What to expect from a GP consultation for migraine

Expect questions about the start and location of pain, its quality, duration, movement sensitivity, nausea, vomiting, light or sound sensitivity, and any visual or sensory warning symptoms. The GP may ask about sleep, meals, stress, menstrual changes, caffeine, family history, and how often you use painkillers. A neurological examination may include vision, balance, strength, sensation, reflexes, and coordination.

Migraine is often diagnosed from the pattern and examination. New features, a different headache pattern, or abnormal findings may lead to further assessment rather than being assumed to be migraine.

Bring a headache diary showing when attacks occur, possible triggers, symptoms, medicines, and response. List prescribed, over-the-counter, and complementary products. Explain missed work, disrupted sleep, or difficulty caring for others. The plan may include an attack treatment, prevention options, regular meals and sleep, hydration, and a follow-up to review response.

Seek emergency care for a sudden explosive headache, new weakness or numbness, trouble speaking, fainting, seizure, confusion, fever with a stiff neck, persistent vision loss, or a headache after a significant head injury. Urgent review is also needed when a headache is steadily worsening, unlike your usual attacks, or accompanied by repeated vomiting and inability to keep fluids down.

Ask what pattern supports migraine, which symptoms change the urgency, how to use acute medicines safely, whether prevention is suitable, and when the diagnosis or plan should be reviewed.