What to Expect at Your First Headache Specialist Appointment
What to expect at your first headache specialist appointment
Your first headache specialist appointment is a comprehensive evaluation focused on understanding your headache pattern, reviewing prior treatments, and building a plan that helps you return to normal function. At Haven Headache & Migraine Center, our clinicians have an average of 10 years of experience in headache medicine and provide care through telehealth statewide or at one of our procedure sites.
Before your visit
A little preparation can make your first visit more productive. Prior to your visit, our team requests completion of our intake form, which gathers more information about the details regarding your headaches. It is important to document current medications, supplements, and any past headache treatments you have tried, along with a simple record of how often the attacks happen and how long they last.
If you already track headaches, bring that information too. Notes about symptoms such as nausea, light sensitivity, vision changes, or neck pain can help the clinician understand your pattern more quickly.
During the appointment
The appointment usually begins with a detailed conversation about your symptoms and medical history. The clinician will ask when the headaches started, how often they happen, what they feel like, and whether they interfere with your daily life, work, or home responsibilities.
You may also be asked about sleep, mental health, hydration, caffeine, hormones, family history, and any medications that have helped or not helped. If needed, the clinician may recommend further testing or imaging to better understand your condition.
Questions you may be asked
How many headache days do you have each month?
Do the attacks last multiple days or occur many times per month?
Do you have nausea, dizziness, light sensitivity, or aura?
What treatments have you already tried?
Do your headaches stop you from working or living normally?
Has medication restored normal function within about 2 hours?
Has your primary care provider been able to help?
These questions help the clinician decide whether the headaches are migraine attacks, tension-type headaches, or another condition that needs a more specific plan.
What treatment planning looks like
After the evaluation, the clinician will talk with you about the next steps. This may include acute/rescue options such as triptans, anti-nausea medications, or combination NSAID therapy if recommended by the provider.
If you have frequent headaches, preventive treatment may also be discussed. Most insurance requires failure of other prevention options before certain medications or procedures are approved. Haven never prescribes opioids or barbiturates.
Why patients choose Haven
Haven focuses exclusively on headache and migraine care. That specialization helps our clinicians build practical, evidence-based treatment plans for patients who have not gotten the help they need from general care.
Our clinicians have years of headache experience, and our team offers easy text-based communication to support follow-up questions and care coordination. Patients can be seen through telehealth or at one of our procedure sites, which makes access simpler and faster.
Insurance and access
Haven is in-network with most major PPO plans as well as Medicare, TriCare, Hill Physicians, and Brown & Toland HMO plans. HMO patients are seen on a cash basis. In-network PPO plans include:
Blue Shield of California
Anthem
United Health
Cigna
Aetna
Humana
Health Net
When to seek help
A headache specialist visit is especially helpful if you have frequent headaches that interfere with daily functioning, attacks that last multiple days or occur many times per month, or headaches that do not improve with treatment. If you ever have your first and worst headache or stroke-like symptoms, go to the ER or call 911 immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the first appointment take?
It is usually long enough to review your headache history in detail and discuss a treatment plan and can be up to 60 minutes.
Do I need to prepare anything before the visit?
Yes, complete intake forms requested by Haven team members and document your medication list, prior treatment history, upload imaging and blood test results or reports, and any headache notes you have.
Can I have the appointment online?
Yes, Haven offers telehealth appointments statewide in California and also sees patients at one of our sites for procedures.
What happens after the first visit?
You will receive a personalized plan based on your symptoms, treatment history, and goals.
Does Haven accept insurance?
Haven is in-network with most major PPO plans, Medicare, TriCare, Hill Physicians, and Brown & Toland HMO plans. HMO patients are seen on a cash basis.
Start your headache care
If you are ready to take the next step, schedule your first appointment with Haven Headache & Migraine Center.
Haven Headache & Migraine Center
Website: https://www.havenheadache.com/Phone: (424) 444-7399Email: hello@havenheadache.com
Book here: Start with a free intro call
Medically reviewed by: Karissa Secora, DMSc, PA-C, AQH, Haven Headache & Migraine CenterPeer reviewed by: Samantha Clem, PA-C, AQH, Haven Headache & Migraine Center
This article is for general education and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for care from a qualified health professional. Always talk with your clinician before starting, stopping, or changing any treatment. If you have a sudden, severe headache, the worst headache of your life, or a headache with new symptoms like weakness, trouble speaking, or vision loss, seek emergency care right away.