Does a GP consultation treat migraine?

Migraine may involve throbbing head pain, nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light or sound, sometimes with visual or sensory warning symptoms called an aura. A GP will ask when attacks start, how long they last, which symptoms come first, possible triggers, and what medicines you use. They may check your blood pressure and carry out a neurological examination. If the pattern fits migraine, the plan may include medicine for an attack, a prevention option when attacks are frequent or disabling, and advice about sleep, meals, hydration and headache triggers. Further assessment may be arranged when symptoms are new, changing or atypical.

Keep a headache diary with the date, symptoms, possible trigger, medicine taken and response. Take the diary and a complete medicine list to your appointment. During an attack, rest in a quiet, dim room and sip fluids if possible. Use acute medicines only as directed, because frequent use can contribute to medication-overuse headaches. Follow the review plan if a preventive medicine is started and report unwanted effects rather than stopping it without advice.

Seek emergency help for a sudden, extremely severe headache, new weakness or numbness on one side, trouble speaking, seizure, fainting, confusion, fever with a stiff neck, or a severe headache after a head injury. Get prompt assessment for a new headache during pregnancy, a major change in an established pattern, or headache with persistent vomiting or vision loss.

Does this pattern fit migraine or another headache disorder? Which medicine should I take at the first sign? How often can I use it? Would prevention help me? What changes should trigger urgent review?