What are the treatment options for migraine?

A clinician considers how often attacks occur, how long they last, associated nausea or light sensitivity, other health conditions and medicines you already use. An acute medicine is used early in an attack to reduce pain and related symptoms. Preventive treatment may be discussed when attacks are frequent, disabling or difficult to control. Keeping a headache diary can show patterns and help distinguish migraine from other headache causes.

Rest in a quiet, dark room, drink fluids and try a regular sleep and meal routine. Your clinician may recommend a suitable pain reliever or a migraine-specific medicine, with instructions about timing and safe frequency. If nausea prevents tablets staying down, ask whether another formulation is appropriate. Do not combine medicines or use acute treatments repeatedly without advice, because frequent use can maintain headaches. A GP consultation can review symptoms, medication use and prevention choices.

Seek urgent medical care for a sudden, severe headache, a new headache with weakness, confusion, fainting, seizure, fever or stiff neck, or a headache after a significant injury. Arrange medical review if the pattern changes, attacks steadily worsen, vomiting prevents fluids, or usual treatment stops helping. New headache during pregnancy or after delivery also needs prompt assessment.

Ask which symptoms support migraine, which treatment should be taken first, how often it can be used, and whether prevention is suitable. Bring a list of medicines and diary notes about timing, food, sleep, stress and menstrual changes.