This guide is general information, not medical advice. Medicines and treatments must be prescribed or recommended for you by a doctor or pharmacist. We do not give doses here.
Related guides: Cluster headache, Chronic migraine.
What it is
Hemicrania continua causes a continuous, mild to moderate headache on one side, with flare-ups of severe pain. During flare-ups, people may get a watery or red eye, a runny or blocked nose, or a drooping eyelid on the same side, and sometimes migraine-like sickness and sensitivity.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis is usually confirmed by a supervised trial of an anti-inflammatory medicine called indomethacin. The dose is increased over days to weeks while you keep a careful headache diary. If the headache goes away, that supports the diagnosis.
Treatment
Indomethacin is the main treatment, usually with a medicine to protect the stomach. Not everyone can take it long term, and there are other preventive options a specialist can discuss. There is no cure, but the condition can usually be controlled.
When to get urgent help
Call 999 if you have
- you vomit blood, or have black, tarry stools and feel faint or unwell
- a sudden, extremely bad headache
- weakness, numbness or slurred speech
Call NHS 111 if
- your headache changes or becomes much worse
- you have stomach pain while taking indomethacin
See your GP if
- you have a constant one-sided headache
- you can't tolerate your treatment
Work and your workspace
Migraine can count as a disability under the Equality Act 2010 (the Disability Discrimination Act in Northern Ireland) if it has a substantial, long-term effect on your everyday life. Conditions that come and go still count, and the law looks at how you would be without treatment. If it applies, your employer must make reasonable adjustments.
Adjustments that often help
- Flexible hours and working from home on bad days
- Regular short screen breaks
- A quiet, dark place to rest and take medicine
- Time off for appointments
- Flexibility over migraine-related absence
A migraine-friendly workspace
- A chair with good lumbar and neck support
- A desk big enough to put your screen at arm's length
- Screen raised so the top is at eye level
- A flicker-free monitor with an anti-glare or blue-light filter
- Lighting without flicker or glare, and blinds to control daylight
Access to Work can pay towards equipment and support. Acas and Citizens Advice give free advice on your rights.
How The Beyond Pain Foundation can help
If NHS waits are too long, or the help you need is not available to you on the NHS, we may be able to fund:
- A private consultation with a headache specialist to confirm the diagnosis and supervise treatment
- Travel to specialist appointments
- Workspace equipment that reduces triggers during flare-ups
Every award depends on your situation and the funds we have that month. A letter from your doctor, a headache diary and a written quote all help your application.
Support and sources
The Migraine Trust
Information and support service
Information on every type of migraine, a free information and support service, and advice on treatment and work.
migrainetrust.orgNational Migraine Centre
Charity headache clinic
Specialist appointments in person and online, including routine appointments for a voluntary donation, plus free factsheets.
nationalmigrainecentre.org.ukNHS
Health information
Symptoms, treatment and when to get help with migraine and headache.
nhs.uk/conditions/migraineSources for this guide
Written in our own words from the sources above. Last reviewed: October 2026. Figures can differ between sources; where they do, we give the range.