A man wearing a blue sweater rubbing his temples in pain, illustrating the symptoms of a severe migraine headache.

Migraines With or Without Aura

Migraines are a neurological disorder that cause recurring headache attacks and heightened sensitivity to light, sound, and movement. At Charis Neurology, we provide focused evaluation for migraines with or without aura as part of our comprehensive Head & Brain neurology services.

Call (407) 603-1633

Our Neurology Services

Unlike occasional headaches, migraines often follow recognizable patterns over time and can significantly interfere with daily functioning. For many patients, migraines are not isolated events but a chronic neurological condition that benefits from neurologist-led care rather than episodic treatment alone.

When Should You See a Neurologist for Migraines?

While some migraines are initially managed in primary care, neurological evaluation is often helpful when migraines become recurrent, disruptive, or difficult to control. You may benefit from seeing a neurologist if your migraines:

Occur frequently or follow a predictable pattern
Interfere with work, school, or daily responsibilities
Are associated with visual symptoms, numbness, tingling, or speech difficulty
Do not respond well to current or prior medications
Are increasing in frequency, duration, or severity
Feel different from prior migraine attacks

Migraines often follow identifiable neurological patterns that become clearer through specialized evaluation. These features may indicate the need for a more targeted neurological approach to care. Patients with broader concerns about chronic or severe headaches may benefit from a more general neurological headache evaluation.

A woman sitting on a sofa wincing and shielding her eyes from bright window light

Understanding Migraine With Aura vs Migraine Without Aura

Migraines are commonly classified based on whether temporary neurological symptoms occur before or during the headache phase.

Migraine without aura typically presents as moderate to severe head pain, often accompanied by nausea, light sensitivity, or sound sensitivity.
Migraine with aura includes short-lasting neurological symptoms such as visual disturbances, flashing lights, blind spots, numbness, tingling, or difficulty with speech.

A neurologist evaluates aura symptoms carefully to confirm that they follow migraine-related neurological patterns rather than indicating another neurological condition.

How Are Migraines Diagnosed by a Neurologist?

Migraine diagnosis is primarily clinical and based on recognizing consistent symptom patterns over time rather than a single test. During a migraine evaluation, a neurologist may:

Review headache frequency, duration, and recurrence patterns
Identify potential triggers and symptom clusters
Perform a comprehensive neurological examination
Recommend brain imaging when symptoms or exam findings warrant further evaluation
Consider additional testing if migraine features are atypical or evolving

Brain imaging or additional diagnostic testing may be recommended when symptoms or exam findings suggest it would provide meaningful information.

Call us (407) 603-1633 or request an appointment online

The Neurologist’s Role in Migraine Care

Migraines are a primary neurological disorder, but their symptoms can overlap with other conditions affecting the brain and nervous system. A neurologist’s role is to confirm the diagnosis, rule out alternative causes, and guide treatment decisions with long-term safety and effectiveness in mind.

For patients with frequent or complex migraines, neurologist-led care provides continuity and deeper insight into symptom patterns.

What Happens During a Neurology Migraine Evaluation?

Migraine evaluation focuses on understanding the pattern of attacks and their impact on daily life.

Step 1: Listening to Your Migraine History
Your neurologist reviews when migraines began, how often they occur, associated symptoms, and how attacks have changed over time.

Step 2: Comprehensive Neurological Examination
A neurological exam helps assess brain and nervous system function and identify signs that suggest migraine versus another condition.

Step 3: Diagnostic Testing (If Needed)
Imaging or additional testing may be recommended when symptoms suggest it would provide meaningful information.

Step 4: Clear Explanation & Treatment Strategy
You’ll receive a clear explanation of findings and a plan tailored to your migraine pattern and goals.

Neurologist-Guided Migraine Treatment & Prevention

Migraine care focuses on reducing attack frequency, improving predictability, and minimizing the impact of migraines on daily life. Treatment plans are individualized and may include:

Preventive strategies aimed at decreasing migraine frequency
Acute treatment options for managing migraine attacks
Advanced or infusion-based therapies for certain migraine patterns
Identification and management of lifestyle or environmental triggers
Ongoing follow-up to refine treatment over time

Effective migraine care is not one-size-fits-all and often evolves as migraine patterns change.

Why Patients Choose Charis Neurology for Headache Care

Charis Neurology provides neurologist-led headache evaluation for patients in Lake Mary, Seminole County, Volusia County and Orange County, and surrounding Central Florida communities. Our focus is on clear diagnosis, thoughtful treatment, and compassionate 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 call today at (407) 603-1633 or schedule an appointment online.

Neurology provider offering supportive care, holding a patient’s hand during consultation.

Dr. Sherif Makar points to a brain MRI scan on a computer monitor, explaining diagnostic results

Frequently asked questions

Are migraines considered a neurological disorder?

Yes. Migraines are a neurological disorder involving abnormal brain signaling and heightened sensory sensitivity. Neurologists diagnose and manage migraines based on recurring symptom patterns, associated neurological features, and response to treatment.

What’s the difference between migraines and regular headaches?

Migraines typically involve recurring attacks with moderate to severe head pain and additional symptoms such as nausea, light sensitivity, sound sensitivity, or neurological symptoms. Regular headaches are often less severe and lack these associated features.

What causes migraines to keep coming back?

Migraines often recur due to a combination of neurological sensitivity, genetic factors, and internal or external triggers. Rather than a single cause, migraines tend to follow patterns that can be identified and managed with neurological care.

Can migraines occur without severe head pain?

Yes. Some migraines involve neurological or sensory symptoms with little or no head pain. These can include visual changes, numbness, or other sensory disturbances and still represent migraine activity.

When should migraines be evaluated by a neurologist?

You should consider neurological evaluation if migraines are frequent, worsening, interfere with daily life, involve neurological symptoms, or are not responding to treatment. A neurologist helps determine whether symptoms follow migraine patterns or suggest another condition.

Do migraines always have identifiable triggers?

No. While many people identify triggers such as stress, sleep changes, or certain foods, migraines can also occur without a clear trigger. Neurological evaluation focuses on recognizing patterns over time rather than relying on a single cause.

Will I need an MRI or CT scan for migraines?

Imaging is not required for all migraine patients. A neurologist may recommend imaging if symptoms, exam findings, or changes in migraine patterns suggest it would provide useful information. Diagnostic testing is used selectively, not routinely. This approach aligns with guidance from professional neurological organizations.

Can migraine patterns change over time?

Yes. Migraine frequency, severity, and associated symptoms can evolve over time. Changes in migraine patterns are one reason re-evaluation by a neurologist may be helpful.

Laboratory technician processing diagnostic blood samples for neurological testing

Neurology Services

Explore additional care options that complement your Neuro-Oncology evaluation, including Head & Brain, Nerves & Movement, and full Diagnostics & Treatment.