Which department should I see for recurring migraines?
2026-09-17 · Neutral information that names no hospital, doctor or region. No rankings, recommendations or reviews.
Neurology(신경과) is generally the primary department for recurring migraines, as neurologists specialize in diagnosing and managing headache disorders. If you also have significant stress-related or emotional triggers, a referral to Psychiatry(정신건강의학과) may sometimes follow. In many cases, starting at a local neurology clinic (의원) is a practical first step.
Which department
- 1Neurology(신경과)Neurologists specialize in disorders of the brain and nervous system, which includes primary headache conditions such as migraines. They are generally the most appropriate specialists for evaluating the pattern, frequency, and characteristics of recurring migraines. — First / second line: In general, you can start at a neurology clinic (의원-level) for an initial consultation; if further imaging or specialist evaluation is needed, a referral to a larger hospital (병원 or 상급종합병원) may be arranged with a referral letter (진료의뢰서).
- 2Internal Medicine(내과)At smaller clinics where a neurology department is not available, an internist may conduct an initial assessment and help rule out systemic causes of headache before referring you to a neurologist. — First / second line: This is typically a practical first stop if you are in an area where neurology clinics are less accessible; the internist can assess general health factors and arrange an onward referral as needed.
- 3Ophthalmology(안과)When migraines are accompanied by persistent visual disturbances or eye strain, ophthalmologists can evaluate whether eye-related conditions are contributing to the headache pattern, often working alongside neurologists. — First / second line: A visit to ophthalmology is generally considered when visual symptoms are prominent and consistent; in most cases this occurs after or alongside a neurology consultation rather than as a first step.
- 4Psychiatry(정신건강의학과)Stress, anxiety, and sleep disruption are recognized factors that can influence migraine frequency; psychiatrists address these aspects and may co-manage patients who have significant mood or anxiety components alongside recurring headaches. — First / second line: This department is typically involved after a neurological evaluation, often through a referral, when psychological or sleep-related factors appear to be playing a notable role in the headache pattern.
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 reaches maximum intensity within seconds to a minute or two — often described as 「the worst headache of my life」 — warrants immediate emergency care rather than an outpatient appointment.
- Headache accompanied by sudden weakness, numbness, or paralysis on one side of the face or body should be treated as an emergency; call 119 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.
- Headache combined with sudden difficulty speaking, understanding speech, or severe confusion requires emergency evaluation without delay.
- A headache that develops after a head injury or trauma, especially if it is worsening over time, should be assessed in an emergency setting.
- Headache accompanied by high fever, stiff neck, or sensitivity to light and sound that is clearly different from previous episodes may indicate a serious condition requiring emergency care.
Before your visit
- Keep a headache diary recording when each episode starts and ends, how long it lasts, and roughly how often it occurs — this information is very useful for the consulting doctor.
- Note the location and quality of the pain (for example, one side vs. both sides, pulsating vs. pressing) and any symptoms that come before or during the headache such as visual changes, nausea, or light sensitivity.
- List all medications, supplements, and over-the-counter products you are currently taking, including anything you have already used to try to relieve the headaches.
- Bring any previous medical records, imaging results (such as MRI or CT scans), or neurology consultation notes if you have had headache evaluations before, whether in Korea or abroad.
- Think about potential triggers you have noticed, such as specific foods, stress, lack of sleep, hormonal changes, or environmental factors, and be ready to describe them.
- Note whether any family members have a history of migraines or other headache disorders, as this background information can be relevant during the consultation.
General principles
Migraine is classified as a primary headache disorder, meaning it arises from the nervous system itself rather than from another underlying disease. Because of this, Neurology(신경과) is generally the specialty best positioned to evaluate and manage it, focusing on the pattern, triggers, and neurological aspects of the condition. A neurologist will typically take a detailed history before considering whether any further investigations are appropriate.
In the Korean healthcare system, it is generally possible to visit a neurology clinic (신경과 의원) directly without a referral for a first-level consultation. If the clinician determines that advanced imaging or a higher level of specialist input is needed, they will ordinarily issue a referral letter (진료의뢰서) to a larger hospital; secondary-level hospitals (병원/종합병원) can typically be visited directly with standard national health insurance (건강보험) coverage, while a referral letter becomes a formal requirement only for tertiary hospitals (상급종합병원).
Investigations related to recurring headaches, when a doctor considers them necessary, are typically aimed at ruling out secondary causes rather than confirming a migraine diagnosis, which is generally made on clinical grounds. The decision on whether any investigation is appropriate in a given case rests entirely with the consulting physician based on the individual's history and examination findings.
Because migraine can overlap with other neurological symptoms such as dizziness or visual disturbances, and because stress and sleep quality can influence its frequency, the overall evaluation sometimes involves input from more than one department. The attending neurologist typically coordinates this process and advises on whether additional specialist input would be helpful.
FAQ
Should I go to a local clinic (의원) or a large hospital for recurring migraines?
In general, starting at a local neurology clinic (신경과 의원) is a reasonable first step for recurring migraines that are not accompanied by new or alarming symptoms. If the clinic doctor determines that further evaluation at a larger facility is needed, they can provide a referral letter (진료의뢰서); note that such a letter is legally required for covered access only when visiting a tertiary hospital (상급종합병원), while secondary-level hospitals (병원/종합병원) can generally be visited directly under normal insurance coverage. Your specific circumstances are best assessed by the consulting doctor.
How is migraine different from a tension headache, and does it change which department I should visit?
Both migraine and tension-type headache are primary headache disorders, and distinguishing between them generally requires a clinical assessment by a doctor rather than self-diagnosis. Neurology(신경과) is typically the appropriate department for either condition when headaches are recurring or significantly affecting daily life. A doctor will evaluate the pattern and characteristics to guide further management.
What kinds of tests are generally done for recurring migraines?
Migraine is most commonly diagnosed through a detailed clinical history and neurological examination rather than through tests alone. When a doctor judges it necessary to rule out other causes, imaging such as an MRI may be considered, but this decision belongs entirely to the consulting physician based on the individual's presentation. No specific test should be expected or requested before a proper consultation.
Is there any difference in how recurring migraines are approached for children or older adults?
In children, recurring headaches are generally evaluated by Pediatrics(소아청과) or a pediatric neurologist, as presentation and contributing factors can differ from those in adults. In older adults, a neurologist may place particular emphasis on ruling out secondary causes, since new or changing headache patterns in this age group can sometimes have different implications. In both cases, a medical consultation is the appropriate starting point rather than assuming the headache type based on symptoms alone.
Related questions
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Find a clinic (external directories)
External directories for finding a clinic by region once you know the department (public data, no rankings or recommendations).
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.