Spotlight Series | Heads Up Podcast

What happens in the brain during a cluster headache attack? In this episode, our host Dr Katy Munro is joined by Dr Phil Holland, a leading headache neuroscientist and previous guest expert on the podcast, to dig into the science behind one of the most extreme pain events the human body can experience. They explore why attacks follow such striking seasonal and daily patterns, the relationship between cluster headache and sleep, the role of brain neuropeptides like CGRP and PACAP, and what emerging therapies targeting these pathways could mean for patients. If you have ever wanted to understand the biology behind the pain, this is the episode for you.

For more information please see the links below:

• https://www.kcl.ac.uk/people/philip-r-holland
• https://www.georgeinstitute.org/news-and-media/news/hope-for-cluster-headache-community-as-psilocybin-trial-funded
• https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/headache-cluster/

*Disclaimer*

This podcast episode contains discussions about cluster headaches, including topics that may touch upon sensitive subjects such as mental health and suicide. While we strive to provide informative and supportive content, we acknowledge that these discussions may be triggering for some listeners. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues or experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide, we urge you to seek support from a qualified healthcare professional or your GP. For emergency call 999 helpline immediately. Your mental health and well-being are important, and help is available. Listener discretion is advised.

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.