Warden Wood Health Centre

Headache and Migraine Assessment in Markham and Scarborough

Recurring headaches can affect work, family time and your ability to concentrate. A review can help identify the headache pattern, possible triggers and whether investigation is needed. Warden Wood Health Centre can assess non-emergency headache concerns and discuss treatment or referral.

Migraine symptoms and other headache patterns

Migraine can cause moderate or severe head pain, nausea and sensitivity to light or sound. Some people experience an aura, such as temporary visual symptoms. Tension-type headaches, medication overuse, sleep problems and other conditions may cause different patterns.

A new headache or a major change in your usual headaches should be reviewed rather than assumed to be migraine.

How a headache appointment can help

Your doctor asks about frequency, duration, associated symptoms, medications and family history, and performs an examination as appropriate. A headache diary can reveal patterns involving sleep, meals, menstruation or medication use.

Treatment may include suitable medication for an attack, preventive treatment for frequent migraines and changes that support regular sleep and meals. Frequent use of pain medicines can itself contribute to headaches. Scans are not routinely needed for a typical stable migraine pattern with a reassuring examination.

When a headache is an emergency

A sudden, extremely severe headache, or headache with weakness, confusion, fever and stiff neck, or new severe symptoms during pregnancy or after birth needs urgent assessment. Call 911 for stroke-like symptoms.

Headache and migraine FAQs

Can I have migraine without an aura?

Yes. Many people with migraine never experience an aura.

Will I need a brain scan?

The decision depends on the history and examination. Typical migraine does not automatically require imaging.

Can painkillers make headaches worse?

Frequent use of some headache medicines can lead to medication-overuse headaches. Review your use with a clinician.

What should I record in a headache diary?

Note dates, duration, symptoms, triggers, medicines and their effect on daily activities.

Arrange a headache review

Contact Warden Wood Health Centre to discuss non-emergency assessment availability.