At a glance

• Treat an attack early according to your agreed plan.
• Record headache days, medicines, associated symptoms and impact.
• Arrange review if attacks are frequent, disabling or changing.

During and between attacks

• Rest in a quiet, dark environment if helpful and maintain fluids as tolerated.
• Take prescribed or recommended medicines exactly as directed; not every option is suitable for every person.
• Keep meals, sleep, hydration, caffeine and activity reasonably consistent where possible.
• Avoid repeatedly escalating acute medicines without review, as frequent use can worsen headache patterns.

What to record

• Record the start, duration, severity, associated symptoms and possible triggers rather than trying to avoid long lists of foods without evidence.
• Note every medicine, dose, timing and response, including non-prescription products.
• Include missed work, study, sleep or usual activities so treatment decisions reflect real impact.

When to book a GP review

• Headaches are becoming more frequent, severe or different from your usual pattern.
• Acute medicines are needed often, are not working or are causing side effects.
• Aura is new, prolonged or different, or headache starts after injury.

Review your plan

• Bring your diary and medicine list to review appointments.
• Discuss preventive treatment when attacks remain frequent or disabling despite an appropriate acute plan.
• Ask for pregnancy or contraception advice where relevant because some migraine medicines are unsuitable.

Emergency advice

Call 000 for a sudden extremely severe headache, headache with weakness, facial droop, trouble speaking, seizure, collapse, confusion, fever with neck stiffness, persistent vision loss or another sudden severe neurological symptom.

Rochedale Family Practice is not an emergency service.