Migraine

For most people, a headache happens occasionally and can be quickly cured with something to eat, a short rest or a couple of painkillers.

Migraine can be a seriously disabling problem and although it cannot be cured we can treat it effectively. SelectGP can offer a range of therapies to either treat migraines when they happen, to prevent most of the attacks, or, if necessary, both.

Book a consultation with us to diagnose that it really is migraine and to see which therapies would be best for you. Therapies can include medicines, lifestyle changes, changes to your existing medication, or complementary therapies such as acupuncture or cranial osteopathy. All these and more are available on site at SelectGP.

The more interesting migraine treatment is BOTOX! Injections of botulinum toxin has been used by doctors to treat migraine for years, but it is not available on the NHS. A series of tiny injections is made across the upper forehead, temples and occiput (back of the head). The treatment can completely stop migraine attacks in 60% of cases and improves them in 40%. It lasts approximately four months.

Migraines

Migraines are much more than just a headache. The Migraine Action Association says that migraines are the most common neurological (nerve-related)condition in the developed world. They affect more than 15% of the UK population. Around two-thirds of migraines are in women. Migraines affect more people than diabetes, epilepsy and asthma combined.

Attacks, which can last from 4 to 72 hours, can be completely disabling, and can prevent people from carrying out their usual activities for up to three days. Even when they don't have symptoms, people affected may live in fear of the next attack.

There is no cure for migraines, but it is possible to control them with a range of treatments. However, what's successful for one person may not work for another, so it's important to keep trying different treatments until you find one that works for you.

Around 10% of people who have migraines also experience aura symptoms. These are disturbances that start 15 minutes to an hour before the headache. They can include blind spots, flashing lights, zigzag patterns, tingling, pins and needles, or numbness in the limbs.

Abdominal Migraines

Abdominal migraines often occur in children. They cause recurrent attacks of abdominal pain lasting for several hours. When the child reaches adolescence, this often changes to the more common migraine pattern.

Triggers

Migraines are believed to be caused by the release of a chemical called serotonin into the bloodstream, resulting in changes in the brain. Exactly what causes this to happen is still a subject for research and debate. However, certain factors that can trigger attacks in susceptible people have been identified. These include:

• emotional stress, such as anger, tension or shock
• physical stress, such as overexertion or travelling
• diet, such as infrequent meals, alcohol (especially red wine) or additives
• environmental causes, such as supermarket lights, computer screens, smoking or loud noise
• hormonal causes, such as puberty, menstruation or pregnancy
• high blood pressure, eye strain or the use of sleeping tablets

 Click here for Price List