Podcast
Heads Up
Hosted by National Migraine Centre · EN
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.
27episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Endometriosis and migraine- a personal story (Part2)
Oct 3100:43:33Tap to summarize*: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
Transcribe →Endometriosis, Adenomyosis & Migraine - exploring the links. Part 1
Oct 2400:45:09Tap to summarizeJoin 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
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Neuromodulation for migraine treatment: Latest update
Sep 2600:58:54Tap to summarizeJoin 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: Cefaly: https://bhr.co.uk/ Nerivio: https://www.nerivio.co.uk/ sTMS Mini: https://eneura.com/about-stms-mini-uk/
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Aura, visual snow and light sensitivity: making sense of migraine symptoms
Jul 4, 202500:57:39Tap to summarizeIn 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
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Nutrition, Gut Health and Migraine: What's the Link?
May 16, 202501:01:17Tap to summarizeIn 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
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Bonus episode: Celebrating six years of Heads Up
May 7, 202500:25:05Tap to summarizeIn 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
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Ep 12. Migraine and the role of pharmacists
Dec 20, 202401:31:03Tap to summarizeHeads 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!
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Ep 11. Understanding ADHD in people with migraine – Part Two
Nov 13, 202400:34:20Tap to summarizeIn part two of our ADHD and migraine series, Dr Katy Munro speaks with Dr Gilly Kahn, a clinical psychologist and ADHD advocate, who shares her personal journey and professional insights. As a therapist, writer, and mother, Dr Kahn brings a unique perspective on navigating life with ADHD, both for herself and her clients. This episode offers a heartfelt look at the experiences of those with ADHD and migraine, shedding light on challenges, resilience, and helpful strategies. Recommended reading: ADHD 2.0 by Dr. Edward M. Hallowell and Dr. John J. Ratey, and Understanding Girls with ADHD by Kathleen Nadeau, Ellen Littman, and Patricia Quinn. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider reviewing us on Apple Podcasts and sharing it with friends and family!
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Ep 10. Understanding ADHD in people with migraine – Part One
Nov 6, 202401:19:17Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Headache Specialist Dr Katy Munro speaks with Dr Helen Read, a former NHS Consultant Psychiatrist and ADHD specialist with over 30 years of experience. Dr Read shares her professional insights from years in the NHS and her recent journey with her own ADHD diagnosis. As a mother of two sons with ADHD and autism, she brings a deeply personal perspective to the challenges of navigating both ADHD and migraine. This is part one of our ADHD series—join us next week for a powerful patient experience in part two! If you enjoyed this episode, please review us on Apple Podcasts and share it with friends and family. WE ARE A CHARITY Please help us keep going in the following ways: Please donate to help us continue to release new episodes: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/headsup
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Ep 9. CSF Leak - Symptoms, diagnosis & treatment
Sep 9, 202400:53:28Tap to summarizeNew podcast episode is out now! Our host and headache specialist Dr Katy Munro speaks with Dr Deborah Kerr, a GP and fellow headache specialist, and Dr Bernadette Hard, to explore their personal experiences with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks. Dr Hard, a GP and trustee of the CSF Leak Association, shares her inspiring recovery journey and how she’s channelling her experience into action by taking on an extraordinary challenge—a wing walk on Friday the 13th of September to raise funds for a CSF leak registry. Meanwhile, Dr Kerr opens about her ongoing struggles with the condition, highlighting just how difficult and life-altering CSF leaks can be. Together, their stories shed light on the often misunderstood and under-recognised impact of this condition. For more information on CSF leaks and how to get involved, visit the CSF Leak Association.
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