Diagnosis of Migraine

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There is no test to confirm migraine. Diagnosis depends on the symptoms, so your GP will ask you how long your attacks last, how severe they are and how frequently they occur. You should also tell your GP what medication you have been taking, if any, including over-the-counter medicines.

If you do not have any symptoms between attacks and then have a headache that lasts 4-72 hours you may suffer from migraines. Your GP will ask if your headaches are:

Located on one side of the head (unilateral)
Characterised by a pulsating pain
Moderate or severe and prevent you carrying out your daily activities
Made worse by physical activity or moving aboutÂ· Accompanied by nausea and/or vomiting
Accompanied by sensitivity to light (photophobia) and/or noise (phonophobia).

The doctor may suggest tests to rule out other causes of headaches. These may include a CT scan (computerized tomography) or an MRI scan (magnetic imaging resonance). Your GP will also try to rule out atension headache or a medication-overuse headache.

See your GP urgently if:

You have your first severe headache and you are over the age of 50;
Your symptoms suddenly change from your usual migraines;
You have your first severe headache that came on suddenly (within one or two minutes); or
You have a severe headache with fever, sickness and possibly a rash.

If you have a severe headache that feels like the worst headache you have ever had, you need to phone 999 or go to the Accident and Emergency (A&E) department of your local hospital.