How to prepare for a telemedicine visit about Migraine

Audience: adult

A telemedicine visit can be a convenient way to discuss migraine symptoms with a healthcare provider. Migraines are intense headaches that may come with nausea, light sensitivity, or visual changes. Preparing well for your telemedicine appointment helps you get the most from your visit. You can share important details about your migraine history, symptoms, and any treatments you have tried. Telemedicine is often suitable for routine migraine care, follow-up visits, and medication adjustments. However, if your migraine is sudden, severe, or accompanied by unusual symptoms, you may need urgent in-person care. This guide explains how to prepare, what to expect, and when to seek emergency help.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Sudden onset of the worst headache of your life — seek emergency care immediately.
• New weakness, numbness, difficulty speaking, or confusion during a headache — get urgent medical attention.
• Headache with fever, neck stiffness, or after a head injury — go to an emergency department promptly.

What telemedicine can do

• Routine migraine follow-up visits
• Medication adjustments for migraine
• Discussing migraine triggers and lifestyle changes
• Answering questions about migraine management

What telemedicine cannot do

• New or sudden severe headaches
• Neurological symptoms like weakness or confusion
• Headache after head trauma
• Signs of infection such as fever with headache

What is a Migraine?

Migraines are more than just headaches. They often cause throbbing pain on one side of the head and can last from hours to days. Many people experience other symptoms like nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light or sound, and visual disturbances known as aura. Understanding your migraine pattern helps your healthcare provider offer better advice and treatment.

When to Use Telemedicine for Migraine Care

Telemedicine can be very useful for managing migraines, especially for follow-up visits or discussing ongoing treatment plans. It allows you to speak with your healthcare provider from home, saving time and travel. However, telemedicine may not be suitable if you have a sudden, severe headache or new neurological symptoms. In those cases, in-person evaluation is important.

How to Prepare for Your Telemedicine Visit

Before your appointment, gather information to share with your provider:

What to Expect During the Visit

During your telemedicine appointment, your provider will ask about your migraine symptoms and medical history. They may guide you through a simple neurological exam you can do on camera. Based on this, they might adjust your treatment plan or recommend further tests. You can ask questions about managing migraines and discuss lifestyle changes that may help.

When to Seek In-Person Care Immediately

Certain symptoms require urgent medical attention. If you experience any of the following, seek in-person emergency care:

These signs may indicate a serious condition needing prompt evaluation.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a quiet, private space with good internet or phone connection.
• Have a list of your migraine symptoms and how often they occur.
• Prepare details about any migraine triggers you have noticed.
• List current medications and treatments you use for migraines.
• Note any recent changes in your health or new symptoms.
• Have your medical history available to share with your provider.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the treatment plan or medication changes your provider recommends.
• Monitor your symptoms and keep a headache diary if advised.
• Schedule follow-up appointments as recommended.
• Seek in-person care if you develop new or worsening symptoms.
• Contact your provider if you have questions or concerns after the visit.

FAQs

Can telemedicine visits help diagnose migraines?

Telemedicine visits can help your healthcare provider understand your migraine symptoms and history, which often allows for a diagnosis. However, some cases may require in-person exams or tests to rule out other causes.

What should I do if my migraine suddenly gets worse during a telemedicine visit?

If your migraine becomes suddenly severe or you develop new symptoms like weakness, vision changes, or confusion, seek emergency in-person care immediately.

Can I get migraine medications through a telemedicine visit?

Often, yes. Your provider may prescribe or adjust migraine medications during a telemedicine visit if appropriate. Availability depends on local regulations and your medical history.

How can I improve my telemedicine experience for migraine care?

Prepare by gathering your symptom history and medications, choose a quiet place with good connectivity, and have a list of questions ready to discuss with your provider.

Are lifestyle changes important for managing migraines?

Yes. Your provider may discuss triggers like stress, sleep patterns, diet, and hydration. Making lifestyle changes can reduce migraine frequency and severity.

Sources

1. Migraine — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Migraine Overview — Mayo Clinic.
3. Headache Disorders — World Health Organization.
4. When to Seek Emergency Care for Headaches — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

This information is for education and triage only. It is not a substitute for professional medical diagnosis or treatment. If you have urgent or severe symptoms, seek in-person emergency care immediately.