Do not wait with a sudden severe headache
A sudden, extremely severe headache, new weakness or speech difficulty, confusion, loss of consciousness, or a headache with fever and a stiff neck needs urgent medical care. Call 111 for emergency assistance.
First, know which headache you are dealing with
Migraine, tension-type headache and other causes of head pain are not interchangeable. If headaches are new, changing or not yet assessed, a GP assessment helps guide the next step.
Do not change prescribed medicines or delay investigation because you are considering acupuncture.
How can acupuncture fit into headache care?
For recurring migraine or tension-type headaches that have been assessed, acupuncture is an option to discuss alongside your current care. The appointment focuses on how often headaches happen, how long they last and their effect on sleep, work and daily life.
Bring your headache record and current medicine details so changes can be tracked and the plan reviewed. Follow your clinician’s medicine advice; a sudden severe headache needs medical care first.
What is worth recording?
Keep a simple record of when headaches occur, how long they last, associated symptoms, medicines used and whether you miss work or usual activities. Include any pattern around your period if relevant.
This gives your healthcare team more useful information than trying to remember whether last month was “bad”. The record can also help review whether a change in care is making a practical difference.
What would an appointment focus on?
Bring the diagnosis and treatment plan you already have, plus your headache record. Discuss what you want to change, your health history and your preferences about needles.
Care should be reviewed against a clear goal rather than continuing indefinitely without benefit. If the pattern changes, medical reassessment may be needed.