Self-diagnosis and self-prescription of treaments is not wise. (See the PDF file, below.)

So many docs lack training and experience in dealing with a very complex area of medicine--headaches--that, if you have the option, find a headache specialist.
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LOCATING HEADACHE SPECIALIST

1. Search the OUCH site (button on left) for a list of recommended M.D.s.

2. Yellow Pages phone book: look for "Headache Clinics" in the M.D. section and look under "neurologist" where some docs will list speciality areas of practice.

3.  Call your hospital/medical center. They often have an office to assist in finding a physician. You may have to ask for the social worker/patient advocate.

4. Multimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or ; On-line screen to find a physician.

5. Multimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or Look for "Physician Finder" search box. They will send a list of M.D.s for your state.I suggest using this source for several reasons: first, we have read several messages from people who, even seeing neurologists, are unhappy with the quality of care and ATTITUDES they have encountered; second, the clinical director of the Jefferson (Philadelphia) Headache Clinic said, in late 1999, that upwards of 40%+ of U.S. doctors have poor training in treating headache and/or hold attitudes about headache ("hysterical female disorder") which block them from sympathetic and effective work with the patient; third, it's necessary to find a doctor who has experience, skill, and a set of attitudes which give hope of success. This is the best method I know of to find such a physician.

6. Multimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or NEW certification program for "Headache Medicine" by the United Council for Neurologic Subspecialties, an independent, non-profit, professional medical organization.
        Since this is a new program, the initial listing is limited and so it should be checked each time you have an interest in locating a headache doctor.
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When you grasp this article you will see just how potentially dangerous it is to not have a good doc doing a good work-up and diagnosis.

Sorry for your pain but I know how you feel, I was misdiagnosed for 6 years as a child. Don't know where in so CA you are but the Doctor I see is in Santa Monica and specializes in headaches, his name is Dr. David Kudrow and is listed on the OUCH website. All I can say is he's done wonders for me personally.

I'll add on to what Bob and others said so well because the treatments vary so much depending on the headache type. Also, welcome! -Chris