How do I know if I have migraine?

Migraine is a brain disease. Symptoms differ from person to person: a throbbing headache (often on one side), nausea, or sensitivity to light and sound. Not every symptom has to be present. This test gives a first indication, but only a migraine specialist can make the diagnosis.

Can the test recognise every form of migraine?

No. Migraine shows itself in many different forms. This test focuses on the most common symptoms, but cannot properly map, for example, migraine without headache, vestibular migraine or hemiplegic migraine. That does not make those forms any less serious. If you do not recognise your symptoms in the test questions but do suspect migraine, contact your GP or The Migraine Clinic.

Is the migraine test reliable?

The test is based on two validated questionnaires that are also used by migraine specialists. It gives a reliable first indication, but is never a substitute for a diagnosis by a migraine specialist.

What can I do with my result?

You see your result on screen straight away. You can email it to yourself and take it with you to support the conversation with your GP. That way you and your GP can decide together what the best next step is.

How many people in the UK have migraine?

About 10 million people in the UK have migraine. According to the WHO, migraine is the number 1 cause of healthy years of life lost among women. Every year, 500 million days are lost to migraine in the UK.

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Take the migraine test

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It takes a few minutes.
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Have your result emailed to you.

Question 1 of 12

Do you often have headaches, or severe headaches?

How does the migraine test work?

The migraine test consists of two scientifically validated questionnaires that are also used by migraine specialists. In a few minutes you gain insight into your symptoms.

Migraine Diagnosis Test

Five yes/no questions that show whether your headaches fit migraine. About how long your attacks last, nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and the impact on your daily activities.

Headache Impact Test (HIT-6)

Six questions about the impact of headache on your life: how severe the pain is, limits on your activities, the need to lie down, tiredness, irritation and trouble concentrating.

Scientifically based

The MDT and HIT-6 are internationally validated questionnaires that are also used by migraine specialists.

Immediate result

Once you have finished, you immediately see an assessment of your symptoms and advice on next steps.

Free and anonymous

The test is completely free. You do not need to enter any details, only if you want to email yourself the result.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if I have migraine?: Migraine is a brain disease. Symptoms differ from person to person: a throbbing headache (often on one side), nausea, or sensitivity to light and sound. Not every symptom has to be present. This test gives a first indication, but only a migraine specialist can make the diagnosis.
Can the test recognise every form of migraine?: No. Migraine shows itself in many different forms. This test focuses on the most common symptoms, but cannot properly map, for example, migraine without headache, vestibular migraine or hemiplegic migraine. That does not make those forms any less serious. If you do not recognise your symptoms in the test questions but do suspect migraine, contact your GP or The Migraine Clinic.
Is the migraine test reliable?: The test is based on two validated questionnaires that are also used by migraine specialists. It gives a reliable first indication, but is never a substitute for a diagnosis by a migraine specialist.
What can I do with my result?: You see your result on screen straight away. You can email it to yourself and take it with you to support the conversation with your GP. That way you and your GP can decide together what the best next step is.
How many people in the UK have migraine?: About 10 million people in the UK have migraine. According to the WHO, migraine is the number 1 cause of healthy years of life lost among women. Every year, 500 million days are lost to migraine in the UK.