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: Chronic migraine, Medication overuse headache.
What it is
Status migrainosus is a migraine attack lasting more than 72 hours, despite treatment. It can leave you dehydrated, unable to eat or sleep, and very low.
What to do
- Keep drinking fluids, in small sips if you feel sick
- Rest in a dark, quiet room
- Don't keep taking more painkillers than the label allows
- Contact your GP, specialist or NHS 111 if the attack passes 3 days
Treatment
Doctors have several ways to break a prolonged attack, including different medicines, anti-sickness medicine and fluids. A nerve block injection at the back of the head can help. Severe cases may need hospital treatment. Afterwards, ask about preventive treatment to lower the chance of another.
When to get urgent help
Call 999 if you have
- a sudden, extremely bad headache that peaks within minutes
- weakness, numbness or a drooping face on one side, or slurred speech
- sudden loss of sight
- confusion, drowsiness or a seizure (fit)
- a high temperature with a stiff neck or a rash
- a headache after a head injury
Call NHS 111 if
- an attack has lasted more than 3 days
- you can't keep fluids or medicines down
See your GP if
- you've had a prolonged attack and want to review your treatment
- prolonged attacks keep happening
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 specialist appointment to review treatment after prolonged attacks
- Nerve blocks from a qualified specialist when the NHS wait is too long
- Support to agree a return-to-work plan after a long attack
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.