Which department should I see for frequent headaches?

Name: Which department should I see for frequent headaches?
Creator: Which Department
Published: 2026-09-16

2026-09-16 · Neutral information that names no hospital, doctor or region. No rankings, recommendations or reviews.

Short answer

Neurology(신경과) is generally the first department to consider for frequent or recurring headaches, as neurologists specialize in diagnosing and managing conditions affecting the brain and nervous system. If your headaches appear to be related to stress, lifestyle, or a general health issue, an Internal Medicine(내과) clinic can also serve as a good starting point. Depending on the findings, you may be referred to another specialist for further evaluation.

Which department

1Neurology(신경과)
Neurologists specialize in disorders of the brain and nervous system, making them the primary specialists for evaluating frequent, severe, or unexplained headaches. They are trained to distinguish between different headache types — such as migraines, tension-type, and cluster headaches — and to assess whether an underlying neurological cause may be involved. — First / second line: In Korea, it is generally possible to visit a neurology clinic(신경과 의원) directly as a first visit without a referral, though complex or unclear cases may later be referred to a larger hospital. If your headaches are frequent, have changed in character, or are accompanied by other neurological symptoms, starting at a neurology clinic is a common approach.
2Internal Medicine(내과)
Internal medicine physicians handle a broad range of adult health concerns, and headaches sometimes stem from systemic causes such as high blood pressure, anemia, or infections that an internist can help identify. This department can be a practical first stop if you are unsure of the cause or if your headaches accompany general symptoms like fatigue or fever. — First / second line: A local internal medicine clinic(내과 의원) is widely accessible and may be a convenient starting point, especially for mild to moderate headaches without obvious neurological features. If no systemic cause is found, the physician may refer you to Neurology for more specialized evaluation.
3Ophthalmology(안과)
Eye-related conditions such as uncorrected refractive errors or increased eye pressure can sometimes manifest as headaches, particularly those felt around the forehead or behind the eyes. An ophthalmologist can evaluate whether vision problems or eye pressure may be contributing to the headache pattern. — First / second line: This department is generally considered when headaches are specifically located around the eyes or when visual symptoms such as blurring or eye strain are present. It is typically visited alongside or after an initial neurology or internal medicine consultation rather than as the sole first step.
4Psychiatry(정신건강의학과) / Family Medicine(가정의학과)
Headaches closely linked to stress, anxiety, depression, or poor sleep may be evaluated by a psychiatrist or family medicine physician, as these factors are commonly associated with tension-type headaches. Family medicine clinics provide broad primary care and can coordinate referrals to the appropriate specialist based on a general assessment. — First / second line: If you suspect your headaches are strongly tied to psychological stress or sleep problems, these departments may be considered alongside or after the initial evaluation. Family medicine(가정의학과 의원) clinics in particular are a convenient entry point for general health screening before specialist referral.

Go to the ER / call 119 if

If any of the following applies, do not choose a department — go to an emergency room or call 119 (Korea's emergency number).

A sudden, extremely severe headache that feels like the worst pain of your life and comes on almost instantly — do not wait; go to the emergency room or call 119 immediately.
Headache accompanied by sudden weakness, numbness, or drooping on one side of the face or body.
Headache with sudden difficulty speaking, understanding speech, or severe confusion.
Headache following a head injury, fall, or accident, especially if consciousness was lost.
Headache combined with a stiff neck, high fever, and sensitivity to light, which may suggest a serious infection.

Before your visit

Note when the headaches started — whether they are a new symptom or a long-standing issue — and how their frequency or intensity has changed over time.
Keep track of where exactly in the head the pain occurs (front, back, one side, behind the eyes) and what the pain feels like (throbbing, pressure, stabbing).
Record any accompanying symptoms such as nausea, vision changes, dizziness, sensitivity to light or sound, or numbness.
Identify possible triggers you have noticed, such as lack of sleep, stress, certain foods, menstruation, or screen time.
Bring a list of all medications and supplements you are currently taking, including any over-the-counter pain relievers you use for headaches and how often you take them.
If you have had any previous imaging or laboratory tests related to headaches, bring those results or reports to your appointment.

General principles

Headaches are among the most common reasons people seek medical care, and they can arise from a wide variety of causes ranging from tension and lifestyle factors to more specific neurological conditions. Because the causes vary significantly, the appropriate department depends on the pattern, severity, accompanying symptoms, and how the headaches have evolved over time. In Korean medical practice, Neurology is generally regarded as the core specialty for headache evaluation, particularly when headaches are frequent or interfere with daily life.

In Korea, the general healthcare flow typically begins at a local clinic(의원) for a first assessment, which may then lead to a referral letter(진료의뢰서) if evaluation at a larger hospital or by a different specialist is needed. Visiting a large hospital directly without a referral is possible but may involve higher out-of-pocket costs under the national health insurance(건강보험) system, so starting at a neighborhood clinic is generally the more cost-effective path.

During a neurology consultation, the physician will typically take a detailed history of the headache pattern before deciding what further steps, if any, are appropriate — the type and need for any tests will be determined by the doctor based on the individual clinical picture. Some headache types follow well-recognized patterns that can be identified through a thorough history and physical examination alone, while others may require additional assessment to rule out underlying causes.

It is worth noting that overuse of pain-relieving medication for headaches can itself become a contributing factor to ongoing headaches, a situation that a physician can help identify and address. Discussing how often and how much you rely on any pain relief with your doctor gives them important context for evaluation.

FAQ

Should I go to a local clinic or a large hospital for frequent headaches?

In general, starting at a local neurology or internal medicine clinic(의원) is recommended as the first step, since it is more accessible and typically costs less under Korea's health insurance system. If the clinic physician determines that more advanced evaluation or specialist care at a hospital is needed, they can issue a referral letter. Going directly to a large hospital is also an option, but it usually involves a higher patient co-payment.

How is Neurology different from Neurosurgery for headaches?

Neurology(신경과) focuses on diagnosing and medically managing conditions of the nervous system, including most types of headaches, and is the typical first point of contact for headache evaluation. Neurosurgery(신경외과) is a surgical specialty that becomes relevant only when a structural problem — such as a tumor, aneurysm, or injury requiring surgery — has been identified. For routine or recurring headaches, Neurology is generally the appropriate starting department.

What kinds of examinations are generally used to evaluate headaches?

The approach to examining headaches varies by individual and is determined entirely by the physician after taking a clinical history. Commonly, a detailed interview about headache patterns is the foundation, and imaging such as an MRI or CT scan may be considered in certain situations — though not all headache patients require imaging. The decision about any tests or evaluations is made by the doctor based on your specific situation.

Does the right department change for children or older adults with frequent headaches?

For children, Pediatrics(소아청소년과) or Pediatric Neurology(소아신경과) is generally the more appropriate starting point, as headache patterns and underlying causes can differ from those in adults. For older adults, because new or changing headaches in later life may sometimes have different underlying factors, a physician may take a broader initial approach — and it is especially important to consult a doctor rather than managing symptoms independently. In all age groups, a medical consultation is the recommended first step.

Find a clinic (external directories)

External directories for finding a clinic by region once you know the department (public data, no rankings or recommendations).

Hospital directory by region (koreahospital.org)

This page is general medical information and does not replace diagnosis, treatment or choosing a clinic. Consult a doctor for any symptom. In an emergency, go to the ER or call 119 immediately.