The Maura Journal

Clearer information.
More confident questions.

Practical introductions to headache and migraine, written to support—not replace—advice from a healthcare professional.

Important: Call 999 for a sudden, extremely painful headache or a headache with weakness, confusion, seizure, loss of vision, or difficulty speaking. Use NHS 111 for urgent advice.
Tracking

What belongs in a headache diary?

A useful record captures timing, symptoms, possible triggers, medicine, and headache-free days.

Read article ↓
Migraine basics

Understanding a migraine attack

Migraine can involve much more than head pain. Learn about common symptoms and phases.

Read article ↓
Safety

When should a headache be checked?

Most headaches are not serious, but some symptoms need urgent or emergency help.

Read article ↓
Tracking

What belongs in a headache diary?

A diary can help you and a healthcare professional see patterns that memory alone may miss. Consistency matters more than writing a long account.

  • When the headache started and ended
  • Pain severity and where it was felt
  • Symptoms such as nausea or sensitivity to light and sound
  • Possible triggers, sleep, meals, stress, and weather
  • Medicine taken and whether it helped
  • Headache-free days, which give important context

A pattern is not always proof of a trigger. Use the record to support a conversation with a GP or headache specialist rather than making major treatment changes alone.

Further reading: NHS migraine guidance.

Migraine basics

Understanding a migraine attack

Migraine is a neurological condition. A typical attack may include throbbing pain—often on one side—nausea, and sensitivity to light or sound. Some people experience aura, such as visual disturbance, tingling, dizziness, or difficulty speaking.

Attacks and early symptoms vary widely. Regular meals, hydration, consistent sleep, movement, and stress management may help some people, but there is no single routine that works for everyone. A GP can discuss medicines for treating or preventing attacks.

The NHS warns that taking painkillers too frequently can cause more headaches. Ask a pharmacist or clinician for individual advice about medicine use.

Source and further reading: NHS: Migraine.

Safety

When should a headache be checked?

Arrange a GP appointment when headaches keep returning, are getting worse, or are difficult to control. NHS 111 can advise about urgent symptoms, including headache with vomiting or vision problems.

Call 999 or go to A&E for a headache that starts suddenly and is extremely painful, or occurs with a seizure, weakness or numbness, confusion, loss of vision, difficulty speaking or walking, a serious head injury, or signs of meningitis.

Do not use an app to delay urgent care. If a symptom worries you, seek professional advice.

Source and full safety guidance: NHS: Headaches and NHS 111.