National Migraine Centre

13/08/2025

Are you experiencing 15 or more headache days a month? That may be chronic migraine. This could be a good time to review your treatment plan and speak to a headache specialist about how best to manage your symptoms.

• Book a consultation with one of our headache specialist doctors: https://www.nationalmigrainecentre.org.uk/migraine-clinic/book-a-consultation/

• Be mindful of medication overuse headache — taking painkillers too often can make headaches worse. Learn more here: https://www.nationalmigrainecentre.org.uk/understanding-migraine/factsheets-and-resources/medication-overuse-headache/

• Keep a headache diary to track headache days, pain scores, medications taken and potential triggers: https://www.nationalmigrainecentre.org.uk/headache-diary/

07/08/2025

What’s New in Migraine?

We’re thrilled to invite you to a special event in Edinburgh taking place on Friday 15 and Saturday 16 August, where leading migraine experts Dr Katy Munro and Dr David Kernick will be discussing new treatment options, children with migraine, hormones, unusual presentations and why it’s not just a headache. You’ll also have the chance to ask your own questions!

Book your tickets here: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/what-s-new-in-migraine

31/07/2025

Can acupuncture help with migraine?

For some people, yes. It’s an evidence-based option that can reduce the frequency of attacks and how long they last.

It’s not for everyone, but it might be worth exploring, especially as a drug-free alternative with few side effects.

Find out more by listening to our Heads Up podcast (series 4, episodes 3 and 4) on our website or your usual podcast platform: www.nationalmigrainecentre.org.uk/understanding-migraine/heads-up-podcast/

23/07/2025

Could a device be part of your migraine treatment plan?

In series two, episode 10 of our Heads Up podcast, we took a closer look at neuromodulation devices — how they work, who they might help, and what to consider if you're exploring non-medication treatment options for migraine.

We’re also pleased to offer a 15 per cent discount on the CEFALY Enhanced device using the code ‘NMC15’ (one-time use per person).

Even better — BHR Biosynex will donate 5 per cent of the net sale to support our work at the National Migraine Centre when this code is used.

• Use the code at: https://bhr.co.uk/pages/cefaly
• Listen to the episode (series 2, episode 10) on our website or your usual podcast platform: https://www.nationalmigrainecentre.org.uk/understanding-migraine/heads-up-podcast/

04/07/2025

Heads Up podcast new episode is out now!

Aura, Visual Snow and Light Sensitivity: Making Sense of Migraine Symptoms

In Episode 2 of Series 6, Dr Katy Munro speaks with consultant neurologist Dr Francesca Puledda to explore some of the most misunderstood migraine symptoms.

They discuss:
• What aura actually is — and why it varies so much
• The science behind visual snow syndrome
• Living with light sensitivity and visual triggers
• How lenses, filters and practical tools may help

If flashing lights, fuzzy vision or sensitivity to brightness are part of your migraine journey — this episode is for you.

📱 Available on all major podcast platforms: Spotify and Apple Podcast.
Link:

In 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....

02/07/2025

Please, we need your help today so we can tackle the headache crisis.

Over 4,300 people reached out to us for help last year — a 50 per cent rise in demand on recent years. We urgently need to train more headache specialist doctors and bring relief to those who need it most.

We provide care to everyone in need, regardless of ability to pay. But we’re a small charity and we can’t do that without your kind support.

💛 Help us give life-changing care to those with nowhere else to turn.
👉 Donate today: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/headachecrisis2025

27/05/2025

Please note that our office will be closed from 12pm tomorrow for staff training.

We’ll be back and responding to messages as usual the following morning. Thank you for your understanding and support.

You can still visit our website for resources or to book a consultation with a headache specialist doctor: https://www.nationalmigrainecentre.org.uk/

16/05/2025

🎧 New episode out now — Nutrition, Gut Health and Migraine: What’s the Link?

We’re launching series six of Heads Up podcast with an expert conversation between our host Headache Specialist Dr Katy Munro and expert nutritionist Emma Ellis-Flint.

Together, they explore:
• How the gut-brain axis relates to migraine
• Whether food triggers and diets actually work
• Evidence-based tips for managing migraine through nutrition

This episode is full of grounded, practical advice ideal for anyone navigating migraine and nutrition.

Available on all leading podcast platforms including Spotify and Apple Podcast.

🎙️ Listen now https://www.nationalmigrainecentre.org.uk/understanding-migraine/heads-up-podcast/

14/05/2025

Are you interested in speaking with a headache specialist doctor regarding injection procedures for migraine?

The majority of people, especially those with chronic or disabling headaches, find that the injectable procedures available (botulinum injections and greater occipital nerve blocks) help improve their migraine and quality of life.

We currently have three available procedure clinics:
• 11 June in Surrey
• 19 June in Surrey
• 19 June in London

There is limited availability on these dates, so if you are interested then please fill in our online booking form: https://www.nationalmigrainecentre.org.uk/migraine-clinic/book-a-consultation/

08/05/2025

The National Migraine Centre website will be temporarily offline for essential maintenance from 10.00pm to 4.00am tonight.

We’ll be back up and running as soon as possible — ready for you to check our expert resources and book a consultation with one of our headache specialist doctors.

Thanks for your patience!

07/05/2025

Celebrating six years of Heads Up Podcast 🙌🎉

We are back with a new series and a special bonus episode. 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 podcast’s producer.

Together, we reflect on six years of Heads Up and the growth of the National Migraine Centre- the charity behind it. The team shares how the charity supports people living with migraine and headache conditions, and how to access expert clinical advice, treatment options and long-term support.

👉Available on all leading podcast platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Whether you're newly diagnosed or managing chronic symptoms, this episode is about finding the right help – and knowing you're not alone.

📣The first episode of series six will be out next week on 16 May.

👉Listen to the bonus episode now: https://www.nationalmigrainecentre.org.uk/understanding-migraine/heads-up-podcast/

30/04/2025

Help us win £5,000!

Nominations are now open for Benefact Group’s health and wellbeing special draw and we need your support! Ten charities will each receive £5,000 — but only if they're nominated. The more nominations we receive, the better our chances!

🗓️ Nomination deadline: Midnight, 4 May 2025

👉 Nominate us here: https://health.movementforgood.com/

It takes less than a minute and your nomination could make a world of difference. Please share and help us spread the word!