Might have migraine? What to expect during a headache visit

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What to prepare before your appointment

The more information you can share with your doctor, the better your doctor can understand what you’re experiencing. Preparation is key.

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Start a headache diary

Before your appointment, you can begin to track your headaches in a diary. Note when they occur, how often they occur, how long they last, what they feel like, the intensity of head pain, and any possible triggers.

Migraine can present in many ways, so it’s important to track symptoms that may seem unrelated to headaches. Even if you don’t have a headache on a particular day, make sure to document any symptoms, even those that may seem unrelated to headaches.

Include details like:

• Date of headache
• Time of day
• Duration
• Any medication taken
• Type of head pain (eg, throbbing, sharp, pressure)
• Intensity of pain (eg, mild, moderate, severe, or a 1 to 10 scale)
• Visual disturbances (eg, flashing lights, blind spots)
• Any warning signs or strange sensations (eg, seeing dots in your vision, feeling a tingling or numbness sensation)
• Other symptoms (eg, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light/sound, dizziness or vertigo, difficulty speaking or concentrating, mood changes, fatigue, neck pain or stiffness, anxiety)

Note the examples included are for illustrative purposes only. There may be other, more accurate ways to describe your personal experiences.

A detailed headache diary can help your doctor identify patterns that may be more associated with migraine than other types of headache disorders.

Recording this information daily helps identify patterns to better understand the frequency and nature of your headaches.

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Describe your headaches clearly

Your doctor will likely ask questions such as:

• When did your headaches start?
• How often do they happen?
• What does the pain feel like?
• How severe is the pain?
• Do you experience symptoms before or after?

Be as specific as possible. Use your headache diary as a reference to help provide detailed answers.

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Discuss triggers and lifestyle factors

Common migraine triggers include, but are not limited to, stress, irregularity in sleep patterns, hormonal changes, weather changes, and certain foods. It’s important to be aware and take note of any patterns in how your body reacts to different situations or environments.

Questions to expect:

• Do you notice headaches after specific foods or smells?
• Are headaches triggered by changes in sleep or weather?
• For women, do your headaches happen around your menstrual cycle?

Information like this can help your doctor determine between a migraine diagnosis or if the headache is due to an underlying cause.

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Review your headache diary together

It is important to review your headache diary with your doctor to highlight key trends or patterns regarding your migraine symptoms. This can assist in creating a personalized migraine management strategy that works best for you.

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Discuss medication and treatment history

You can expect your doctor to ask:

• What are you currently taking to treat or prevent headache pain?
• Have over-the-counter medications helped?
• Have you had any side effects?

Discussing your medication and treatment history with your doctor can help ensure that they have the necessary information to make an informed migraine diagnosis, if applicable.

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Rule out other conditions

To rule out other possible causes of headache pain, your doctor will typically perform physical and neurological exams during your appointment.

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Explain how it impacts your life

Migraine can interfere with daily life. Tell your doctor if you have headaches that affect your work, relationships, or ability to function. This can offer a clearer understanding of the severity of your symptoms, aiding in an accurate diagnosis and optimal support.

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Follow your doctor’s recommendations

If your doctor suggests lab tests, imaging, or a referral to a headache specialist, follow through. These steps may help rule out other conditions and can provide a better understanding of your current condition.

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Monitor your progress

Continue tracking symptoms even after the appointment. This helps measure how things evolve and whether any changes, such as those related to lifestyle, diet, or stress reduction, may have an impact.

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Schedule follow-up appointments

It’s possible that a diagnosis may not be reached during your first visit. Follow-up appointments are valuable as they provide your doctor with more information and time to thoroughly investigate your symptoms and work toward an accurate diagnosis.

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Communicate any changes

Keep your doctor informed about new symptoms, medication side effects, or any worsening of your condition.

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Seek support

Living with migraine symptoms—even without a diagnosis—can be isolating. Support groups, online forums, or counseling can be helpful resources to share experiences and feel understood.

However, it’s important to be cautious about misinformation online. Misconceptions about migraine can lead to ineffective treatments and misunderstandings about the condition. Always consult healthcare professionals for accurate information and guidance.