Same-Day Headache Assessment
Same-day private assessment of mild-to-moderate headache and migraine presentations by experienced emergency medicine doctors. Structured red-flag screening per NICE CG150, acute pain management, and clear onward referral when needed.
Adult consultation £110 · child consultation £95. For sudden severe \"thunderclap\" headache, headache with stroke symptoms (face droop, arm weakness, speech difficulty), fever with neck stiffness, or any new neurological symptoms — call 999 immediately.
When We Can Help
Common headache presentations we see same-day. For sudden severe headache or any neurological red-flag features — A&E or 999 directly:
Recurrent migraine that's worse than usual, won't respond to your normal medication, or is more frequent — assessment, alternative pain relief, anti-emetic if needed, and advice on referral for prophylactic management.
A headache that's different from your usual pattern — either new onset, different character, or new associated symptoms — needs proper assessment with red-flag screening.
Pressure-band headache lasting hours to days, often related to stress, posture, or screen time — examination, treatment plan, and lifestyle advice.
Persistent headache in the hours after a knock to the head — assessment per NICE CG176 head injury criteria. See our head injury page.
Severe one-sided pain in characteristic patterns — assessment, acute pain management, and onward neurology referral via Centennial.
Frontal or facial pain with congestion, fever, or postnasal drip — examination to differentiate sinus from primary headache, treatment as appropriate.
Important Safety Information
Some headache presentations are emergencies. Call 999 or attend A&E directly if any of these apply:
Red-flag screening follows NICE CG150 (headaches in over-12s) and Stroke Association FAST guidance. If unsure, call NHS 111.
Call 999Your Visit
Detailed pain history — onset (sudden vs gradual), character (throbbing, pressing, sharp), location, triggers, what makes it better or worse, associated symptoms (visual aura, nausea, photophobia, neurological symptoms), medications tried, family history.
Neurological examination including cranial nerves, motor and sensory function, coordination, gait. Fundoscopy where indicated. Blood pressure check. Structured red-flag screening per NICE CG150 to identify presentations needing urgent imaging or hospital review.
Transparent Pricing
Consultation fee: £110 adult / £95 child — covers full assessment.
Prescription medication (triptans, antiemetics, NSAIDs if needed): private prescription via on-site pharmacy.
Imaging or specialist referral: arranged via Centennial if needed; charged separately by the imaging or specialist provider.
Time on site: typically 30–45 minutes for assessment.
Insurance: detailed receipts provided.
After Your Visit
Common Questions
Sudden severe headache that reaches peak intensity within minutes ("the worst headache of my life"). Headache with stroke symptoms (face droop, arm weakness, speech difficulty). Headache with fever and neck stiffness or sensitivity to light. Headache with vomiting, drowsiness, confusion, or seizure. Headache after significant head injury. Any of these — call 999 immediately.
We don't have CT or MRI on site. If your assessment indicates imaging is needed (suspected secondary headache per NICE CG150), we'll arrange it via Centennial's imaging or transfer to A&E for urgent CT, depending on clinical urgency. For most primary headaches (migraine, tension), imaging isn't routinely indicated — examination plus history is the right level of assessment.
Yes, where clinically appropriate. We'll take a full history, check there are no contraindications (cardiovascular, pregnancy, certain other medications), and prescribe the right triptan for your presentation. We can also issue antiemetics for the nausea that often accompanies migraine. For ongoing migraine management, your GP or a specialist neurologist is the better long-term option.
Yes — that's worth investigating. Progressively worsening headache, especially with new neurological symptoms (vision changes, weakness, balance problems) or that's worse when lying flat or coughing, can indicate raised intracranial pressure. We'd arrange neurology referral or imaging via Centennial, or transfer urgently to A&E depending on the severity of features.
Yes — migraine starts in childhood for many people. Children aged 1 and over presenting with recurrent headache benefit from proper assessment. Most childhood headaches are tension or migraine, but red-flag features matter especially in children. We don't see children under 1; for younger infants with any concerning symptoms, contact your GP, NHS 111, or call 999.
Persistent headache after a head injury needs assessment against NICE CG176 head injury criteria. See our dedicated head injury page for the full pathway. We assess, treat where appropriate, and refer for imaging or hospital admission if red-flag features are present.
Walk In or Book Online
GMC-registered emergency medicine doctors. CQC registered, part of Centennial Medical Care.
Open seven days: Mon–Fri 8am–8pm · Sat–Sun 9am–6pm
Centennial Park, Centennial Ave, Elstree, Borehamwood WD6 3FG · Free parking
Last reviewed: 5 May 2026
Walk in 7 days a week or book online. Payment taken securely at the time of booking.
