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take them seriously,
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treat them with respect,
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and are knowledgeable in current treatment methods and medications.
The last point, being knowledgeable in current treatment methods, is somewhat understandable, especially for general/family practice physicians. Most of them have too-busy practices, and are trying to keep up with treatment advances in every area of health care. General practice neurologists encounter a similar situation. Although their scope is narrowed to neurological disorders/diseases and injuries, there are still a vast number of conditions about which they must be continually learning to remain current. Though it sometimes seems to us that no progress is being made, there is a vast amount of ongoing research in the field of headache disorders, new uses determined for current medications, and new medications reaching the market at a good pace. Only the most brilliant and dedicated of these general practice doctors and neurologists have a chance of knowing about the most recent research into the cause of these disorders, the most recent and most effective medications, and other methods of treatment.
On the other hand, headache/Migraine specialists and the doctors at headache/Migraine clinics treat only patients with headache disorders. Their focus, therefore, is not divided among various types of disorders. They are more able to maintain a high level of current knowledge. The fact that they chose headache disorders as their specialty indicates that they take headache disorders seriously, and are more likely to understand not only the pain of the disorders, but the other effects on our overall physical and emotional health.
As with any medical specialty, not all clinics and doctors work in the same fashion, but to give you a more complete picture, I'll detail the rest of my visit.
The first appointment:
I was told in advance that the appointment would last five to six hours and would include a psychological evaluation and a visit with a psychiatrist. An information packet was sent to me with directions to the clinic, some basic information about Migraine, and a short, standardized personality test to complete and bring back with me.
