Migraine Symptoms

Migraine symptoms can manifest in different stages, and not everyone experiences all of them. The typical progression includes:

• The pre-headache stage (prodrome): This stage can begin a day or two before the headache itself. You may notice subtle changes, such as mood swings, food cravings, neck stiffness, or frequent yawning.
• The aura stage: Approximately one in three people who have migraines experience an aura, which can include visual disturbances like flashing lights, zigzag lines, or blind spots. An aura can also cause other sensory changes, such as tingling or numbness.
• The headache phase: This is the most recognisable phase of a migraine. The pain is often described as a throbbing or pounding sensation, which can be moderate to severe. It usually affects one side of the head but can spread to both. During this time, you may also experience nausea, vomiting, and an extreme sensitivity to light (photophobia) and sound (phonophobia).

After the headache subsides, a person may feel drained and exhausted, a stage known as the postdrome.

Treatment options

Treating a migraine involves a two-stage approach: managing an attack when it occurs and taking preventative measures.

Acute treatments

When an attack begins, a person can take medication to stop it. Over-the-counter medicines such as ibuprofen or paracetamol can be effective for mild migraines. For more severe attacks, a doctor can prescribe triptans, a class of drugs that work by constricting blood vessels in the brain to relieve pain and other symptoms.

Preventative treatments

If you have frequent or severe migraines, your doctor may recommend a preventative medicine to reduce the frequency and intensity of your attacks. These medications are taken regularly, often daily, and can include beta-blockers, some antidepressants, or anti-seizure medicines.

In some cases, lifestyle changes such as managing stress, getting regular exercise and identifying triggers can also help.

The role of a neurologist

If you experience migraines that are frequent, severe, or difficult to manage, a consultation with a neurologist is an important step. A specialist can perform a comprehensive assessment to rule out other conditions and confirm a migraine diagnosis. They can then create a personalised treatment plan that may include a combination of medicines and lifestyle adjustments.

Dr Dominic Paviour is a consultant neurologist in London who sees patients with a wide variety of neurological problems, including headaches and migraines. He will take a detailed medical history and perform a physical examination to fully understand your symptoms and help you find a path towards effective management.

You can book an appointment to see Dr Paviour at one of his convenient locations, including Parkside Hospital, HCA Sydney Street, The London Clinic, and One Welbeck. Get in touch to arrange a convenient appointment.

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Getting a Migraine Diagnosis

Migraines can be hard to diagnose. Identifying migraines often relies on the patient keeping a diary of their experiences. Furthermore, this pattern of symptoms is the most effective tool for diagnosing the condition and then finding the right treatment.

Beyond headache and chronic pain, patients with migraines may also experience numbness and discomfort around bright lights and loud noise. Migraines can last from a few minutes to a few hours and can be debilitating.

If your GP is having trouble identifying whether you are suffering from migraines or helping you control the symptoms, then a specialist neurologist is the next step in seeking help. If you cannot get a referral from your GP, then you can consider private healthcare, and Dr Paviour runs a private neurology clinic so you can access the diagnostic treatment and testing you need.

Getting Migraine Treatment London

There are plenty of different options available for treating migraine. Which option is right for you will depend on many factors. Having an experienced neurologist leading your treatment can help you to find the right migraine treatment. Different medications and therapies are available. You can also trial different dosages and combinations until you benefit from less migraines and related symptoms.

One of the first steps may be to have a look at your lifestyle. There are a number of lifestyle factors that can trigger migraines. A conversation with a neurologist may help you identify if any are an issue for you and if there are any changes you can make to reduce the number of attacks you suffer from.

Make an Appointment with Dr Paviour

Dr Paviour treats patients with various neurological conditions including migraine. Booking an appointment is an opportunity to discuss your symptoms. You may also get a migraine diagnosis if you do not already have one. Patients who have diagnosed migraines can also visit Dr Paviour to discuss possible treatment plans and the best approaches to minimising symptoms and attacks.

Get in touch today to arrange your initial consultation.

Image source: pexels

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As an isolated symptom, headaches are very rarely caused by tumours or a ‘serious’ underlying disease. Nevertheless, it can often be a sign of another problem or a treatable condition. Visiting your GP and getting a neurology referral is a natural next step.

