Unfortunately, neurologists have a poor reputation around here. The paradox is that the group which we naturally turn to has very little education in medical school, etc. around complex headache disorders.
This applies to pain medicine docs/clinics.
If at all possible, look for a headache specialist.
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LOCATING HEADACHE SPECIALIST
1. Yellow Pages phone book: look for "Headache Clinics" in the M.D. section and look under "neurologist" where some docs will list speciality areas of practice.
2. Call your hospital/medical center. They often have an office to assist in finding a physician. You may have to ask for the social worker/patient advocate.
3. Multimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!! You need to
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; On-line screen to find a physician.
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Look for "Physician Finder" search box. They will send a list of M.D.s for your state.I suggest using this source for several reasons: first, we have read several messages from people who, even seeing neurologists, are unhappy with the quality of care and ATTITUDES they have encountered; second, the clinical director of the Jefferson (Philadelphia) Headache Clinic said, in late 1999, that upwards of 40%+ of U.S. doctors have poor training in treating headache and/or hold attitudes about headache ("hysterical female disorder") which block them from sympathetic and effective work with the patient; third, it's necessary to find a doctor who has experience, skill, and a set of attitudes which give hope of success. This is the best method I know of to find such a physician.
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NEW certification program for "Headache Medicine" by the United Council for Neurologic Subspecialties, an independent, non-profit, professional medical organization.
Since this is a new program, the initial listing is limited and so it should be checked each time you have an interest in locating a headache doctor.
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WHY A HEADACHE SPECIALIST IS RECOMMENDED
Headache. 2012 Jan;52(1):99-113.
Cluster headache in the United States of America: demographics, clinical characteristics, triggers, suicidality, and personal burden.
Rozen TD, Fishman RS.
THERE REMAINS A SIGNIFICANT DIAGNOSTIC DELAY FOR CLUSTER HEADACHE PATIENTS ON AVERAGE 5+ YEARS WITH ONLY 21% RECEIVING A CORRECT DIAGNOSIS AT TIME OF INITIAL PRESENTATION.
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While working to find a good doc spend much time learning about Cluster. The more you know they more confident you will become, anxiety drops.
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These sites which are worth your attention: medical literature, films, plus the expected information
about CH.
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Multimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!! You need to
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Search under "cluster headache"
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Full of articles, blogs, book: written by one of the best headache docs in the Chicago area.
Worth exploring. The latest book is in e-book edition, $10; comprehensive and worth buying for
a careful read.
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A new site (ca. 2015) with extensive material. Explore the site map and then patiently
the broad range of materials.
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Print the PDf file, below. Both informs you and it's a nice tool to dicuss options with any doc you see.
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Finally, at this stage it looks like you don't have a solid diagnosis. So, don't start treating yourself because this may a doc work-up/diagnosis. If you start with a good doc, give him a fair chance to do his job.
First step: a skilled doc!
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