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Health & Fitness

Heads Up

National Migraine Centre

Headache Specialists from the UK charity National Migraine Centre discuss everything migraine and headache related. This podcast is set up to help give support and advice to those suffering with this largely misunderstood condition.

Throughout this podcast you will hear from guest speakers and experts in the medical field, as well as from migraineurs themselves sharing their experiences.

Send us your questions or any comments to info@nationalmigrainecentre.org.uk.

The Heads Up podcast is provided for general information only. It is not intended to amount to medical advice on which you should rely or to advocate or recommend the purchase of any product or to endorse or guarantee the credentials or appropriateness of any health care provider. The National Migraine Centre is not responsible for the views of those featured on this podcast and does not endorse, approve, or certify their recommendations or opinions, and information from this podcast should not be referenced in any way to imply such approval or endorsement. No material within this podcast is intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of information provided in this podcast.

Do not begin a new medical regimen, or ignore the advice of a medical professional, as a result of information expressed in this podcast, this website or from any of the sources of information to which we may link. By accessing this podcast, you acknowledge that the National Migraine Centre makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in this podcast. Any hyperlinks or references are provided for your convenience & information only. We have no control over third party websites and accept no legal responsibility for any content, material or information contained in them.

  • 73 episodes
  • Updated June 25

Episodes73

  • May 18, 2021 · 8 min

    Teaser- Season 4

    Heads Up Podcast Season 4 Teaser is here. Our hosts Headache Specialists Dr Katy Munro and Dr Jessica Briscoe are back with an educational and exciting season 4. Send us your questions or any comments to info@nationalmigrainecentre.org.uk. WAYS TO HELP THE PODCAST Subscribe! Spread the word via social media: www.facebook.com/NationalMigraineCentre www.twitter.com/NatMigraineCtr Donate: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/headsup Website: www.nationalmigrainecentre.org.uk/migraine-and-headaches/heads-up-podcast

  • Dec 21, 2020 · 38 min

    Festive Season Special 2020

    This is the Festive Special Episode of our Heads Up Podcast. Dr Katy Munro and Dr Jessica Briscoe are joined by Dr Nazeli Manukyan and Emeritus Professor Paul Booton looking back at 2020 and how it's been for the migraine community. This is the last episode of Series 3. We will be back next year for Series 4. We wish all our listeners a relaxing and enjoyable Festive Break and a Happy New Year! If you have any questions/comments or any topics you would like us to cover in our next series email: info@nationalmigrainecentre.org.uk. WE ARE A CHARITY THERE ARE WAYS YOU CAN HELP THE PODCAST Donate to help us continue to release new episodes: www.justgiving.com/campaign/headsup Subscribe! Spread the word via social media: www.facebook.com/NationalMigraineCentre www.twitter.com/NatMigraineCtr

  • Dec 14, 2020 · 1 hr 37 min

    Migraine, Exercise and Posture

    Headache Specialists Dr Katy Munro and Dr Jessica Briscoe discuss the importance of exercise for migraine. The episode also features Beth Francis and Andy Clark discussing sharing their experience of cold water swimming for migraine. Here are some of the helpful links mentioned in the podcast: NICE guidance on physical activity: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/lifestyle-and-wellbeing/physical-activity/products?Status=Published The Pilates Foundation: https://www.pilatesfoundation.com The British Wheel of Yoga: https://www.bwy.org.uk/ Tai Chi Union: https://www.taichiunion.com/ https://yogawithadriene.com/adriene-mishler/ Beth and Andy's Movie '100 Days of Vitamin Sea': https://www.vitaminseafilm.com/about If you have any questions/comments or any topics you would like us to cover in our future episodes email: info@nationalmigrainecentre.org.uk. WE ARE A CHARITY. Please help us keep going in the following ways: Donate to help us continue to release new episodes: www.justgiving.com/campaign/headsup

  • Nov 30, 2020 · 1 hr 7 min

    Migraine and Work

    Nearly 86 million equivalent work days are lost due to migraine related presenteeism and absenteeism. This episode hosted by headache specialist Dr Katy Munro and Dr Jessica Briscoe featuring Gemma Jolly (Information and Support Services Manager) and Helen Balami (Advocacy Officer) from Migraine Trust discusses various support options that are available for people who suffer with migraine or primary headaches for managing the condition at work. The episode also highlights how employers can best support their employees suffering with this condition. For more information: https://www.migrainetrust.org/ Migraine Trust https://www.migrainetrust.org/living-with-migraine/asking-for-support/help-at-work/ Migraine Trust Work Advocacy Toolkit Advocacy Helpline 0203 9510 150 (option 2) https://ouchuk.org/advice-line OUCH UK https://www.gov.uk/browse/benefits Government benefit information https://www.turn2us.org.uk/ Turn2Us benefits help https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/ Citizens Advice https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/15/section/6 Equality Act If you have any questions/comments or any topics you would like us to cover in our future episodes email: info@nationalmigrainecentre.org.uk. WE ARE A CHARITY. Please help us keep going in the following ways: Donate to help us continue to release new episodes: www.justgiving.com/campaign/headsup Subscribe now!

