The role of general practitioners in migraine management.

General practitioners (GPs) play a pivotal role in managing migraine and ensuring that patients have a positive first experience when seeking treatment. A large proportion of migraineurs do not consult a GP, preferring to rely on over-the-counter remedies to reduce pain and disability. For those who do consult, receiving a satisfactory outcome at their first consultation is important for ensuring subsequent effective management of their migraine. If patient expectations are not met at their first visit (prescribed treatment is ineffective or GP does not empathize with their suffering), patients may not return for further consultation. There remains a need to improve migraine diagnosis and treatment, and GPs require continuing medical education and neurologist support to ensure that they are providing the best migraine treatments and outcomes. More widespread use of diagnostic tools, standardized management guidelines and individualized treatment regimens will help GPs successfully manage both migraine symptoms and patient expectations.