Abstract

Migraines are a complex neurological condition that not only produce an intense throbbing headache but symptoms can also include nausea and vomiting, visual disturbances (aura) and altered limb sensations (Migraine Action 2018). These headaches are the third most common disease in the world and have an estimated global prevalence of 14.7% (Steiner et al 2013). The estimated cost to the U.K. is £4.8 billion per year in lost production and Health Service usage (McCrone et al 2011). Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of headaches/migraines are available from The British Association for the Study of Headache (BASH) (MaCregor et al 2010), but nurses need to be made more aware of this disorders impact and how it can be managed. This article is designed to help familiarise the nurse with the diagnostic criteria for migraines and highlight some preventative measures and the treatments available for acute attacks. The registrant will then be empowered to increase public health awareness, offer advice and if trained to do so, prescribe effectively.