Headaches

(asked on 25th July 2019) - View Source

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the potential effect on demand for NHS services of self-administering treatments for migraine.


Answered by
Caroline Dinenage Portrait
Caroline Dinenage
This question was answered on 4th September 2019

No assessment has made of the potential effect on demand for National Health Service services of self-administering treatments for migraine.

Many patients with migraine can be successfully supported and managed through routine primary and secondary care pain management services and through the use of over-the -counter medicines. However, it is important that patients with the most serious pain management issues are able to access specialist care.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guideline, ‘Headaches: Diagnosis and management of headaches in young people and adults’, published in 2012 and updated in 2015, sets out evidence based best practice for healthcare professionals in the care, treatment and support of people who suffer from migraines.

The guideline includes specific information on the management of migraines to either stop or prevent attacks, such as the prescribing of medications including analgesics, triptans and anti-emetics (as recommended in NICE's guideline on headaches in over 12s).

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