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Conditions Guide

Urgent Care for Migraine & Severe Headache

Migraine that won't quit despite OTC meds? Urgent care can give injectable treatments and IV fluids to break the cycle.

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Typical Cost

$200-$400

At urgent care. ER treatment for the same condition typically costs 5-15× more.

Common Symptoms

  • Throbbing or pulsing pain (often one side of the head)
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Sensitivity to light, sound, or smell
  • Visual disturbances (aura)
  • Pain lasting hours to days
  • Worsening with physical activity

How Urgent Care Treats Migraine & Severe Headache

  • Inject migraine-specific medications (toradol, sumatriptan, dexamethasone)
  • Provide IV fluids and anti-nausea medication
  • Quiet, darker exam rooms while you're treated
  • Rule out more serious causes (CT scan referral if suspected)
  • Prescribe medications for future migraines

What to Expect at Your Visit

Migraine treatment at urgent care can be remarkably fast — many patients leave 60-90 minutes later feeling significantly better. The 'migraine cocktail' (toradol, anti-nausea, IV fluids) often breaks even severe migraines. Cost: $200-$400.

Go to the ER (or Call 911) Instead If
  • Sudden, severe 'thunderclap' headache (worst of your life — could indicate aneurysm)
  • Headache with stiff neck, fever, and confusion (possible meningitis)
  • Headache with weakness, numbness, slurred speech, or facial droop (possible stroke)
  • Headache after a head injury
  • First migraine over age 50
  • Seizure with the headache
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Frequently Asked

What is a migraine cocktail?

It's a combination of medications often given via IV in the urgent care or ER setting: an NSAID (like ketorolac/Toradol), an anti-nausea med (like metoclopramide or ondansetron), and IV fluids. It works for many people when oral migraine meds have failed.

How is a migraine different from a tension headache?

Migraines are typically more severe, often one-sided, and include nausea, light sensitivity, and visual changes. Tension headaches feel like a band of pressure around the head and are usually less debilitating. Urgent care can help with both but the treatment differs.

Urgent Care Clinics That Can Help

AFC Urgent Care Miami

0 mi · Miami, FL

Open Now
10-15 min waitWalk-In OK
4.7(1857)
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Concentra Miami

0 mi · Miami, FL

Open Now
30-45 min waitWalk-In OK
4.7(3488)
Flu & Cold TreatmentCOVID TestingFracture CareLab Testing+6 more
AFC Urgent Care Orlando

0 mi · Orlando, FL

Open Now
30-45 min waitWalk-In OK
4.7(763)
Pediatric CareFracture CareFlu & Cold TreatmentSports Physicals+7 more

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911.

This page is general information, not medical advice. Always call 911 for emergencies and consult a qualified healthcare provider for personal medical decisions.