Headache doctor in Seoul, relief with a plan

What a headache doctor in Seoul can do for you

Headache is one of the most common reasons people see a doctor. The vast majority are primary headaches, such as migraine or tension-type headache, which are real and disabling but not caused by a dangerous underlying problem. A small minority are secondary headaches caused by something else, such as infection, high blood pressure or bleeding, and these need to be recognized quickly.

Seeing a headache doctor in Seoul at VEI Clinic means a careful history and examination with Dr. HyunSung Park, a board-certified internal medicine specialist. He asks when headaches started, how they build, where they hurt, what comes with them, and what you have taken. A focused neurological check, including eyes, strength, coordination and neck, follows. Often this is enough to make a confident diagnosis without scans.

Common headache types we see

Different types need different treatment, so getting the label right matters more than finding the strongest painkiller.

A simple diary noting the date, duration, severity, possible triggers and any medicine taken for two to four weeks is one of the most useful things you can bring to your first visit.

• Migraine: throbbing, often one-sided pain lasting hours to days, with nausea and sensitivity to light or sound; some people have an aura such as flashing lights first
• Tension-type headache: a pressing band-like ache on both sides, often linked to stress, posture, screens or poor sleep
• Medication-overuse headache: daily headaches driven by frequent painkiller use
• Neck-related and jaw-related headaches, for example from posture or teeth clenching
• Headaches from dehydration, jet lag, alcohol or a viral illness
• Sinus-type facial pain, which is often migraine in disguise unless there is fever and thick nasal discharge

Treatment and prevention

For a current migraine attack, options include anti-inflammatory painkillers or acetaminophen taken early, anti-nausea medicine and, when suitable, a triptan. Triptans are not used in people with certain heart or circulation problems. If you are dehydrated or vomiting, IV fluids can help, and we have a separate page on IV support for migraine. Tension-type headaches usually respond to simple painkillers combined with attention to sleep, posture, breaks from screens and stress.

If you have headaches on several days a month or attacks that disrupt work, prevention is worth discussing. This can include regular sleep and meals, managing caffeine, a headache diary to spot triggers, and daily preventive medicine with a clear review plan. Newer specialist migraine treatments are available through neurology referral.

One important message: using acute painkillers on too many days, generally more than about 10 to 15 days a month depending on the drug, can itself cause daily headaches. We help you cut back safely.

Who this suits, and when we refer

The headache clinic suits adults with recurrent migraines or tension headaches, a recent change in a familiar headache pattern without danger signs, headaches during travel or after a long flight, and people who want help reducing painkiller use.

Dr. Park refers for brain CT or MRI, or to neurology, ENT, dental or physiotherapy services, when the history or exam suggests it, for example with a new headache after age 50, headaches that wake you from sleep or worsen when lying down, or abnormal findings on examination. Scans are not needed for most typical migraine or tension headaches.

Red flags: when to call 119

Some headaches are medical emergencies. Call 119 or go to an emergency room immediately for any of the following.

• A sudden, explosive thunderclap headache that peaks within a minute, or the worst headache of your life
• Headache with weakness, numbness, facial droop, slurred speech, confusion or loss of vision
• Headache with fever, stiff neck, a spreading rash or seizure
• Headache after a head injury, especially with vomiting or drowsiness
• New severe headache in pregnancy or after giving birth, particularly with visual changes or swelling
• Headache with very high blood pressure, such as 180/120 or above