Migraines affect around 15% of the UK adult population. In any one day, up to 100,000 people are absent from work or school in the UK. This represents an enormous cost burden to employers as well as being disruptive to day to day life.

Different types of headache

Medical professionals classify headaches in different ways. Primary headaches describes headaches which are not caused by an abnormality such as a tumour or a trigger such as trauma or a head injury. The most common forms of primary headache are migraines and tension headaches.

Migraine

Migraine usually affect one side of the body and brain. Patients experience a severe throbbing pain and also accompanying nausea. The discomfort during a migraine often becomes worse when exposed to bright light or loud noises. Migraines are usually long and drawn out, lasting from a few hours to a few days and there are often other unpleasant symptoms too.

Migraine can also cause nausea and severe pain when presented with bright light. Time off work and rest may be necessary to overcome a migraine.

Tension headaches

Tension headaches are common and affect most people now and again. You do not usually need to visit a doctor for this kind of headache.

However, tension headaches can last over several hours and can be disabling for short periods of time. Over-the-counter medications are generally effective for managing the pain of a tension headache.

Persistent Headaches and Medical Treatment

Visiting a neurologist is a good idea if you regularly experienced unmanageable or chronic headaches. A neurologist can help you determine the cause of your headaches and find an appropriate treatment. Even if you are unable to find a neurological diagnosis for your headaches, you can rule out any more serious neurological conditions.

Dr Dominic Paviour is a consultant neurologist with busy NHS and private practices in London. He advises, treats and supports many patients with neurological conditions and symptoms including headache. You can get in touch to arrange an appointment to discuss your headaches here.

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The National Migraine Centre explain that the word migraine can mean the attack itself.  However, it can also mean the underlying disease that causes the attack. It can occur on one side of the head, swap sides or even be across the whole skull. The pain can be overwhelming and chronic.

Options for Migraine Treatment London

Headache is a common neurological disorder. Migraine, however, is much more complex and debilitating.

Treating migraine usually involves a combination of painkillers and triptans. Some painkillers are not effective in treating migraine and others your body can get used to over time. Therefore, long-term migraine management may mean changing medication over time. Many patients find they feel better when taking aspirin and ibuprofen rather than paracetamol or even codeine. Other stronger versions of ibuprofen in the form of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed by a doctor too. Triptans are not painkillers but are often used in the treatment of migraine. They mimic serotonin in the body and can help to limit the impact of a migraine.

Migraine treatment requires some trial and error. Patients experience their own unique version of the same condition. Therefore, the treatment available differs from patient to patient. Dr Paviour sees many patients with migraine and their treatment plans can differ significantly.

Preventative Migraine Treatment

Preventative treatments for migraine do not work for everyone. However, for others preventative migraine treatments are vital for managing the condition. Some patients take daily medication to prevent the chance of attacks occurring. These medications mainly work on serotonin, and they may take a few months to work. Most patients also keep a migraine diary whilst on preventative medication. This is to measure whether the prevention is worth the additional medication.

Appointments for Migraine with Dr Paviour

Dr Paviour is an experienced, London-based consultant neurologist. He holds clinics at a range of locations for new and returning patients. Patients can discuss their symptoms, migraine occurrences and the right migraine treatment for their situation. Migraine is a complex condition that often requires the input of neurology for an effective treatment plan. If you experience migraine and need additional medical help and support, get in touch with Dr Paviour’s team today.

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Headache is the most common neurological disorder. As an isolated symptom, it is very rarely caused by tumours or a ‘serious’ underlying disease, but it is often still a significant problem for the patient. It affects almost everyone occasionally, becoming a significant problem for an estimated 40% of people in the UK at some time in their lives.

Types of Headaches

A headache is classified as ‘primary’ if there is not a structural abnormality (such as a tumour) or another clear trigger for it such as a head injury. The most common primary headache conditions are migraines and tension-type headaches.

Migraine headaches

Migraine headaches are usually one-sided, severe throbbing headaches with accompanying nausea. The discomfort is worsened by bright light and loud noise. They can last anywhere between four hours and three days. The headache itself is not always the most troublesome symptom.

If in the last three months you have had the following, you have probably had a migraine.

Headache associated with a feeling of nausea
Troubled by bright light
Symptoms limited your ability to work

If you have experienced these symptoms, it is important to seek medical advice from your GP. They may refer you to a neurologist for further investigation.

