Migraines and Other Headaches

The physical exam is important because it can rule out serious headache causes. A doctor will look in your eyes and test your balance and reflexes. These observations can tell a great deal about what is (or what is not) going on in your brain. Keep in mind that a doctor does everything for a reason. If a physician asks you to hop on one foot, he or she is not trying to find out if you would make a good cheerleader. The goal is to discover if your brain, nerves, and muscles are working correctly. If a neurologist pricks your skin, it is to check your nerve functions, not to cause you pain.