Lately, I’m not sure if it’s the change of seasons or stress, but my old migraine problem has flared up again, and more frequently than before. When the pain hits, it really feels like my world is turning grey. I used to just tough it out or take some over-the-counter painkillers, but this time I just couldn’t bear it anymore, so I decided to see if a doctor in Spain could help.
At first, the pain was intense. In the middle of the night, my head felt like it was going to explode, and I was nauseous. A friend suggested I go straight to the Urgencias (Emergency Room). When I got to the hospital’s emergency department, it was quite crowded. I waited for about an hour to see a doctor. The doctor asked some simple questions about my symptoms: how long I’d been in pain, what it felt like, and if I had any other discomfort. Then, they checked my blood pressure, examined my eyes, and diagnosed it as a migraine. They gave me a painkiller injection and prescribed some Nolotil, telling me that if it didn’t improve, I absolutely had to see my family doctor.
A couple of days later, although the headache had eased, a dull, intermittent pain remained. I figured the emergency room was just a temporary fix, not a real solution, so I followed the doctor’s advice and made an appointment with my family doctor. I booked a cita (appointment) through the public health card app and waited about four or five days. The experience with the family doctor was much better. The doctor was very patient, asking detailed questions about the frequency, triggers, and specific location of my headaches, as well as my daily habits, work stress, and so on. The whole consultation lasted about fifteen minutes.
The doctor explained that for recurring migraines like mine, I shouldn’t always rely on strong painkillers from the ER. He suggested I first try making some lifestyle changes, such as ensuring I get enough sleep, reducing my caffeine intake, and exercising regularly. He also prescribed two types of medication: Paracetamol for general pain and Ibuprofen to take at the very onset of a headache. He stressed that I should take it as soon as I feel it coming on, not wait until the pain becomes unbearable. He also recommended I keep a headache diary to record the time and potential cause of each attack, which would be helpful for analysis at the next follow-up appointment.
Summary of My Experience
Based on my two visits, I’ve summarized the differences between the emergency room and a family doctor to give you a reference:
| Aspect | Urgencias (Emergency Room) | Médico de cabecera (Family Doctor) |
|---|
| Best for | Sudden, unbearable, acute pain | Long-term, recurring, chronic issues |
| Waiting Time | Longer; depends on patient volume and case urgency | Appointment required; wait a few days to a week |
| Consultation Experience | Fast-paced; simple and direct questions | Detailed and patient; considers medical history and lifestyle |
| Treatment Approach | Symptom-focused, for quick relief | Addresses root cause, offers long-term management plans |
| Pros | 24-hour service for emergencies | Follows up on your condition; more personalized care |
If you’re experiencing sudden, severe pain like I was, going to the ER for an injection can be a real lifesaver. But if it’s a long-term, chronic problem that requires seeing a doctor in Spain, you should definitely see your family doctor! They will help you find the root of the problem and provide a long-term treatment and management plan. I hope my experience is helpful, and I welcome others to share their thoughts. Headaches are truly debilitating!
