Neurology focuses on nonsurgical treatment for conditions of the nervous system including diseases of the brain, spinal cord, nerves and muscles.
Our skilled neurological specialists use a personalized approach to the diagnosis and treatment of nervous system conditions. From conditions like stroke and aneurysms to epilepsy and memory care, we provide the very best care in the region.
Neurological conditions we treat
Reviewed 7/24/2021
7 facts and myths about migraines
Learn the truth behind these often-disabling headaches
Migraines are one of the more painful types of headaches you can get. They usually produce a severe throbbing pain on one side of the head. They frequently come with nausea, vomiting and a sensitivity to sound and light.
Learn more about these debilitating, painful headaches.
Myth or fact: Migraine is just another term for headache.
MYTH. Migraines are a form of headache. But migraines are also a neurological disease that can sometimes be accompanied by structural changes in the brain. Additional symptoms of migraine can include difficulty concentrating, vertigo, visual disturbances, numbness, impaired speech and weakness.
Myth or fact: All severe headaches are migraines.
MYTH. Other types of headaches can be very painful. These include cluster headaches, tension headaches and sinus headaches.
Myth or fact: Not all migraines come with a warning “aura”.
FACT: About 25% to 30% of people with migraines experience aura. That often consists of visual disturbances, like flashing lights and zigzag lines. Some people get tingling sensations that travel from one arm to one side of the face. These warning symptoms usually disappear within about a half hour and are followed by a severe headache.
Myth or fact: Caffeine always makes migraines worse.
MYTH. You might trigger a migraine from overdoing it on caffeine. But it’s actually one of the key ingredients in some of the more effective over-the-counter migraine medicines. Drinking a caffeinated soda or coffee can sometimes help relieve migraine pain.
Myth or fact: Some foods can cause migraines.
FACT. Certain foods can trigger migraines—but they vary among people. Triggers for one person may not cause a migraine for you. Some of the foods and substances commonly associated with migraines are alcohol, chocolate, cheese, gluten, and foods that contain monosodium glutamate (MSG) or histamine.
Myth or fact: Taking more headache medicine for a migraine attack will help control it.
MYTH. Relying too much on pain relievers can cause rebound headaches—also called "medication overuse" headaches. Taking large amounts of medication to get rid of a migraine can lead to more frequent and severe migraines in the future.
Myth or fact: Effective medicines are available to treat migraine.
FACT. Doctors often prescribe a class of drugs called triptans to relieve migraine pain. There are seven different triptans—all are available as tablets and some are available as an injection or a nasal spray. There are also a variety of medications that can be used to prevent migraines.
Should you see a doctor for your headaches?
Sources
- American Migraine Foundation. "Migraine and Aura." https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/resource-library/migraine-and-aura/.
- American Migraine Foundation. "Top 10 Migraine Myths." https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/resource-library/migraine-myths/.
- American Migraine Foundation. "Understanding Migraine Medications." https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/resource-library/migraine-medication/.
- National Headache Foundation. "The Complete Headache Chart." https://headaches.org/resources/the-complete-headache-chart/.
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. "Headache." https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/headache.
Combining compassionate care with state-of-the-art technology, our specialists and care teams treat conditions that cause physical or mental impairments that can affect every part of a patient’s life.
Our highly skilled neurologists treat a wide variety of conditions, including:
- Dementia
- Headaches and migraines
- Epilepsy and seizure disorders
- Movement disorders
- Multiple sclerosis
- Nerve compression
- Neuropathy
- Parkinson’s disease
- Seizure disorders
- Stroke and TIA care
Neuropsychology
We’re dedicated to understanding how your brain functioning is affecting your body and vice versa. Mercyhealth’s neuropsychologist applies assessment and intervention principles to normal and abnormal functioning of the central nervous.
Your clinical neuropsychologist will use psychological, neurological or physiological methods to evaluate your cognitive and emotional strengths and weaknesses and translate these findings to normal and abnormal central nervous system functioning.
Our neuropsychology professionals diagnose a variety of conditions, including dementia, seizure and vascular disorders, traumatic brain injuries, learning disabilities, and more.
Neuroendovascular services
Our neuroendovascular specialists are neurologists, neurosurgeons or neuroradiologists trained in performing minimally invasive vascular procedures.
Our neuroendovascular specialists perform catheter-based procedures that can break up or remove stroke-causing blood clots, repair aneurysms in the brain, stent narrowed arteries in the neck and brain, and treat blood vessel malformations.
Neurohospitalists
Mercyhealth has the only neurohospitalist program in Rockford that offers 24/7, on-call coverage for neurological urgencies and emergencies.
Our program was developed to assure rapid management of complex neurological issues and to put patients first. From strokes, seizures, headaches and many more conditions, our neurohospitalists and related specialists are ready to be at your bedside to assist you.
Referral information
A referral is need for neurological services. Please contact your primary doctor or specialist for a referral.