Referrals to specialist for migraine - recommendations please?

[ScrambledSmegs]

After several months of migraines that have increased in frequency and severity to the point that they are pretty much ruining my life (and marriage), I've decided to see a private neurologist/migraine specialist. My GP has agreed.

I'd love to hear from you if you've seen a migraine specialist and live in the East of England (Chilterns/NW Herts mostly) or London. Would you recommend the consultant you saw?

We're currently looking at the Spire in Harpenden but neither neurologist there lists migraine as a specialism, although they do list headaches.

I know it's going to be expensive, but I can't seem to get a referral without going private, despite the NICE guidelines, and I'm desperate .

Sorry if that's garbled, I'm a bit groggy from some new medication.

National migraine centre in London. They are amazing. Had a video consultation and they sent a care plan to my GP which has been amazing. It is a charity so if you can't afford their fee you can pay less.

You can also self refer

Oh that looks great! THank you so much. Do they look into stuff like stroke-risk too? My GP just brought that up today as there is a possibility that this has all been triggered by a TIA.

Sorry to ask, struggling to read! DH is going to have a look at the website for me.

@ScrambledSmegs I'm not sure, but worth giving them a call, they were really helpful and if they are unable to help they may know who could.

@Orangesandlemons82 thank you so much. They're extremely busy right now, as I'm sure everyone is, but hopefully they will get back to me soon. In the meantime I've also got a prescription for preventative meds and a referral to a neurologist that's been recommended as well, basically I'm throwing everything at migraines because I can't carry on like this!

@ScrambledSmegs migraines are so debilitating. If you find that preventative medication isn't affective there are lots of others so do persevere. What are you taking when the migraine attack starts?

UCL neurology hospital for stroke/tia clinic and London Clinic for private neurologist

I was finally given Imigran Nasal Spray as I throw up too much to take oral meds.
It literally switches the migraine off.

I had tried the preventatives to no avail. Also
I get fewer attacks since I had this to use. Far fewer

I’ll send you a PM.

Thank you everyone. Didn't realise there were more posts, sorry for late return. You've all been so helpful

@ScrambledSmegs who did you see in the end? Another desperate sufferer. I have seen one neurologist who after consultation just left me and didn’t do anything, seen endocrinologist who again didn’t do anything did blood tests and found some hormone levels elevated, but again didn’t have a clue about my migraines. Who did you see in the end? Did it/they helps? Thanks so much