Migraine Treatment

What is a migraine?

Migraine is a condition that affects how the brain works. It happens when the nerves in the brain become overactive and release a series of chemicals that trigger a migraine attack. This isn’t caused by damage to the brain itself. To put it simply, it’s a “software” issue rather than a “hardware” one.

A migraine is usually described as a neurological disorder that causes repeated attacks of moderate to severe headaches. The pain often affects one side of the head more than the other and may feel throbbing or pulsating in nature (NHS, 2022).

Migraine symptoms vary from person to person but can include nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light, sound, movement, or smell. Many people find that during an attack, resting in a quiet, dark room can help ease symptoms. If you have recurring headaches that last for hours or even days, it’s important to speak to a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis.

Understanding the different types of migraine

There are different types of migraine, and recognising which one you have can help you find the right treatment. The main types include:

• Migraine without aura: The most common form, where the headache develops without any warning signs.
• Migraine with aura: This type includes temporary symptoms such as flashing lights, blind spots, or tingling sensations before the headache begins.
• Silent migraine (migraine aura without headache): The aura symptoms appear but there’s no actual headache.

Episodic and chronic migraine

Migraine can be categorised based on how often you experience attacks.

• Episodic migraine - refers to infrequent attacks
• Chronic migraine - means having headaches on 15 or more days per month. Chronic migraine can be particularly disruptive and may need specialist care to manage effectively.

How common are migraines in the UK?

According to NHS England, around 10 million people in the UK live with migraine. Migraine-related absences are responsible for an estimated 3 million lost workdays every year, costing nearly £4.4 billion. Headaches and migraines are also among the most common neurological reasons for A&E visits.

Migraines can last anywhere from four hours to three days and can have a significant impact on daily life, relationships, and mental health (The Migraine Trust, 2024).

Key Stats About Migraine Prevelance In The UK

Video guide: Understanding a migraine

The Mayo Clinic has produced a helpful video explaining what migraines are, the common symptoms to look for, and how to manage them effectively. Watch it below:

Migraines can be complex and the exact cause isn’t fully understood. Experts believe they are linked to a mix of genetic, environmental and neurological factors. This means some people are naturally more likely to get migraines than others - women are more likely to experience migraines compared to men, due to hormonal differences and brain structure. Because of these many influences, it can be difficult for a doctor to identify a single cause for recurring migraines, which can make managing them more challenging.

According to Havard Health, a range of everyday factors may contribute to migraine attacks. These can include:

• stress or anxiety
• hormonal changes, such as those during the menstrual cycle
• tiredness or changes in sleep patterns
• missing meals
• exposure to bright lights, loud noises or strong smells
• changes in the weather, such as heat or rising humidity
• physical exertion or overexertion

For many people, certain foods or drinks can also trigger a migraine. Keeping a food diary can help you spot any patterns and identify what might be setting yours off. Common food-related triggers include:

• alcohol, especially red wine
• chocolate
• cheese, particularly aged or unpasteurised varieties
• nitrates found in cured meats or fish
• caffeinated drinks such as tea, coffee or fizzy drinks
• bananas
• citrus fruits
• monosodium glutamate (MSG)
• nuts and peanut butter
• peas
• pork
• vinegar (except white vinegar)
• yoghurt

It’s important to remember that migraine triggers can be different for everyone. What affects one person might not affect another. If you often experience migraines, it’s best to speak to a healthcare professional for personalised advice and support.

Migraines are more than just bad headaches. They’re a common condition that can cause severe throbbing pain, often on one side of the head, along with other symptoms that can affect your vision, mood and overall wellbeing. Migraine symptoms happen because of changes in brain activity and how the nerves, blood vessels and chemicals in the brain respond to certain triggers.

What are the common symptoms of a migraine?

The main symptom of a migraine is a strong headache that usually feels like a pulsing or throbbing pain on one side of the head. This pain can last from a few hours to several days and may get worse with movement or exposure to light or sound.

Other common migraine symptoms include:

• Nausea and vomiting: Caused by increased activity in certain parts of the brainstem that control nausea and digestion.
• Sensitivity to light, sound or smell: This happens because of overactivity in the thalamus, the part of the brain that processes sensory information.
• Blurred or disturbed vision: Some people see flashing lights, zigzag patterns or blind spots before or during a migraine.
• Changes in mood or behaviour: You might feel tired, irritable, or find it hard to concentrate before a migraine begins.
• Neck stiffness: A feeling of tightness or discomfort in the neck can happen as part of the early warning signs.

What is a migraine aura?

Some people experience what’s known as an aura before a migraine attack. This is a temporary set of symptoms that can affect your senses and how your brain processes information. Auras usually last less than an hour and can include:

• Seeing flashing lights, bright spots or zigzag lines
• Numbness or a tingling feeling, like pins and needles
• Difficulty speaking or finding the right words
• Feeling dizzy or off balance

These changes are thought to be caused by a wave of brain activity known as 'cortical spreading depression', which temporarily affects how the brain sends and receives signals.

