Migraine and headache

Migraine and other headaches

Headache is one of the most common reasons to see a neurologist. Most headaches are not dangerous, but frequent or severe headaches can affect work, study and family life. Finding the type and cause of the headache is the first step to the right treatment.

Common symptoms of migraine

• Headache, often on one side of the head
• Severe throbbing pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Sensitivity to light and sound
• Vision changes before or during the headache

When to see a neurologist

• Headaches that are frequent, or getting worse
• Headaches that stop you working or studying
• Using pain-killers on many days of the month
• A change in the usual pattern of your headaches

Get emergency help for

• a sudden, severe headache unlike any before,
• headache with weakness, numbness, trouble speaking or loss of vision,
• headache with fever and a stiff neck, or after a head injury.

Help us help you: keep a headache diary

A diary of when headaches happen, how bad they are and what you took for them is one of the most useful things you can bring. See our headache diary guide.

Migraine