General information, not an individual diagnosis. Ask a healthcare professional if you are unsure about your situation.
Call 15 or 112 immediately for an explosive headache that is maximal from the start; a sudden severe headache with weakness, paralysis, confusion, seizures or speech problems; fever, vomiting and a stiff neck with worsening general health; a headache after major head trauma; or sudden intense pain with eye pain and blurred vision.
Outside these emergency situations, repeated, changing or worsening headaches need medical review. A new, intense headache with other symptoms needs a consultation the same day.
For each episode, record the date, duration, intensity, circumstances and effect on daily life. Include other headaches between migraine attacks too.
Add the names of medicines actually taken, the number of doses and their effect on pain. This information supports the doctor’s examination.
Overuse of medicines for attacks can cause chronic headaches. The doctor therefore also needs to assess how often they are used.
If migraine is confirmed, preventing attacks depends on their frequency, intensity and impact. The doctor uses the assessment to choose an appropriate strategy.
Sources
Your health review
Review your health
Mon bilan prévention is an appointment to discuss your habits and choose your health priorities. Review the four age groups and practical information.