Migraines & Headaches
Migraine headaches can affect your work, sleep, and quality of life. As a trusted migraine clinic in Preston, our GP, Dr Faizal, takes the time to understand your symptoms, identify triggers, and provide treatment tailored to your migraine type.
Same-day appointments · Tailored to your migraine type · No referral needed
What is a migraine?
Around 10 million people in the UK live with migraine, according to NICE. It is a neurological condition and more than just a bad headache. Migraine causes episodes of moderate to severe headache, along with other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light, sound, or smells. The pain may last between 4 hours and 3 days, affecting daily life.
A regular headache usually resolves on its own and is not a sign of something serious. A migraine is different and may need a GP consultation in some cases. If you are unsure or your migraine headaches are not settling, have a same-day GP consultation to get relief and expert guidance.
Reviewed by Dr Faizal Secretary, MRCGP · GMC 7606534
The main types of migraine
Migraine with Aura
Visual or sensory warning signs (flashing lights, zigzag patterns, or tingling) appear shortly before the migraine headache starts.
Migraine without Aura
The most common type of migraine, with no clear warning signs beforehand.
Ocular Migraine
Visual disturbances such as flashing lights, blind spots, or temporary vision loss, sometimes with little or no head pain.
Vestibular Migraine
Dizziness, balance problems, or a spinning sensation, which can occur with or without a headache.
Hemiplegic Migraine
A rarer form causing temporary weakness or numbness down one side of the body. Prompt assessment is required.
Dr Faizal identifies the type of migraine you have and provides treatment accordingly. For more details, see the Migraine Trust.
What causes migraines?
There is not always a single answer to what causes migraines, but several common triggers tend to come up again and again:
- Stress, tiredness, or disrupted sleep
- Dehydration or missed meals
- Hormonal changes, including around periods (menstrual migraine)
- Certain foods or drinks, including caffeine and alcohol
- Bright lights, strong smells, or loud noise
- Overuse of painkillers
Similar things often cause everyday headaches. If you keep having migraines or headaches and cannot find the trigger, consulting a GP is essential.
Migraine symptoms
According to the NHS migraine guide, there is a set of symptoms including:
- Throbbing headache, often on one side of the head, which may increase while moving
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sensitivity to sound and light
- Warning signs such as visual problems, dizziness, tingling or numbness (an aura)
An aura should not last for more than one hour. If it does, consult your GP as soon as possible.
When to see a GP for migraine
According to the NHS, see a GP if you have:
- Frequent or worsening migraines
- More than one migraine each week
- You have not found any pain relief
- Migraines around your periods
- Headaches that affect your daily life, causing fatigue and tiredness
- New or changing migraine symptoms
Seek urgent medical help if there is:
- A sudden, severe headache
- Weakness, numbness, or difficulty speaking
- Loss of vision or double vision
- A headache with a high temperature, stiff neck, or rash
- A headache after a head injury
- A migraine lasting more than 72 hours
If you cannot make it to the clinic, book a GP home visit.
How Dr Faizal can help with migraine
Understand Your Symptoms
Dr Faizal discusses your migraine symptoms, headache pattern, medical history, lifestyle, and possible triggers to understand what may be causing your headaches.
Assess & Investigate
Where appropriate, he carries out an examination and may arrange blood tests or other investigations to rule out underlying causes.
Migraine Treatment
Based on your assessment, you receive a tailored plan. This may include lifestyle advice, NICE-approved migraine medication where clinically appropriate, and guidance on managing triggers.
Ongoing Care & Referral
Your progress is reviewed through follow-up appointments, and if needed, Dr Faizal can arrange a specialist referral where clinically appropriate.
Where appropriate, Dr Faizal may arrange blood tests or other investigations to rule out underlying causes.
Migraine treatment at My Private Clinic
There is no single treatment that works for everyone, so migraine relief often takes some trial and adjustment. Options that may be discussed following assessment include:
Acute Treatment
Painkillers or migraine-specific tablets taken at the onset of an attack to shorten it or reduce its severity.
Preventative Treatment
Daily medication is considered where migraines are frequent or significantly affecting quality of life.
Lifestyle & Trigger Management
The GP will guide practical, sustainable changes around sleep, hydration, diet, and stress.
Migraine Home Remedies
Simple measures such as resting in a dark room, applying a cold compress, and staying hydrated can help alongside medical treatment, but are not a substitute for assessment.
Once you have your prescription and guidance, you can always follow up via a video consultation.
Had a really good experience. The doctor was friendly, patient and easy to talk to. He listened carefully, explained everything clearly and provided exceptional fast service. It was simple and stress-free. Really appreciate the help and professionalism. Highly recommend!
