Everyday GP care · Headaches
Talk to an online GP about headaches or migraine
Discuss a new, recurring or changing headache, including symptoms you recognise as migraine. The pattern, related symptoms and difference from your usual headaches help guide the next step.
Can an online GP help with headaches or migraine?
Yes. You can speak with a HerDoc GP about a new headache, recurring headaches or symptoms you recognise as migraine. The GP can ask about timing, triggers, related symptoms and medicine use, then discuss treatment, monitoring or whether you need a neurological, eye or other physical examination.
Describe the pattern and what has changed
Headaches can differ in location, intensity, duration and frequency. Tell the GP whether the pain is new or familiar, how quickly it began, where you feel it and whether it is throbbing, pressing, sharp or otherwise different from usual.
Related symptoms also matter. These can include nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light or sound, visual disturbance, dizziness, weakness, numbness, difficulty speaking, fever, neck stiffness or a recent head injury.
Having migraine before does not mean every new headache is migraine. A headache that starts differently, becomes more frequent or changes its usual features deserves a fresh assessment.
What information may help
The GP may ask about sleep, hydration, meals, stress, periods, pregnancy or the time after birth, recent illness, injuries and other health conditions. They may also ask which medicines you use, how often you use them and whether they still help.
If headaches recur, a short diary can show when they happen, how long they last, related symptoms and possible triggers. You can upload a relevant diary or previous result during intake, but do not delay asking for care because you have not kept one.
What the GP may discuss next
The next step may include advice about symptom management, a treatment or prescription discussion, monitoring, a headache diary, tests, referral or another appointment. No particular medicine, investigation or diagnosis follows from booking.
Some headache diagnoses depend on physical findings. The GP may recommend examination of your nervous system, eyes, blood pressure or another part of your health before deciding what should happen next.
When a headache needs faster care
Call Triple Zero (000) for a sudden, very intense headache; a headache with vomiting, confusion, neck stiffness or a major change in vision; a headache with weakness, numbness, collapse, seizure or difficulty speaking; or another possible stroke sign. Do not wait for a routine online appointment after a significant head injury.
Seek prompt medical assessment for a new or changing headache during pregnancy or after birth, a headache that is becoming more frequent, pain that wakes you or is worse with coughing or straining, or symptoms that are not following your usual migraine pattern. If you are unsure how quickly you need care, use a local urgent-care or health-advice service.
When telehealth may not be suitable
- Headache after significant injury
- New neurological or severe eye symptoms
- A rapidly worsening or very different headache
- Symptoms needing neurological or eye examination
When to seek urgent care
Call Triple Zero (000) for a sudden severe headache, headache with stroke signs, seizure, collapse, severe confusion or another emergency.
- A sudden severe headache
- Stroke signs
- Seizure or collapse
- Severe confusion
Want to discuss headaches or migraine when HerDoc launches?
Join the waiting list for updates about access to HerDoc's phone GP service. Joining does not book an appointment and is not a way to seek emergency care.
Related pages
FAQs
Can I talk to an online GP about headaches or migraine?
Yes. You can discuss a new, recurring or changing headache and symptoms you recognise as migraine. The GP will consider the pattern, related symptoms, health history and medicine use before discussing next steps.
What if I am not sure whether my headache is a migraine?
You do not need to identify it before booking. Describe the headache and related symptoms, and the GP can compare the pattern with migraine and other possible causes and explain what further assessment may be needed.
What details about the headache should I record before the appointment?
Record when the pain began, how quickly it came on, where it is, how long it lasts and how it feels. Also note related symptoms, what makes it better or worse and whether this episode differs from your usual headaches.
Can a headache diary help the GP?
A short diary may help show timing, duration, related symptoms, medicine use and possible triggers. It can support the conversation, but you do not need to wait until you have one before booking.
Should I see a GP if headaches keep coming back?
Yes. Recurring headaches are worth discussing, particularly if they are becoming more frequent, last longer, affect daily life or respond differently to your usual measures. Explain how often they occur and what has changed.
What if a familiar headache has changed or become more frequent?
A change in a familiar pattern deserves a fresh assessment, even when you have had migraine before. Describe the change and seek faster care if the headache starts suddenly or comes with neurological symptoms.
Can I discuss a headache during pregnancy or after giving birth?
Yes, but a new or changing headache during pregnancy or after birth needs prompt medical assessment because the context can change what it means. Mention pregnancy, recent birth, blood-pressure concerns and any vision changes, swelling or other symptoms.
What if the headache started after a head injury?
Do not wait for a routine online appointment after a significant head injury, particularly with loss of consciousness, confusion, vomiting, weakness or a worsening headache. Seek prompt medical assessment after a lesser injury if the headache persists or you are concerned.
What if I have vision changes, weakness, confusion or problems speaking?
Call 000 when these symptoms occur with a headache or may be signs of stroke or another emergency. Do not wait for an online appointment to see whether they pass.
Should I mention how often I use pain-relief medicine?
Yes. Tell the GP what you use, how often you take it, whether it helps and whether the pattern has changed. Frequent use of some headache medicines can itself be relevant, so provide an accurate list for the assessment.
Can the GP discuss prescription treatment or prevention options?
Yes. A HerDoc GP can discuss treatment or prevention after assessing the headache pattern, but a prescription or particular medicine is not promised. Examination, monitoring, tests, referral or another appointment may be the next step instead.
Will I need blood tests, a scan or another investigation?
Many headaches do not require tests or imaging, while some patterns need further investigation. The GP will consider the history and examination needs rather than arranging a particular test automatically.
Can I ask for a medical certificate if the headache affects work or study?
Yes. A HerDoc GP can assess a medical-certificate request during the appointment. Whether a certificate is issued and what period it covers depend on what the GP can support from the consultation.
When might a headache need an in-person neurological or eye examination?
Direct assessment may be needed when neurological signs, vision, blood pressure, injury or another physical finding could change the next step. The GP can explain what type of examination is needed and how quickly to arrange it.
Which headache symptoms need urgent care or 000?
Call 000 for a sudden, very intense headache; a headache with vomiting, confusion, neck stiffness or a major vision change; or one with weakness, numbness, collapse, seizure or difficulty speaking. Seek immediate assessment after a significant head injury.