06/10/2026
Many candidates lose marks on migraine stations because they give a list of drugs instead of a plan.
Examiners want to hear two clear stages. The first is immediate management, for the attack she is having now. The second is long-term management, to stop the next one.
For the attack: stop the combined pill, give simple analgesia with an antiemetic, and step up to a triptan if needed. Pair that with non-drug advice, such as resting in a dark, quiet room.
For the long term: decide whether she needs prophylaxis. More than 2 episodes a month, or frequent use of painkillers or triptans, is your cue to offer propranolol, pizotifen or amitriptyline. Then work on triggers. Coffee, cheese, alcohol, dehydration, stress, poor sleep, missed meals and periods are all common ones, and regular sleep and meal routines help.
Finish with review, referral, red flags and reading material, so the examiner sees safety-netting.
Swipe through the carousel, save it for revision, and learn to answer every management station this way in the AMC Clinical Course. Join now at www.emergencyfocus.net/amcclinical
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