Ask the doctor - headaches

Read expert medical advice with doctors' questions and answers from Prima, SHE and Good Housekeeping

Despite trying all sorts of medications, I've never been able to control my migraines. Someone recently said that Botox might help - but is that true?

 

In the days before Botox's success as a beauty therapy, aimed at paralysing muscles and thereby reducing wrinkles, it was used to treat people with muscle spasms and muscular pain, such as cerebral palsy. Lately, its use has been investigated in a wide range of conditions, with some excellent results - such as reducing severe underarm perspiration. However, research into chronic tension headaches and migraines was not promising, so specialists aren't recommending it.

Instead try 50mg of the herbal remedy butterbur, such as FSC Standardised Butterbur Extract, £10.99 for 60, from healthstore.uk.com, twice daily, or acupuncture, both of which work well. Or visit migraine.co.uk (the Migraine Action Association) for more advice.
Dr Louise Selby, SHE

Can I master my headaches?

I'm having awful headaches that start at the top of my head then go over one eye. They last several hours and I have to lie down. What can I take?

 

It sounds as if you have migraine. As the headaches are recurrent, you need to see your GP to have the symptoms properly diagnosed and undergo any necessary tests to rule out other causes. If the diagnosis does prove to be migraine, you can seek advice from the Migraine Action Association (www.migraine.org.uk or 0870 050 5898).
Dr Sarah Brewer, Prima

 

Will hypnotherapy help my headaches?

I suffer from debilitating tension headaches, and although the hospital has ruled out any serious condition, I still find they disrupt my life. I'm 38, work part time, and I've tried all sorts of changes to my diet and routine to no avail. A friend has suggested hypnotherapy, but I'm sceptical - is there anything in it?

 

Actually, there is. We don't know exactly how hypnotherapy works, but there is lots of good scientific evidence that it does - for conditions as diverse as anxiety, insomnia, pain, headaches, irritable bowel and even eczema. It seems to be particularly good for conditions where stress plays a part - like tension headaches. And therapy from a qualified clinical hypnotherapist is a world away from the popular vision of a stage hypnotist. Hypnotherapy doesn't work miracles - and you have to want to change - but it can be very useful.

For a list of qualified therapists, contact the General Hypnotherapy Standards Council, PO Box 204, Lymington, Hampshire SO41 6WP (www.ghsc.co.uk).
Dr Sarah Jarvis, Good Housekeeping

 

Tension headaches

After a thorough examination, my GP says I’m suffering from tension headaches, but I’m worried there could be something seriously wrong. Should I get a second opinion?

Headaches can be incredibly worrying, as well as physically distressing. I can reassure you, however, that headaches caused by life-threatening conditions such as brain tumours, bleeds into the brain and meningitis, almost always have other features that make them stand out from the norm. Usually, tension headaches feel like a band around your head or the back of your neck. They tend to come on or get worse as the day progresses and they're relieved by lying down. If the headaches go away, even temporarily, when you take paracetamol or other painkillers, it's unlikely that you have anything to worry about. But if you still feel anxious and unhappy with your diagnosis, go back to your GP and ask him to explain why he is so confident it's nothing serious. Eye strain can cause similar symptoms to those of tension headaches, so it's worth seeing your optician for a check.
Dr Sarah Jarvis, Good Housekeeping

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The answers to specific problems may not apply to everyone and are not substitutes for professional medical advice. If you're worried, see your GP. For more information, visit www.netdoctor.co.uk