  • Nov 16, 2020 · 1 hr 12 min

    Men and Migraine

    It's 'MOVEMBER' time to raise awareness and discuss Men's Health. Dr Katy Munro, Dr Richard Wood and Emeritus Professor Paul Booton discuss 'Men and Migraine' in the latest episode of our Heads Up podcast. For more information on mental health: https://uk.movember.com/mens-health/mental-health https://www.samaritans.org/ https://www.papyrus-uk.org/ http://tasc-uk.org/resources/u-can-cope/ http://www.mensmindsmatter.org/ If you have any questions/comments or any topics you would like us to cover in our future episodes email: info@nationalmigrainecentre.org.uk. WE ARE A CHARITY. Please help us keep going in the following ways: Donate to help us continue to release new episodes: www.justgiving.com/campaign/headsup Subscribe!

  • Nov 2, 2020 · 1 hr 9 min

    Migraine and Self Management Strategies

    Dr Katy Munro discusses 'Migraine and Self Management Strategies' in the latest episode of our Heads Up podcast, with special guests Dr Sophie Mitchell, Clinical Psychologist at The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square London and Anne-Marie Logan, Consultant Physiotherapist in Headache at St George's University Hospital and Pre-doctoral fellow with NIHR. Useful Links: https://www.paintoolkit.org/ If you have any questions/comments or any topics you would like us to cover in our future episodes email: info@nationalmigrainecentre.org.uk. WE ARE A CHARITY. Please help us keep going in the following ways: Donate to help us continue to release new episodes: www.justgiving.com/campaign/headsup Subscribe! Spread the word via social media: www.facebook.com/NationalMigraineCentre www.twitter.com/NatMigraineCtr

  • Oct 18, 2020 · 59 min

    Taking Your Migraine To University

    Dr Jessica Briscoe and Emeritus Professor Paul Booton discuss 'Taking your Migraine to University' in the latest episode of our Heads Up podcast. Know more about: What can trigger your migraine? Various prodromal symptoms to look out for Ways to manage your migraine during the course as well exams If you have any questions/comments or any topics you would like us to cover in our future episodes email: info@nationalmigrainecentre.org.uk. WE ARE A CHARITY. Please help us keep going in the following ways: Donate to help us continue to release new episodes: www.justgiving.com/campaign/headsup Subscribe!

  • Oct 5, 2020 · 1 hr 4 min

    Facial Pain: Migraine, Trigeminal Neuralgia and more

    Dr Katy Munro and Dr Jessica Briscoe discuss 'Facial Pain: Migraine, Trigeminal Neuralgia and more' in the latest episode of our Heads Up podcast, with special guest consultant neurologist Dr Giorgio Lambru. For more information: https://fpa-support.org/learn/ https://www.tna.org.uk/ If you have any questions/comments or any topics you would like us to cover in our future episodes email: info@nationalmigrainecentre.org.uk. WE ARE A CHARITY. Please help us keep going in the following ways: Donate to help us continue to release new episodes: www.justgiving.com/campaign/headsup Subscribe! Spread the word via social media

  • Sep 21, 2020 · 59 min

    Migraine in Midlife and Beyond

    Dr Katy Munro and Dr Jessica Briscoe discuss 'Migraine in Midlife and Beyond' in the latest episode of our Heads Up podcast. Also listen to one of our patient sharing their experience in this episode. For more information on health advice in midlife: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/health-wellbeing/ https://www.independentage.org/get-advice/health Giant Cell Arteritis: https://bit.ly/3kwzMms If you have any questions/comments or any topics you would like us to cover in our future episodes email: info@nationalmigrainecentre.org.uk. WE ARE A CHARITY. Please help us keep going in the following ways: Donate to help us continue to release new episodes: www.justgiving.com/campaign/headsup Subscribe! Spread the word via social media: www.facebook.com/NationalMigraineCentre www.twitter.com/NatMigraineCtr

  • Sep 7, 2020 · 1 hr 4 min

    Sleep, Migraine and Cluster Headache

    Dr Katy Munro and Dr Jessica Briscoe discuss 'Sleep, Migraine and Cluster Headache' in the latest episode of our Heads Up podcast, with special guests Dr Alexander Nesbitt, consultant neurologist and sleep physician, and Dr David O'Regan, consultant psychiatrist and sleep physician. For more information: https://britishsnoring.co.uk/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIg7-V2YbU6wIVNYBQBh11TAYxEAAYASAAEgKKO_D_BwE https://sleepcouncil.org.uk/ If you have any questions/comments or any topics you would like us to cover in our future episodes email: info@nationalmigrainecentre.org.uk. WE ARE A CHARITY. Please help us keep going in the following ways: Donate to help us continue to release new episodes: www.justgiving.com/campaign/headsup Subscribe! Spread the word via social media: www.facebook.com/NationalMigraineCentre www.twitter.com/NatMigraineCtr