There are other types of headaches so for more details, simply click here.

Dr Paviour’s Treatment for Headaches

Dr Paviour uses the latest technology to diagnose and find treatment for migraines. He will discuss your symptoms and medical history during your private consultation as well as carry out a physical examination and relevant tests. These might include blood tests, imaging of the nervous system (MRI or CT) and electrical testing of nerves and muscles (EMG) or brain function (EEG).

Dr Paviour sees private patients at:

Parkside Hospital, Wimbledon
HCA Sydney Street, Chelsea
The London Clinic, 116 Harley Street

Dr Paviour is highly rated as a neurologist in London, not only by his peers but most importantly, by his patients. If you need treatment for migraines, then you can make an appointment today to speak to him. Feel free to contact us so we can discuss any symptoms and how Dr Paviour can help.

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With clinics in Chelsea, Wimbledon and Harley Street on various days, Dr Paviour able to offer a range of appointments.

If you need to see a Consultant Neurologist, London, it is important to find a doctor who meets your medical needs. It is also crucial to select a consultant that you are comfortable with and that you can talk to. Diagnosing and treating neurological conditions depends on the doctor getting a good understanding of precisely what you are experiencing.

What Does a Consultant Neurologist Do?

Neurologists manage conditions that affect the coverings of the brain (the meninges). They also have a deep understanding of the blood supply of the nervous system. Furthermore, they are highly trained in the muscles as these are controlled by the nervous system.

A Consultant Neurologist, London, such as Dr Paviour will also diagnose and treat all categories of disease that involve the central, peripheral and autonomic nervous systems.

Dr Paviour has many years’ experience in supporting patients with various medical conditions. These include migraines, multiple sclerosis and epilepsy.

He will undertake an initial consultation to understand the nature of the main symptoms you experience. Using your medical notes, he will review any previous medical problems you may have had and enquire about current and past medical treatments. Dr Paviour may discuss any conditions that run in the family. You will have a physical examination that will focus on the functioning of the nervous system so he has a full picture to be able to diagnose.

Book to see a Consultant Neurologist, London

Dr Paviour graduated in 1998 after training in London, winning the Medical School Gold Medal. Following junior medical jobs in London and at the Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals and passing his MRCP examinations, he returned to London and completed a PhD at the Institute of Neurology. He then completed specialist Neurology training in London.

He is highly rated as a Consultant Neurologist in London, not only by his peers but most importantly, by his patients. If you need to see Dr Paviour, then you can make an appointment today to speak to him.

He welcomes NHS and Private Patients to his various clinics.

Private Patients

Parkside Hospital, 53 Parkside, Wimbledon, London SW19 5NX

HCA, Sydney Street, 102 Sydney St, Chelsea, London SW3 6NR, UK

The London Clinic, 22 Devonshire Place, London W1G 6JA

116 Harley Street, London W1G 6AU,

NHS Practice
Atkinson Morley Regional Neurosciences Centre. This is part of St George’s Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in South West London.

Feel free to contact us here, so we can discuss how we can help.

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As an isolated symptom, it is very rarely caused by tumours or a ‘serious’ underlying disease, but nevertheless, it is often still a significant problem for the patient. It affects almost everyone occasionally, becoming a significant problem for an estimated 40% of people in the UK at some time in their lives.

Migraines affect 15% of the UK adult population and up to 100,000 people are absent from work or school because of migraine on any one day in the UK. This represents an enormous cost burden to employers.

Types of headaches

A headache is classified as ‘primary’ if there is not a structural abnormality (such as a tumour) or another clear trigger for it such as a head injury. The most common primary headache conditions are migraines and tension-type headaches.

Migraine headaches

Migraine headaches are usually one-sided, severe throbbing headaches with accompanying nausea. The discomfort is worsened by bright light and loud noise. They can last anywhere between four hours and three days and the headache needn’t be the most troublesome symptom.

Tension headaches

Tension-type headaches in its ‘episodic’ subtype affects up to 80% of people from time to time and is often referred to as a ‘normal’ or ‘ordinary’ headache. Consequently, most are treated without reference to physicians, using over-the-counter (OTC) medications which are generally effective.

Cluster headaches

Cluster headaches are much less common than migraines or tension headaches but are intense and frequently recurring.

