Patient Health International – health information for patients and carers

It is very important that you talk to your doctor if you think you are having migraine attacks. He/she will know whether you are suffering from migraine based on the symptoms that you describe, and will also make sure that there is no other medical reason for your headaches. Read more information about the symptoms of migraine.

Your doctor will be able to advise you on the best way to manage your condition, including lifestyle advice and treatment options. More information is available in the living with migraine and treatment sections.

The consultation with your doctor is an important first step in coping with your migraine. During the consultation your doctor will determine:

when you first started having attacks and how often they occur
what triggers and/or aggravates your migraine
what your migraines are like (i.e. What does your headache pain feel like? Does it occur on both sides of your head?)
whether anyone else in your family suffers from migraines
what medications you have tried in the past to treat your migraines, and the effects that these medications have had
what other illnesses you have and/or what other medications you are using.

Because migraine is a complex and highly individual condition, it is important that you and your doctor openly communicate about your illness. Be prepared to discuss the impact that your migraine attacks have on your daily life so that your doctor can understand how disabling and severe your symptoms are.

Your doctor will find it useful if you have prepared for the consultation. You may want to keep a headache diary and complete the MIDAS questionnaire before your appointment.