Heads Up

National Migraine Centre
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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.

  1. 23 HR AGO

    Ep 6. When pain meets the Law

    Spotlight Series | Heads Up Podcast Cluster headache can affect every part of a person's life, including their rights at work. In this episode, our host Dr Katy Munro is joined by Mike Smalley who has had Cluster Headache since the age of 14. Drawing on his experience as a former union representative, Mike discusses what the Equality Act 2010 means for cluster headache patients as this is recognised as a disability and what protections are available. Mike is an admin on a patient support forum. For more information:  http://www.facebook.com/groups/clusterheadacheuk https://ouchuk.org/reasonable-adjustments 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.

    37 min
  2. Ep 5. Searching for Answers

    3 DAYS AGO

    Ep 5. Searching for Answers

    Spotlight Series | Heads Up Podcast Isobel West has lived with cluster headache since the age of fifteen. Misdiagnosed for years and left to advocate for herself, she eventually found her way to the correct diagnosis at twenty-one. Now she is channeling that experience into a PhD at Kings College London, investigating the brain mechanisms behind the condition through studying human post-mortem brain tissue donated by individuals who lived with cluster headache and generously donated their brains to research, in collaboration with King's College London. In this episode, she joins our host, Dr Katy Munro, to talk about what it means to be both a patient and a researcher, why diagnosis takes so long, and what her work could one day mean for others living with cluster headaches. https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/headache-cluster/ https://ouchuk.org/advice-line *The reference to the study Isobel quoted is here: Frederiksen HH, Lund NL, Barloese MC, Petersen AS, Jensen RH (2020) Diagnostic delay of cluster headache: A cohort study from the Danish Cluster Headache Survey. Cephalalgia 40(1):49–56. 10.1177/0333102419863030.  DD of 18.8 years in age of onset below 20 yrs DD of 5.4 years in age of onset 20-40 yrs DD of 2.1 years after 40 yrs.* *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.

    48 min
  3. Ep 4. What's Going on in the Brain?

    5 DAYS AGO

    Ep 4. What's Going on in the Brain?

    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.

    41 min
  4. Ep 3. Navigating Adolescence

    6 DAYS AGO

    Ep 3. Navigating Adolescence

    Spotlight Series | Heads Up Podcast Frederick was eleven when diagnosed with cluster headache. Now seventeen and heading to university, they join our host Dr Katy Munro alongside their mum Rachael, OUCH's Officer for Children and Young People, to talk about growing up with one of the most painful conditions known to medicine, sharing tips on how they manage and information about support for families.  For more information visit the links below: www.nationalmigrainecentre.org.uk https://ouchuk.org/advice-line 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.

    55 min
  5. Ep 2. The Youngest Patients

    23 MAR

    Ep 2. The Youngest Patients

    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.

    29 min
  6. Ep 1. Cluster Headache, Chris Addison shares his story

    21 MAR

    Ep 1. Cluster Headache, Chris Addison shares his story

    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.

    48 min
  7. Mast cell activation syndrome and migraine

    23/12/2025

    Mast cell activation syndrome and migraine

    *:first-child]:mt-0"> 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: https://www.drtinapeers.com/mcas https://www.nationalmigrainecentre.org.uk

    1hr 13min

  8. 31/10/2025

    Endometriosis and migraine- a personal story (Part2)

    *:first-child]:mt-0"> 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: p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Endometriosis UK: https://www.endometriosis-uk.org p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Endometriosis Southcoast: https://endometriosissouthcoast.com/ Endometriosis Foundation UK: https://www.theendometriosisfoundation.org/ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> National Migraine Centre: https://www.nationalmigrainecentre.org.uk

    44 min
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About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    National Migraine Centre
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    70
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © This Heads Up podcast and its content is copyright of the National Migraine Centre 2022. All rights reserved. Any redistribution or reproduction of part or all of the contents in any form is prohibited other than the following: We welcome you to download
  • Show Website
    Heads Up

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