Headache - Whole blood and components

Scenarios

Occasional headache

Discretionary

Accept.

Regular headache

Obligatory

Must not donate if:

Not investigated.

Discretionary

If investigated and diagnosis does not contraindicate donation, accept.

Supporting information

See if relevant

• Cerebrovascular disease and intracranial haemorrhage
• Drugs and platelet donation (drug index)
• Migraine
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Additional information

Headache has many causes and some will require an individual to be deferred. If a person has not been fully investigated for the cause of their headache, they may have an underlying problem that would lead to deferral.

Reason for change:

A ‘See if relevant’ link has been added to the ‘Cerebrovascular disease and intracranial haemorrhage’ entry.

Version:

Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome

Version details:

WB-DSG Edition 203 Release 82 (17 September 2026)