Migraine Treatment in Spain: Medical Care and Non-Medical Migraine Relief
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Pedro Yelamo Vera, MD
Licensed Physician No. 484814280 · Official Medical College of Bizkaia (Spain)
Migraine care by video; a prescription only if clinically indicated.
Dr. Pedro Yelamo Vera
Licence No. 484814280 · Urgent, non-emergency care
Common Symptoms
A migraine attack is hard enough at home. Abroad, you may also need advice in English and not know which treatments are available in Spain. Common symptoms of migraine include:
- Throbbing or pulsating headache
- Pain on one or both sides of the head
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sensitivity to light
- Sensitivity to sound
- Visual aura or flashing lights
- Worsening with physical activity
Migraine is more than "just a headache." For many people with migraines, the pain disrupts work, travel, sleep and meals. If you already know your migraine pattern, a video consultation can often help you get the right treatment.
You don't have to figure this out alone
Dr. Pedro Yelamo Vera is an independent, bilingual GP licensed in Spain. Book a 15-minute video consultation in English or Spanish for €50, with a private electronic prescription issued under Spanish law when clinically appropriate.
How We Treat It
The doctor asks about your symptoms, how the attack started and your migraine history. He also checks your medicines, any chance of pregnancy and any warning signs. And he asks whether this attack feels like your usual ones. Treatment may include:
- Treatment to relieve migraine pain during a typical attack
- Anti-nausea treatment when needed
- Migraine-specific medicines when clinically appropriate
- A prevention plan for frequent migraines, based on clinical guidelines
- Practical advice on non-medical migraine relief and your triggers
- A review of how often you use painkillers, to spot medication overuse
Video care is safe and works well for known headache problems that are not urgent, in suitable patients. New or unusual headaches may need an in-person assessment.
Clinical Evaluation & Evidence-Based Protocol for Migraine Treatment
During a telemedicine consultation with Dr. Pedro Yelamo Vera (licensed medical practitioner No. 484814280 at the Official Medical College of Bizkaia), clinical evaluation adheres strictly to evidence-based medical (EBM) standards. The doctor conducts a thorough history, evaluating symptom duration, aggravating factors, prior treatments, and drug allergies to establish an accurate differential diagnosis.
Private Electronic Prescriptions (Receta Médica) Issued Under Spanish Law
When clinically indicated, Dr. Yelamo issues a private electronic prescription (Receta Médica Electrónica Privada) under Spanish law. The digital prescription contains a secure QR verification code accepted at all 22,000+ registered community pharmacies across Spain for immediate medication dispensing.
Itemized Invoices for Travel & Private Health Insurance Reimbursement
After your consultation, you receive an official medical report and an itemized invoice. The invoice shows Dr. Yelamo's licence details and tax ID. You can send it to your travel or private health insurer (such as Bupa, Allianz, Cigna, AXA or a US travel policy) to claim the cost back.
Preparing for Your Online Medical Consultation
Before your appointment, note when your symptoms started and any medicines you have already tried. Have your allergies and your usual prescriptions to hand. For a skin, rash or eye problem, sit in a well-lit room so the doctor can see it clearly.
Clinical Follow-Up & When In-Person Urgencias Are Necessary
Video care works well for common infections, mild sudden symptoms, skin rashes and repeat prescriptions. Some warning signs need emergency care in person: severe shortness of breath, a high fever you cannot bring down, chest pain or a stiff neck. If you have any of them, call 112 in Spain straight away.
When to Seek Immediate In-Person Care
Seek urgent medical attention if you have:
- A sudden "worst headache of your life"
- New weakness, numbness, confusion, or trouble speaking
- Fever with neck stiffness
- Headache after a head injury
- New headache during pregnancy or after delivery
- Persistent vomiting with dehydration
- New severe visual loss or eye pain
Frequently asked questions
Is there non-medical migraine relief?
Yes. Simple steps can help relieve migraine pain, and you can use them alongside any treatment for migraine. At the first sign of an attack, lie down in a dark, quiet room and try to sleep. Put a cold pack on your forehead or neck. Some people prefer a heat pack. Sip water, and eat something if you have missed a meal.
How can I prevent migraines without medicine?
Preventing migraines often starts with a steady routine. Go to bed and get up at the same times, and do not skip meals. Drink water through the day. Keep your caffeine intake steady and go easy on alcohol, a common migraine trigger. Regular exercise and ways to manage stress can also help. Triggers often add up, so a missed meal, poor sleep and stress together may set off an attack.
How do I find my migraine triggers?
Keep a headache diary for at least eight weeks. For each attack, note when it started, how long it lasted and how bad it was. Write down any medicines you took, plus your meals, drinks and sleep. If you have periods, note those too. Common triggers include stress, changes in sleep, missed meals, too little fluid, alcohol and hormone changes. Bring the diary to your consultation.
Can behavioral therapy help with migraine?
Yes, it can help prevent attacks. Relaxation training, biofeedback and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) all have good evidence for preventing migraine. Biofeedback uses a sensor to show body signals, such as muscle tension, so you can learn to relax. These methods have no drug side effects, and you can combine them with medicines. The doctor can discuss whether they suit you.
What is chronic migraine?
Chronic migraine means headaches on 15 or more days a month for more than three months. On at least 8 of those days, the headaches have migraine features. This is the definition in the international headache classification (ICHD-3). Chronic migraine needs a full review and a prevention plan. Taking painkillers too often is a common cause of headaches this frequent.
Can painkillers make migraines worse?
Yes, if you take them too often. Frequent use of painkillers or triptans can make migraine attacks worse and headaches more frequent. Doctors call these medication overuse headaches. If you need pain relief on many days a month, see a doctor. Treatment means stopping the overused medicine with a plan. Headaches may get worse for a short time at first, so a doctor's support helps.
Can migraine be treated online in Spain?
Yes. Many people with a known, typical migraine pattern can be assessed online. New, severe or unusual headaches may need urgent in-person care.
Can I get migraine medication prescribed online?
Possibly. Before treating migraine with medicine, the doctor confirms the diagnosis and checks for any reason a medicine may not suit you. He prescribes only if remote prescribing is safe and appropriate, and he explains the possible side effects.
When should I see a doctor about migraines?
See a doctor if your attacks become more frequent or change pattern, if you need painkillers often, or if pharmacy painkillers do not help. Also ask a doctor before taking any medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
When does a migraine need urgent medical attention?
Get urgent help for a sudden, severe headache, or new weakness, numbness, confusion, trouble speaking or loss of vision. The same applies to fever with a stiff neck, a new headache during pregnancy, or an attack that is clearly different from your usual migraine.
Which pharmacy painkillers help a migraine?
Many people find paracetamol, ibuprofen or aspirin helpful. They tend to work best when taken at the first sign of an attack. Follow the leaflet or ask the pharmacist. Do not give aspirin to anyone under 16. If you need painkillers on many days a month, see a doctor.
Online consultations are for urgent, non-emergency care. In a medical emergency call 112 immediately or go to your nearest emergency department.
Every day · 07:30–20:30One named doctor, from first call to follow-up
Book a secure 15-minute video consultation with Dr. Pedro Yelamo Vera for €50. Appointments every day, 07:30–20:30 (Spain time). For urgent, non-emergency care; in an emergency, call 112.
Book a Video ConsultationPart of Travel Medicine & General Health
Other things I treat, and what I can't treat online
Explore other treatments
Sore Throat Pain Treatment
UTI Treatment in Spain with an English-Speaking Doctor
Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye) Treatment
Yeast Infection Treatment
Sinus Infection Treatment
Cold Sore Treatment