What happens if a migraine is not treated?

A migraine attack may include Headache, nausea, light sensitivity, dizziness, blurred vision or facial pain and pressure. Without timely relief, symptoms can continue into the next day and make eating, sleeping, working or concentrating difficult. Repeated attacks may lead to missed activities and increased reliance on pain medicines.

Frequent use of some acute pain medicines can itself contribute to medication-overuse headache. A symptom diary can help identify sleep changes, skipped meals, dehydration, stress, hormonal patterns or sensory triggers without assuming every headache is migraine.

Rest in a quiet, dim room, drink fluids if able, and use treatment prescribed or recommended for you as directed. Arrange a clinical review when attacks recur, last longer than usual, interfere with life, or are not responding to your usual plan. A Telemedicine Consultation may help with an initial review when an in-person visit is difficult.

Bring a record of timing, symptoms, possible triggers, medicines taken and response. Do not repeatedly increase doses or combine products without checking the label or speaking with a clinician.

Seek emergency help for a sudden severe headache, new weakness or numbness, confusion, fainting, seizure, persistent blurred vision, fever with neck stiffness, or a headache after a significant injury. Urgent review is also needed when a first severe headache differs clearly from previous attacks.

Ask: Does my pattern fit migraine? What should I take at the first sign? How often can I use acute medicine? Do I need preventive treatment? Which symptoms mean I should seek emergency care?