Migraine – POM (Triptans)
Migraine is a common neurological condition causing recurrent, often severe headaches, usually accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea and sensitivity to light
About migraine – pom (triptans)
Migraine involves changes in brain activity and blood vessels, though the exact mechanism isn't fully understood. Attacks can be triggered by factors such as stress, poor sleep, certain foods, hormonal changes, dehydration or skipped meals, and some people experience a preceding "aura" of visual or sensory disturbance
Treatments
Symptoms
• Moderate to severe, often one-sided, throbbing headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Sensitivity to light and sound
• Visual disturbances (aura), such as flashing lights or blind spots, in some people
• Fatigue before or after an attack
• Attacks typically lasting 4-72 hours
Diagnosis
Migraine is usually diagnosed from a description of typical, recurring attacks and their pattern, without the need for scans in most cases. Sudden, severe or unusual headaches, or new neurological symptoms, need urgent assessment to rule out other causes
Treatment
Simple pain relief or specific anti-migraine medicines called triptans can stop an attack if taken early, working by narrowing blood vessels and reducing inflammation involved in migraine. Anti-sickness medicine may help if nausea is prominent. Frequent migraines may need a preventive daily medicine
Prevention and self-care
• Identify and avoid personal triggers using a headache diary
• Keep regular sleep, meal and hydration patterns
• Manage stress
• Limit caffeine and alcohol if they're triggers
• Take treatment early in an attack, as this improves effectiveness
• Discuss preventive treatment if attacks are frequent or disabling
Reviewed by Hamza Iqbal Naheed, Superintendent Pharmacist, GPhC 2209194 (check the register) · Last updated 21 September 2026