Heads Up

Spotlight Series | Heads Up Podcast

Alexander was two and a half years old when the attacks began. In this episode, he and his mum, Mel, join our host and a headache specialist, Dr Katy Munro, to share what it is like to be a child with cluster headache, from the experience of the excruciating attacks and the fight for diagnosis to navigating treatment and family life.

A rare and important conversation about the impact on the youngest patients.

For more information visit the links below:

• www.nationalmigrainecentre.org.uk
• www.ouchuk.org
• https://www.gosh.nhs.uk/wards-and-departments/departments/clinical-specialties/neurology-information/clinics-and-wards-used-neurology-service/headache-clinic/
• 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.

Spotlight Series | Heads Up Podcast

Cluster headache has been called the most painful condition known to medicine. Comedian and actor Chris Addison, known for The Thick of It and In the Loop, knows that firsthand.

In this episode, he joins our host Dr Katy Munro, Senior GP Headache Specialist at the National Migraine Centre, to share his experience of living with cluster headache.

This is the first of seven Spotlight episodes launching on Cluster Headache Awareness Day, exploring every dimension of the condition, from childhood and pregnancy to the science of what happens in the brain during an attack. Specialist support and effective treatment is available.

For more information visit the links below:

• www.nationalmigrainecentre.org.uk
• www.ouchuk.org
• https://clusterbusters.org/
• https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/headache-cluster/
• OUCH Summer Conference is in Birmingham on June 14th https://ouchuk.org/civicrm/event/info?id=41

*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.

In our final Heads Up episode of the year, our host Dr Katy Munro is joined by GP headache specialist Dr Cyriac Athappilly and Dr Tina Peers, an expert in mast cell activation syndrome, to explore the fascinating and often under‑recognised connection between MCAS and migraine. ​

Together, they unpack how mast cell activity can influence migraine triggers, discuss the shared symptoms that can complicate diagnosis, and share insights on practical approaches to managing both conditions.​

Tune in for an engaging, information‑packed conversation that could shed light on new ways to understand and manage your symptoms.​

Listen and share Heads Up on all leading podcast platforms, and browse our archive for more expert‑led discussions on migraine and headache management.​

From all of us at the Heads Up team, wishing you a restful, healthy and happy festive season.

Useful links:

1. https://www.drtinapeers.com/mcas
2. https://www.nationalmigrainecentre.org.uk

Join headache specialist Dr Katy Munro for part two of this discussion exploring the connections between endometriosis, adenomyosis, and migraine. In this episode, Dr Munro speaks with patient advocate and campaigner Victoria Hardy, who shares her personal journey of living with these conditions. Her story offers an honest account of the challenges of diagnosis, the impact on daily life, and the importance of being heard and believed within the healthcare system.

Together, they consider practical strategies for managing symptoms, the value of integrated care, and the crucial role of awareness and advocacy in improving the experiences of those affected by these often-overlooked conditions.

Connect with Victoria: @ginge_unhinged

For further support and reliable information, visit:

• Endometriosis UK: https://www.endometriosis-uk.org

• Endometriosis Southcoast: https://endometriosissouthcoast.com/

• Endometriosis Foundation UK: https://www.theendometriosisfoundation.org/

• National Migraine Centre: https://www.nationalmigrainecentre.org.uk

Join headache specialist Dr Katy Munro as she hosts a lively conversation with Dr Aziza Sesay from Talks with Dr. Sesay. This episode unpacks the complex connections that migraine has with endometriosis and adenomyosis, conditions that affect women and which are widely misunderstood and overlooked.

Discover how these conditions intertwine, why greater awareness matters, and practical insights to better recognise and manage symptoms. Whether you're living with these challenges or caring for someone who is, this episode offers expert knowledge combined with empathy and real-world guidance.

For further support and information contact Endometriosis UK

More links:

They are not bad words: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSk7lelMQaE

Join Dr Katy Munro, senior GP headache specialist and host of Heads Up, as she welcomes Dr Salwa Kamourieh, consultant neurologist at University College London Hospitals. In this episode, they review the latest advances in neuromodulation treatments for migraine, both non-invasive and invasive including Cefaly, STMS, Nerivio and other innovative devices.