  • Aug 24, 2020 · 45 min

    Hemiplegic and Retinal Migraine

    Dr Katy Munro and Dr Jessica Briscoe discuss hemiplegic and retinal migraine. Also listen to patient stories of their experiences in this first episode of Series 3. For more information: https://www.nationalmigrainecentre.org.uk/migraine-and-headaches/migraine-and-headache-factsheets/hemiplegic-migraine-an-overview/ https://www.stroke.org.uk/sites/default/files/migraine_and_stroke.pdf https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/retinal-migraine/ https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/10768/familiar-or-sporadic-hemiplegic-migraine If you have any questions/comments or any topics you would like us to cover in our future episodes email: info@nationalmigrainecentre.org.uk. WE ARE A CHARITY. Please help us keep going in the following ways: Donate to help us continue to release new episodes: www.justgiving.com/campaign/headsup Subscribe! Spread the word via social media: www.facebook.com/NationalMigraineCentre www.twitter.com/NatMigraineCtr

  • May 25, 2020 · 46 min

    Migraine Prevention: Neuromodulation Devices

    Dr Katy Munro and Dr Jessica Briscoe discuss neuromodulation devices for the prevention of migraine. Expert advice from special guest, Dr Anna Andreou. For more information on migraine please head to the National Migraine Centre's website: www.nationalmigrainecentre.org.uk If you have any questions/comments or any topics you would like us to cover in our future episodes email: info@nationalmigrainecentre.org.uk. WE ARE A CHARITY. Please help us keep going in the following ways: Donate to help us continue to release new episodes: www.justgiving.com/campaign/headsup Subscribe! Spread the word via social media: www.facebook.com/NationalMigraineCentre www.twitter.com/NatMigraineCtr

  • May 11, 2020 · 50 min

    Migraine and COVID-19

    Dr Munro and Dr Briscoe discuss migraine management during the COVID-19 pandemic. What triggers should you look out for? What medications can you take? What can be done for Cluster Headache management? Further information and resources can be found here: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/getting-help-for-domestic-violence/ https://www.nationalmigrainecentre.org.uk/migraine-and-headaches/migraine-and-headache-factsheets/cgrp-and-anti-cgrp-injections-for-the-prevention-of-migraine/ https://ouchuk.org/ https://www.childline.org.uk/ https://www.samaritans.org/ If you have any questions/comments or any topics you would like us to cover in our future episodes email: info@nationalmigrainecentre.org.uk. WE ARE A CHARITY. Please help us keep going in the following ways: Donate to help us continue to release new episodes: www.justgiving.com/campaign/headsup Subscribe! Spread the word via social media: www.facebook.com/NationalMigraineCentre www.twitter.com/NatMigraineCtr

  • Apr 27, 2020 · 53 min

    Migraine Prevention: Anti-CGRP Injections

    Dr Katy Munro and Dr Jessica Briscoe discuss the anti-CGRP injections used for the prevention of migraine. National Migraine Centre patients discuss their experiences using Ajovy and Aimovig. Further information and resources can be found here: www.bash.org.uk/guidelines/ www.nice.org.uk/guidance/indevelopment/gid-ta10339 www.sign.ac.uk/sign-155-migraine If you have any questions/comments or any topics you would like us to cover in our future episodes email: info@nationalmigrainecentre.org.uk. WE ARE A CHARITY. Please help us keep going in the following ways: Donate to help us continue to release new episodes: www.justgiving.com/campaign/headsup Subscribe! Spread the word via social media: www.facebook.com/NationalMigraineCentre www.twitter.com/NatMigraineCtr

  • Apr 13, 2020 · 1 hr 26 min

    Migraine Care Around the World

    Dr Katy Munro and Dr Jessica Briscoe discuss migraine treatment around the world. They are joined by Drs David Kernick, David Watson, Richard Wood, Louise Rusk and Pyari Bose and Angie Glaser. Please note this episode was recorded before the Covid-19 restrictions were in place. Ajovy is now NICE approved in the rest of the UK, but won't be available on NHS till after lockdown ends. Further information and resources can be found here: www.bash.org.uk/guidelines/ www.sign.ac.uk/sign-155-migraine www.ouchuk.org/ www.migrainetrust.org If you have any questions/comments or any topics you would like us to cover in our future episodes email: info@nationalmigrainecentre.org.uk. WE ARE A CHARITY. Please help us keep going in the following ways: Donate to help us continue to release new episodes: www.justgiving.com/campaign/headsup Subscribe! Spread the word via social media: www.facebook.com/NationalMigraineCentre www.twitter.com/NatMigraineCtr

