive medication. Others take 2-4 weeks as we find the right medication or dose. Most importantly, you'll finally understand what's causing your headaches and have a real plan to manage them—that clarity alone often helps patients feel more hopeful.

Laboratory technician processing diagnostic blood samples for neurological testing

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