Migraines more than 'just a headache'

Jean Manley receives botox treatment to relieve migraine headaches

A Devon hospital is among those supporting a national awareness week reminding people that migraines are more than "just a headache".

With one-in-seven people affected by migraines, the Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust runs a number of clinics focusing solely on headaches and migraines.

It said migraines have a significant impact on sufferers' quality of life, ability to work and mental health.

They are recognised as a complex and potentially debilitating neurological disorder.

Migraine sufferer Jean Manley said botox treatments were "working really well"

Jean Manley, from Bovey Tracey, Devon, has been suffering from migraines for 20 years and is receiving botox treatment at Torbay Hospital to help relieve the symptoms.

"It [migraine] just mucks your day up really because it’s so painful," she said.

"You have to shut yourself away sometimes and be quiet.

"We’ve tried all sorts of things. We’ve had tablets, we’ve had an injection in the back off the neck and none of that has worked.

"But since I have been on this [botox] now, it’s working really well."

Dr Kathryn Medcalf set up Torbay’s dedicated Headache Service in January 2017.

She is a speciality doctor who both leads on and works within the migraine clinics.

"Unfortunately, there is no cure for migraine, however, there are successful treatments which can be life altering for those suffering with this condition," she said.

Headache specialist Dr Kathryn Medcalf said there is no cure for migraines

Dr Medcalf said: "We have approaching 600 patients on our books either receiving treatment, waiting for treatment or follow-up appointments within our migraine clinics and across our headache services, and these numbers are rising.

"We have around 190 patients on Botox injections and around 100 receiving greater occipital nerve injections (GONI) who receive treatment every three months; we also administer oral treatment called gepants to around 70 patients."

She said she was proud of support National Migraine Awareness week, which runs 23-29 September 2024.

Dr Medcalf said: "Around six million people in the UK are affected by migraines and it is a debilitating condition and a serious health matter.

"Far too many of our public are not aware of the wide range of options available so please seek out the help available which could allow those who suffer, to better manage this condition."