Medication-overuse

Medication-overuse headaches are usually characterised by a chronic daily headache. This is the most common cause of ‘secondary’ headache and often presents in combination with migraines, or mild head or neck injury.
Caffeine overuse or withdrawal and a number of other medical conditions such as anaemia and thyroid problems can also cause headaches.

Dr Paviour’s Treatment for Headaches

Dr Paviour uses the latest technology to diagnose and find treatment for headaches. He will discuss your symptoms and medical history during your private consultation.  He will also carry out a physical examination and relevant tests. These might include blood tests, imaging of the nervous system (MRI or CT) and electrical testing of nerves and muscles (EMG) or brain function (EEG).

Dr Paviour sees private patients at:
Parkside Hospital, Wimbledon
HCA Sydney Street, Chelsea
The London Clinic, 116 Harley Street

If you need treatment for headaches, then you can make an appointment today to speak to him. Feel free to contact us and we will discuss any symptoms and how Dr Paviour can help.

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What Is Amitriptyline?

Amitriptyline was first discovered in the 1930s. It was created as a treatment for anxiety. In high doses, amitryptiline is an effective treatment for depression. In low doses, it is effective at treating some types of pain, including headaches and migraines. It comes as either a tablet or a liquid.

How Does It Work?

Amitriptyline affects the way the body uses serotonin and norepinephrine. These hormones affect both your mood and how you feel pain. By changing the way the body uses these chemicals, it can reduce sensations of pain.

The medicine does not begin to work immediately. It can take up to six weeks to feel the effects if you are taking Amitriptyline for headaches.

What Are The Side Effects?

The most common side effect of Amitriptyline is drowsiness. This means you should only take it in the evening and before bed. Other common side effects include constipation and dry mouth. Correctly managing your medication can minimise any side effects and prevent them entirely. So it is important to work with an experienced neurologist when taking this medicine. For many people, there are no side effects, and for most others, the effects fade over time.

How To Get Amitriptyline For Headaches

To take Amitriptyline, you need a prescription. It is best to work with a neurologist to find the correct dosage and treatment for your headaches.

If you are ready to try a new treatment for your headaches, make an appointment today with Dr Paviour to find out if Amitriptyline is a suitable treatment for your pain.

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What Is Topiramate?

Topiramate is a medicine that is typically used to treat epilepsy. However, research has shown that it is effective at preventing migraines. It works well for chronic migraines, and it doesn’t interact with many other drugs, so it is a good option for many people.

It comes as either a tablet or a capsule. You will usually take two doses a day. It can take up to 3 months of taking topiramate for help with migraines before it becomes effective.

You may not be able to take topiramate if you have kidney, liver or eye problems, or with certain longterm blood disorders. You should speak to your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Topiramate may not be the right choice for you at this time.

What Are The Side Effects?

The side effects of topiramate are usually quite mild. They will often fade over time. The common side effects include nausea, sleepiness, diarrhoea and loss of appetite. Working with your doctor is crucial. This is because they will be able to help you manage any side effects and even prevent them from occurring.

How To Get Topiramate For Help With Migraines

If you want topiramate for help with migraines, then you need a prescription. So, you need to consult with a doctor. Ideally, a neurologist. So, make an appointment today with consultant neurologist Dr Paviour. He is a highly experienced neurologist and will be able to help on your journey to ending the pain of migraines.

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What are Blackouts?

Blackouts (or a transient loss of consciousness) are a temporary loss of consciousness resulting from decreased blood flow to the brain or a momentary loss of consciousness where a person appears ‘absent’. In addition, people may blackout as a result of drinking too much alcohol or certain medications.

What Causes Blackouts?

While blackouts can be scary for the person experiencing them, there is often a simple explanation and nothing to worry about.  For example, they can be caused because a person has been standing for too long or is suffering from stress and anxiety.  However, blackouts can also be caused by more serious problems. For example, they could be the result of a neurological issue such as epilepsy.  In addition, certain medications can also cause people to blackout.

What to Do If You Have Blackouts?

If you experience blackouts, you should speak to your GP or a Neurologist as soon as possible. They will be able to explain ‘what are blackouts?’ and look for the causes.  They will also identify the best treatments for you. For those living in London, people experiencing blackouts can get help from Consultant Neurologist Dr Dominic Paviour. To find out how he can help you, contact him on 020 7042 1850 today to arrange a consultation.

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