Neurology
Headache & Migraine Treatment
Headaches and migraines can differ in pattern and impact. A neurology consultation can help you discuss recurring headaches, associated symptoms and their effect on work, sleep and daily life.
What a headache assessment can clarify
Migraine can involve head pain, nausea and sensitivity to light or sound; some people experience aura. Other headaches have different causes. Describe the timing, duration, associated symptoms, effect on activities and any changes from your usual pattern. A clinician decides whether examination or tests are appropriate.
Treatment and warning signs
A plan may include treatment during an attack or preventive care for some people. Bring a list of pain medicines and how often you use them. Seek emergency care for a sudden extremely severe headache, or headache with new weakness, speech difficulty, confusion or loss of vision.
A headache history that helps the assessment
Record when headaches occur, how they begin, where the pain is felt and how long an episode lasts. Note nausea, sensitivity to light, visual changes or other symptoms, and how the episode affects work or daily activity. Bring the names and frequency of medicines taken for headaches, including products bought without a prescription.
A diary can show patterns that are difficult to remember during a consultation. It is a discussion aid, not a way to diagnose yourself. Tell the clinician if the current headache is different from your usual pattern or has changed substantially.
Separating attack care from longer-term prevention
Ask whether the plan concerns relief during an episode, reducing future episodes or both. Discuss how to use any prescribed medicine, what side effects matter and when the plan will be reviewed. There is no single headache treatment that suits every pattern.
Agree what information to keep for follow-up, such as the number of headache days or activities missed. Sudden, extremely severe headache or headache with new weakness, speech difficulty or other serious neurological symptoms needs urgent assessment. A known migraine diagnosis should not be used to dismiss a new and unusual emergency symptom.
Frequently asked questions
How can I tell if a headache is migraine?
Migraine can involve head pain, nausea and sensitivity to light or sound, but symptoms vary. A clinician can assess the pattern and other possible causes.
What should I record before an appointment?
Note timing, duration, associated symptoms, medication use and how attacks affect daily life.
When is a headache an emergency?
Seek emergency care for a sudden extremely severe headache, or headache with new weakness, speech difficulty, confusion or loss of vision.
Do all headaches need a scan?
No. A clinician considers your history and examination before recommending imaging.
Sources and further reading
These sources provide general health information. Recommendations and services may differ by location; discuss your care with your clinician.