Supporting patients with migraine in primary care

Ahead of Migraine Awareness Week this month, Rob Music of The Migraine Trust highlights the support that can be given around this complex condition – the most frequent neurological reason for attending A&E.

Migraine is a common neurological condition, affecting around one in seven people in the UK – an estimated 10 million individuals.

Migraine is much more than ‘just a headache’. While head pain is a hallmark, symptoms can also include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, visual disturbances, and heightened sensitivity to light, sound, or smell. Less common signs such as dizziness, speech difficulties, or numbness can add to diagnostic complexity.

Being aware of this full spectrum of symptoms helps avoid misdiagnosis and ensures patients are taken seriously.

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Given that primary care nurses are often the first point of contact, the role of nurses in recognising migraine and supporting patients is vital.

Raising awareness of migraine

Migraine Awareness Week 2025 runs from 22–28 September. This national campaign from The Migraine Trust highlights the realities of living with migraine and the support available.

Nurses can make a difference by displaying information in waiting rooms, signposting patients to The Migraine Trust’s resources and helpline, and joining the campaign to raise awareness across communities.

Explaining the diagnosis

Migraine is the most frequent neurological reason for attending A&E, and accounts for approximately 4.4% of GP consultations.

One quick, evidence-based, tool is the ID Migraine^TM screening test. If your patient answers yes to two or more of these three questions, it strongly suggests migraine.

• In the last three months, has a headache limited your activities for a day or more?
• Do you feel nauseated or sick with your headaches?
• Are you sensitive to light during a headache?

Once identified, it is important to communicate the diagnosis clearly and compassionately. Patients should understand that migraine is a lifelong neurological condition. Although there is no cure, symptoms can be managed with medication and lifestyle adjustments. Reassurance and education at this stage can reduce stigma and encourage self-management.

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Encouraging the use of a migraine diary is a practical next step. Recording triggers, attack frequency, and treatment response provides valuable insight and can guide both patient and clinician in developing an effective management plan.

The wider impact of migraine

Beyond physical symptoms, the toll of migraine is significant.

The Migraine Trust reports that 80% of people with migraine avoid social events, 59% lose confidence, and nearly half feel isolated. Alarmingly, one in three has experienced suicidal thoughts. Workplace support is often lacking too, with more than half saying reasonable adjustments have not been made.

Mental health comorbidities are common, particularly anxiety and depression. Asking about day-to-day impact and emotional wellbeing can help uncover these issues. Taking a holistic approach means patients may receive earlier and more appropriate support.

As frontline professionals, primary care nurses are in a unique position to validate patient experiences, reduce stigma, and promote effective management strategies for migraine.

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Through awareness, education, and compassionate care, you can help ensure patients feel heard, supported, and empowered to manage this complex condition.

Rob Music is chief executive of The Migraine Trust. Migraine Awareness Week 2025 runs from 22 to 26 September.