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I came across Dr Secretary's private clinic when searching for private, local to me, Preston GP appointments. I was immediately impressed by the flexibility of appointments available, ease of booking, and the information on Dr Secretary's website. I could tell Dr Secretary was the type of clinician to actually listen to his patients and offer valuable professional insight. I booked a last minute same day appointment for my daughter, as the pre booked NHS appointment was weeks away; and as I had suspected Dr Secretary was patient, thorough and very attentive. He listened to all concerns, asked all the appropriate questions, carefully weighing up possibilities and options, and was very transparent throughout the entire appointment. He put my mind at ease, with initial concerns, and recommended suitable next steps which have been very helpful. I would thoroughly recommend Dr Secretary to anyone looking for a reliable, attentive and professional private GP, and we certainly won't hesitate to book again. Many thanks on behalf of myself and my daughter.
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Great service. Excellent times that work around a busy lifestyle. Dr secretary is thorough, caring and good bedside manner. Nice to have a GP that you can see consistently at a convenient time. Would reccommend. Ample parking also
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After receiving inadequate care elsewhere, I was left extremely concerned about my health. I contacted My Private Clinic, and Dr. Faizal responded to an at-home call-out within an hour. His prompt action, thoroughness, and genuine care completely turned my situation around. He is an outstanding doctor, and I am incredibly grateful for his support. Highly recommended!
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Working with My Private Clinic has been a wonderful experience. I needed a doctor to see my mother at home quickly. Her regular GP was not available and so we contacted Dr Secretary who came to visit at home the very next day. He has been in constant contact with me throughout the visit and beyond providing very valuable information and support. He’s wonderful to work with and I can fully recommend Dr Secretary and My Private Clinic
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Your headache specialist at our migraine clinic in Preston
Dr Faizal Secretary is a GMC-registered GP based in Fulwood, Preston. He trained in the UK, holds a medical degree from the University of Manchester, and a BSc with Distinction from Imperial College London. Whether you have recently developed migraines or have struggled with them for years, Dr Faizal provides thorough assessment, clear advice, and ongoing support tailored to your individual needs.
BSc (Hons) · MBChB · MRCGP · GMC 7606534 · CQC Registered · Seeing patients in Preston since 2017
Why choose My Private Clinic for migraine treatment?
Named GP Every Time
Dr Secretary personally assesses and prescribes. Not a locum, not remote.
CQC-Registered
Independently regulated by the Care Quality Commission.
Same Day Available
Appointments are often available the same day. Call or WhatsApp to check.
Evenings & Weekends
Mon to Thu 5 to 8pm, Friday 9am to 8pm, Saturday 9am to 1pm.
FAQs about migraine headaches
How do you get rid of a migraine fast?
There is no guaranteed quick fix, but resting in a dark room, staying hydrated, and taking an appropriate painkiller early in the attack often helps. If migraines keep happening or are not responding to simple measures, a GP assessment can help find a more effective approach.
What are the main reasons for a migraine?
Common triggers include stress, poor sleep, dehydration, hormonal changes, certain foods or drinks, and skipped meals, often in combination rather than just one cause.
How do migraines affect your life?
For some people, migraines are occasional and manageable; for others, frequent or severe attacks disrupt work, sleep, and daily life. If that sounds familiar, it is worth having them properly assessed.
Does ibuprofen help with a headache?
For many people, ibuprofen can help with mild to moderate headache pain. It is not suitable for everyone, and it is not always the right choice for migraine specifically. A GP can advise on the most appropriate option for you.
Why am I suddenly getting ocular migraines?
New visual symptoms, even without pain, should be assessed rather than assumed to be migraine. Dr Faizal can help establish whether it is ocular migraine or something else that needs a closer look.
Do I need a referral to see a headache specialist?
No, you do not need a referral and can book directly with Dr Faizal for a new or ongoing headache or migraine concern.
Can Dr Faizal prescribe migraine medication?
Yes, after the assessment and where clinically appropriate, Dr Faizal can prescribe both acute and preventative migraine medications.
What happens if my headaches need specialist input?
Dr Faizal will explain what is recommended and refer you to an appropriate specialist headache clinic or neurologist where clinically appropriate.
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Mon–Thu 5–8pm · Friday 9am–8pm · Saturday 9am–1pm.
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Address
Fatima Health Centre
228 Garstang Road
Fulwood, Preston
PR2 9QB
Phone & WhatsApp
Opening Hours
Mon–Thu 5–8pm
Friday 9am–8pm
Saturday 9am–1pm
Areas We Serve Across Preston & Lancashire
My Private Clinic is based in Fulwood, Preston and sees patients from across Lancashire. Choose your nearest area for travel information and local details.