Which Department

Which department should I see for headaches that occur often?

2026-09-17 · Neutral information that names no hospital, doctor or region. No rankings, recommendations or reviews.

Short answer

Internal Medicine(내과) is generally the first department to visit for frequent headaches, as doctors there can assess overall health conditions and rule out common causes. Depending on the findings, you may be referred to Neurology(신경과) for a more in-depth evaluation of the nervous system, or in some cases to other specialties.

Which department

  1. 1Internal Medicine (내과)
    Internal Medicine physicians are generally the starting point for recurring headaches because they can evaluate a broad range of potential contributing factors, including blood pressure, metabolic conditions, and general health status. They can also coordinate referrals to other specialties if needed. — First / second line: It is generally appropriate to visit an Internal Medicine clinic (의원) first when headaches are frequent but not accompanied by sudden or severe neurological symptoms. If further evaluation is needed, you may also visit a secondary-level hospital (병원/종합병원) directly with full insurance coverage, or your physician can provide a referral letter (진료의뢰서) if you prefer a coordinated referral.
  2. 2Neurology (신경과)
    Neurologists specialize in disorders of the brain, spinal cord, and nervous system, making them well-suited to evaluate headache patterns that may be linked to neurological causes such as migraine or tension-type headache. They can conduct a more focused assessment of the nervous system. — First / second line: A visit to Neurology is common when an Internal Medicine physician suspects a neurological origin, or when headaches are accompanied by symptoms such as visual changes, numbness, or memory difficulties. In many cases a referral from a primary clinic is the standard pathway, though some hospitals allow direct outpatient visits.
  3. 3Neurosurgery (신경외과)
    Neurosurgery is generally involved when imaging or clinical findings suggest a structural issue within the skull or spine that may be contributing to the headaches. This department focuses on surgical and structural aspects rather than general headache management. — First / second line: Most patients reach Neurosurgery through a referral after imaging at a Neurology or Internal Medicine department raises concerns about a structural cause. It is not typically the first stop for frequent headaches without additional warning signs.
  4. 4Psychiatry / Mental Health (정신건강의학과)
    Frequent headaches can sometimes be closely linked to stress, anxiety, depression, or sleep disturbances, and a Psychiatry specialist can evaluate these psychological contributors as part of an overall care pathway. This does not mean the headache is imagined — the mind-body connection is well recognized in headache medicine. — First / second line: Referral to Psychiatry or Mental Health usually occurs when a physician identifies significant psychological factors contributing to the headache pattern, or when other physical causes have been evaluated. It may be pursued in parallel with other specialties.

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 headache that is sudden and described as the worst of your life, coming on within seconds, warrants immediate emergency care rather than an outpatient appointment.
  • Headache accompanied by loss of consciousness, seizure, or difficulty staying awake should be treated as a medical emergency.
  • Headache with sudden weakness, numbness, slurred speech, or vision loss on one side requires immediate emergency evaluation.
  • Headache following a head injury or trauma, especially with vomiting or confusion, should be assessed in an emergency setting.
  • Headache with fever, stiff neck, and sensitivity to light may indicate a serious infection requiring urgent care.

Before your visit

  • Note when the headaches started and how frequently they occur — for example, how many times per week or month.
  • Record where the pain is located (front, back, one side, both sides) and what it feels like (throbbing, pressing, stabbing).
  • Track any accompanying symptoms such as nausea, visual disturbances, dizziness, or sensitivity to light and sound.
  • Write down any situations that seem to trigger or worsen the headaches, such as stress, lack of sleep, certain foods, or screen time.
  • Bring a list of any medications or supplements you are currently taking, including over-the-counter pain relievers and how often you use them.
  • If you have had any previous imaging or blood tests related to headaches, bring those results or reports to the appointment.

General principles

Frequent headaches have a wide range of possible origins, which is why Internal Medicine is generally the first point of contact in Korea's healthcare system — physicians there can take a broad initial history, check vital signs and basic blood work, and determine whether a specialist referral is appropriate. The Korean healthcare system generally encourages starting at a local clinic (의원) before moving to a larger hospital, and a referral letter is required for outpatient visits at tertiary hospitals (상급종합병원) for standard insurance coverage.

When a specialist such as a Neurologist evaluates frequent headaches, the process typically involves a detailed interview about the headache pattern, a neurological examination, and sometimes imaging studies. The purpose of these steps is to understand the underlying mechanism, not to jump to conclusions — and the specific tests or assessments considered appropriate are determined entirely by the consulting physician based on the individual's situation.

In Korea, outpatient specialist visits are covered under the national health insurance system (건강보험) in most standard cases. Secondary hospitals (병원·종합병원) can be visited directly without a referral under normal insurance coverage, while tertiary hospitals (상급종합병원) require a referral letter for standard insurance coverage. It is generally advisable to confirm any required documents before visiting a tertiary hospital for the first time.

Headache is one of the most common reasons people seek medical care, and the clinical pathway can vary significantly from person to person. Rather than self-diagnosing the type of headache, describing your symptoms as accurately and completely as possible to the first physician you see will help guide appropriate next steps.

FAQ

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

In Korea, it is generally recommended to start at a local clinic (의원) — either Internal Medicine or Neurology — before visiting a large hospital. If the clinic physician feels a more advanced evaluation is needed, they will provide a referral letter, which is required for outpatient visits at tertiary hospitals (상급종합병원) to ensure normal insurance coverage.

What is the difference between Neurology and Neurosurgery for headaches?

Neurology(신경과) focuses on diagnosing and managing conditions of the nervous system using non-surgical approaches, and is the specialty most commonly involved in evaluating chronic or recurring headaches. Neurosurgery(신경외과) is generally involved only when there is a structural or surgical concern identified through imaging or clinical examination, and is not typically the first stop for headache evaluation.

Are any imaging tests typically involved when seeing a doctor for frequent headaches?

Whether imaging such as MRI or CT is considered depends entirely on the physician's assessment of each individual's symptoms and history — there is no universal standard that applies to everyone. A doctor may order imaging if certain features of the headache raise concern, or may proceed with clinical evaluation alone if the pattern appears straightforward. This decision is made by the consulting physician.

Does the approach differ for children or elderly patients with frequent headaches?

For children, Pediatrics(소아청과) is generally the first point of contact, and the physician there will coordinate any specialist referrals as needed. For elderly patients, frequent headaches may warrant closer attention to underlying cardiovascular or neurological factors, and an Internal Medicine or Neurology physician will guide the evaluation based on the individual's overall health profile.

Related questions

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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.