  • Mar 30, 2020 · 1 hr 25 min

    CSF Leaks

    Dr Katy Munro and Dr Jessica Briscoe discuss CSF Leaks. A patient and advocate discusses her experience of a CSF Leak and Clare Joy, Trustee of the CSF Leak Association talks about their charity and how they can help. Further information and resources can be found here: https://www.csfleak.info/ https://www.csfleak.info/resources/ If you have any questions/comments or any topics you would like us to cover in our future episodes email: info@nationalmigrainecentre.org.uk. WE ARE A CHARITY. Please help us keep going in the following ways: Donate to help us continue to release new episodes: www.justgiving.com/campaign/headsup Subscribe! Spread the word via social media: www.facebook.com/NationalMigraineCentre www.twitter.com/NatMigraineCtr

  • Mar 16, 2020 · 25 min

    Migraine in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

    Dr Katy Munro and Dr Jessica Briscoe discuss migraine in pregnancy and breastfeeding. A patient discusses her experience of migraine in pregnancy. Does migraine get better or worse in pregnancy? What treatment options are available? Is there any supplements that could help? Learn all in this episode. Further information can be found here: https://www.nationalmigrainecentre.org.uk/migraine-and-headaches/migraine-and-headache-factsheets/migraine-in-pregnancy/ https://www.medicinesinpregnancy.org/Medicine--pregnancy/ https://www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/contact-us/helplines/ If you have any questions/comments or any topics you would like us to cover in our future episodes email: info@nationalmigrainecentre.org.uk. WE ARE A CHARITY. Please help us keep going in the following ways: Donate to help us continue to release new episodes: www.justgiving.com/campaign/headsup Subscribe! Spread the word via social media: www.facebook.com/NationalMigraineCentre www.twitter.com/NatMigraineCtr

  • Mar 2, 2020 · 38 min

    Migraine Prevention: Injection Therapies

    Dr Katy Munro and Dr Jessica Briscoe discuss injection therapies used for migraine prevention with special guest, Headache Specialist Dr Naz Manukyan. Learn more about Greater Occipital Nerve Block and Botox for migraine. Find out what these injection therapies are, how they are administered and how they work. Also hear a patient story on their experience trying both of these therapies. GON Block Factsheet: https://bit.ly/2uDe6Rg Botox Factsheet: https://bit.ly/3cjUkuW If you have any questions/comments or any topics you would like us to cover in our future episodes email: info@nationalmigrainecentre.org.uk. WE ARE A CHARITY. Please help us keep going in the following ways: Donate to help us continue to release new episodes: www.justgiving.com/campaign/headsup Subscribe! Spread the word via social media: www.facebook.com/NationalMigraineCentre www.twitter.com/NatMigraineCtr

  • Feb 17, 2020 · 1 hr 7 min

    Cluster Headache

    Dr Katy Munro and Dr Jessica Briscoe discuss Cluster Headache with special guest Professor Paul Booton. What is Cluster Headache? How does it differ from migraine and what treatment options are available for this extremely painful condition? Find out all in this episode. Val Hobbs, trustee of the Organisation for the Understanding of Cluster Headache, shares her experiences and discusses the services OUCH provides for Cluster Headache sufferers. https://ouchuk.org/ If you have any questions/comments or any topics you would like us to cover in our future episodes email: info@nationalmigrainecentre.org.uk. WE ARE A CHARITY. Please help us keep going in the following ways: Donate to help us continue to release new episodes: www.justgiving.com/campaign/headsup Subscribe! Spread the word via social media: www.facebook.com/NationalMigraineCentre www.twitter.com/NatMigraineCtr

  • Feb 3, 2020 · 1 hr

    Migraine: Past, Present and Future

    Dr Katy Munro and Dr Jessica Briscoe speak with Dr Mark Weatherall, Dr Katherine Foxhall and Iszi Lawrence on the past, present and future of migraine. Learn what unusual migraine treatments were used in the past, what options are available currently and what the future holds for migraine. Also hear how attitudes have changed towards migraine over the years. If you have any questions/comments or any topics you would like us to cover in our future episodes email: info@nationalmigrainecentre.org.uk. WE ARE A CHARITY THERE ARE WAYS YOU CAN HELP THE PODCAST Donate to help us continue to release new episodes: www.justgiving.com/campaign/headsup Subscribe! Spread the word via social media: www.facebook.com/NationalMigraineCentre www.twitter.com/NatMigraineCtr