Migraine treatment can vary from person to person, as not everyone responds to the same options. Some people find relief through rest and self-care, while others need specific medicines to control their symptoms. Understanding your triggers and knowing what works best for you can make managing migraines much easier.

How can I treat a migraine?

If you only get the occasional migraine, the best first step is often to rest in a quiet, dark room and try to sleep. This helps your body recover and reduces sensitivity to light and sound. Drinking water and eating something light may also help if you can’t rest right away.

Over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol can ease symptoms if taken early, but they’re not always strong enough for more severe migraines. If you find these don’t help, prescription medicines called triptans may be more effective.

Prescription migraine medicines

Triptans work by targeting the chemical changes in the brain that cause migraines. They help relieve pain as well as other symptoms like nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light or sound. Common options include:

• Sumatriptan
• Rizatriptan
• Zolmitriptan

These treatments are available from UK Meds, subject to an online clinical consultation. The decision to prescribe will always be made by a registered independent prescriber.

Other treatment options

Alongside prescription medicines, you may also find comfort in non-prescription treatments such as Kool ‘n’ Soothe Strips or the 4Head Cutaneous Stick, which provide a cooling effect on the forehead.

Some people also benefit from lifestyle changes such as eating regular meals, staying hydrated and limiting caffeine. If migraines are frequent or severe, a GP may recommend relaxation techniques, acupuncture or a newer type of medication known as a gepant. These work differently from triptans and may help if other treatments haven’t been effective. The Migraine Trust offers more information on gepants.

Coping with migraines

It’s important to recognise your migraine triggers and keep your treatment plan ready. Tell your friends, family or colleagues what helps you during an attack so they can support you. If your symptoms get worse or don’t improve with treatment, speak to a doctor or migraine specialist for further advice and support.

Where can I buy migraine tablets online?

You can buy migraine tablets and treatments online through services such as UK Meds. We offer a wide range of options, including both prescription migraine medicines and over-the-counter treatments. These can help to relieve migraine symptoms and may also help to prevent future attacks. Our service makes it simple to find the right treatment for your needs, all from the comfort of your own home.

Can I get a prescription for migraine treatments at UK Meds?

Yes, you can request a prescription for migraine treatment online at UK Meds by completing a short and secure online consultation. Every request for prescription medication is carefully reviewed by a registered prescriber. They will assess your symptoms and medical history before deciding if a treatment is safe and suitable for you. This ensures that all prescribed medications are clinically appropriate and provided with your health and safety in mind.

At UK Meds, we take great care to provide accurate, trustworthy and up-to-date information about health, wellbeing and medical treatments. Our approach follows strict quality standards set out in our Editorial Policy and Content Policy.

All our articles are regularly reviewed by qualified professionals and updated when needed to make sure the information you read reflects the latest medical guidance. This helps you make confident, informed decisions before starting an online consultation with a registered independent prescriber for any treatment you may require.

However, the content on our website should never replace advice from a medical professional. Always speak to your GP, pharmacist or another qualified healthcare provider before starting any new medicine or making changes that could affect your health or lifestyle.

Page last updated: 22nd October 2025

• Migraine - NHS
• What is Migraine? - The Migraine Trust
• Migraine - NICE CKS
• Migraine Research Briefing - UK Parliament
• Headache Disorders - WHO
• Migraine Fact Sheet - Brain and Spine Foundation
• Migraine Information & Support - The Migraine Trust
• Migraine - Neurological condition - Brain Research UK
• Factsheets and resources - National Migraine Centre

Take a look through some of UK Meds useful resources below relating to migraines:

• Migraine Awareness Week 2025: A Guide for Understanding and Support - An accessible overview of Migraine Awareness Week 2025, when it takes place, what the theme is, and how you can join in.
• The Different Types of Migraine and What They Mean - A clear breakdown of the main migraine types and how symptoms differ between them.
• Migraine Hangovers: The Post-drome Phase Explained - A straightforward explanation of the post-drome (“migraine hangover”) phase and what to expect after a migraine attack.
• Why Do Migraines Make You Vomit? Understanding Nausea and Migraine - An informative article exploring why vomiting and nausea often occur during migraines and how to cope.
• How to Get Rid of a Migraine: Practical Steps and Advice - A user-friendly guide on immediate relief strategies and longer-term support for migraine sufferers.
• “McMigraine” or “McDonald’s Migraine”? Debunking Myths and Finding Relief - A myth-busting piece that examines popular migraine “cures” and offers evidence-based alternatives.
• Disability Caused by Migraines: What Help Is Available? - A compassionate overview of how migraines can be disabling and what practical help and support exist.
• Sumatriptan Prescription Requirements in the UK: What You Need to Know - A straightforward explanation of how the prescription process for sumatriptan works in the UK and when it may be prescribed.