Dr Munro and Dr Kamourieh unpack the evidence on efficacy, practicalities for usage, key patient groups, and the costs and accessibility of these treatments across the NHS and private sector. They also offer insights on best practice for cluster headache and paediatric patients.

For listeners interested in exploring device options, the National Migraine Centre currently offers a 15% discount on the Cefaly Enhanced device via this link: https://www.nationalmigrainecentre.org.uk/news/could-a-device-be-part-of-your-migraine-treatment-plan/

Heads Up is produced by the National Migraine Centre, the UK charity dedicated to improving headache care. If you appreciate our work, please consider supporting us with a donation here.

Useful links:

1. Cefaly: https://bhr.co.uk/
2. Nerivio: https://www.nerivio.co.uk/
3. sTMS Mini: https://eneura.com/about-stms-mini-uk/

In this episode, host headache specialist Dr Katy Munro is joined by Dr Francesca Puledda, consultant neurologist and researcher with a special interest in migraine and complex visual symptoms.

Together, they explore what happens in the brain during aura, how to recognise and understand visual snow syndrome, and why light sensitivity can be such a challenging symptom for people living with migraine.

They also discuss the different types of aura, the latest research, and practical tools that may help, including specialist lenses and filters designed to reduce visual discomfort.

This episode is brought to you by the National Migraine Centre, a charity providing expert care for people with migraine and headache. If you find the podcast helpful, please consider making a small donation to help us keep it going.

Donate here: https://www.justgiving.com/national-migraine-centre

In this first episode of series six of Heads Up podcast, our host Dr Katy Munro is joined by nutritionist Emma Ellice-Flint, a qualified nutritionist with a special interest in migraine and women's health.

Together, they explore the complex relationship between migraine, gut health, and diet—covering everything from common food triggers to allergies, nutritional myths, and practical advice for making confident choices around food.

This episode is brought to you by the National Migraine Centre, a charity providing expert care for people with migraine and headache. If you find the podcast helpful, please consider making a small donation to help us keep it going.

Donate here: https://www.justgiving.com/national-migraine-centre

Learn more about Emma Ellice-Flint's work at https://emmasnutrition.com/about/

Dr Katy Munro is also the author of Managing Your Migraine, a practical guide to understanding and living with migraine. Available here

In this special bonus episode, host Dr Katy Munro is joined by National Migraine Centre's operations director Charlotte Burr, chief executive Dan Tickle, and clinical & communications director Swati Raina, the producer of Heads Up. Together, we reflect on the podcast's six-year journey and the growth of the charity behind it.

We share insights into the clinical services available for people living with migraine and headache conditions, and how National Migraine Centre has become a trusted place for expert advice, treatment options, and long-term support.

Whether you're newly diagnosed or navigating chronic symptoms, this episode highlights how you can access the right help - and why no one should have to suffer alone.

Click to book an appointment Listen to more episodes Support our work

Heads Up – Series 5 Finale Episode

In this extended and festive final episode, Dr Katy Munro, GP and Headache Specialist, explores the crucial role pharmacists play in the migraine and headache treatment journey.

First Half: Our host Dr Katy Munro is joined by experienced prescribing pharmacists David Kelly and Nadeem Shah from North England. They share their insights into supporting people with migraine and headaches, what patients need to know before approaching a pharmacist, and how pharmacists can be a vital first point of contact.

Second half: Dr David Watson, GP Headache Specialist in Aberdeen, and pharmacist Abigail Duthie lead a pharmacy project in Scotland. It highlights the public education campaign. This project was in collaboration with the Migraine Trust & the NHS Grampian.This discussion is tailored to pharmacists, highlighting their essential role in diagnosis and treatment cycles for migraine and headache care.

As we wrap up Series 5, we wish you a wonderful festive season and look forward to returning with Series 6 in the new year. If you'd like to support the podcast, please consider making a small donation https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/headsup and leaving a review on your favourite podcast platform.

Thank you for listening and supporting Heads Up!