Ep 4. What’s Going on in the Brain?
Heads Up
Spotlight Series | Heads Up Podcast What happens in the brain during a cluster headache attack? In this episode, our host Dr Katy Munro is joined by Dr Phil Holland, a leading headache neuroscientist and previous guest expert on the podcast, to dig into the science behind one of the most extreme pain events the human body can experience. They explore why attacks follow such striking seasonal and daily patterns, the relationship between cluster headache and sleep, the role of brain neuropeptides like CGRP and PACAP, and what emerging therapies targeting these pathways could mean for patients....
info_outline
Ep 3. Navigating Adolescence
Heads Up
Spotlight Series | Heads Up Podcast Frederick was eleven when diagnosed with cluster headache. Now seventeen and heading to university, they join our host Dr Katy Munro alongside their mum Rachael, OUCH's Officer for Children and Young People, to talk about growing up with one of the most painful conditions known to medicine, sharing tips on how they manage and information about support for families. For more information visit the links below: *Disclaimer* This podcast episode contains discussions about cluster headaches, including topics that may touch upon sensitive...
info_outline
Ep 2. The Youngest Patients
Heads Up
Spotlight Series | Heads Up Podcast Alexander was two and a half years old when the attacks began. In this episode, he and his mum, Mel, join our host and a headache specialist, Dr Katy Munro, to share what it is like to be a child with cluster headache, from the experience of the excruciating attacks and the fight for diagnosis to navigating treatment and family life. A rare and important conversation about the impact on the youngest patients. For more information visit the links below: *Disclaimer* This podcast episode contains discussions about cluster headaches, including...
info_outline
Ep 1. Cluster Headache, Chris Addison shares his story
Heads Up
Spotlight Series | Heads Up Podcast Cluster headache has been called the most painful condition known to medicine. Comedian and actor Chris Addison, known for The Thick of It and In the Loop, knows that firsthand. In this episode, he joins our host Dr Katy Munro, Senior GP Headache Specialist at the National Migraine Centre, to share his experience of living with cluster headache. This is the first of seven Spotlight episodes launching on Cluster Headache Awareness Day, exploring every dimension of the condition, from childhood and pregnancy to the science of what happens in the brain...
info_outline
Mast cell activation syndrome and migraine
Heads Up
In our final Heads Up episode of the year, our host Dr Katy Munro is joined by GP headache specialist Dr Cyriac Athappilly and Dr Tina Peers, an expert in mast cell activation syndrome, to explore the fascinating and often under‑recognised connection between MCAS and migraine. Together, they unpack how mast cell activity can influence migraine triggers, discuss the shared symptoms that can complicate diagnosis, and share insights on practical approaches to managing both conditions. Tune in for an engaging, information‑packed conversation that could shed light on new ways to...
info_outline
Endometriosis and migraine- a personal story (Part2)
Heads Up
Join headache specialist Dr Katy Munro for part two of this discussion exploring the connections between endometriosis, adenomyosis, and migraine. In this episode, Dr Munro speaks with patient advocate and campaigner Victoria Hardy, who shares her personal journey of living with these conditions. Her story offers an honest account of the challenges of diagnosis, the impact on daily life, and the importance of being heard and believed within the healthcare system. Together, they consider practical strategies for managing symptoms, the value of integrated care, and the crucial role of...
info_outline
Endometriosis, Adenomyosis & Migraine - exploring the links. Part 1
Heads Up
Join headache specialist Dr Katy Munro as she hosts a lively conversation with Dr Aziza Sesay from . This episode unpacks the complex connections that migraine has with endometriosis and adenomyosis, conditions that affect women and which are widely misunderstood and overlooked. Discover how these conditions intertwine, why greater awareness matters, and practical insights to better recognise and manage symptoms. Whether you’re living with these challenges or caring for someone who is, this episode offers expert knowledge combined with empathy and real-world guidance. For further...
info_outline
Neuromodulation for migraine treatment: Latest update
Heads Up
Join Dr Katy Munro, senior GP headache specialist and host of Heads Up, as she welcomes Dr Salwa Kamourieh, consultant neurologist at University College London Hospitals. In this episode, they review the latest advances in neuromodulation treatments for migraine, both non-invasive and invasive including Cefaly, STMS, Nerivio and other innovative devices. Dr Munro and Dr Kamourieh unpack the evidence on efficacy, practicalities for usage, key patient groups, and the costs and accessibility of these treatments across the NHS and private sector. They also offer insights on best practice for...
info_outline
Aura, visual snow and light sensitivity: making sense of migraine symptoms
Heads Up
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 syndrome, and why light sensitivity can be such a challenging symptom for people living with migraine. They also discuss the different types of aura, the latest research, and practical tools that may help, including specialist lenses and filters designed to reduce visual discomfort. This episode is...
info_outline
Nutrition, Gut Health and Migraine: What’s the Link?
Heads Up
In this first episode of series six of Heads Up podcast, our host Dr Katy Munro is joined by nutritionist , a qualified nutritionist with a special interest in migraine and women’s health. Together, they explore the complex relationship between migraine, gut health, and diet—covering everything from common food triggers to allergies, nutritional myths, and practical advice for making confident choices around food. This episode is brought to you by the , a charity providing expert care for people with migraine and headache. If you find the podcast helpful, please consider making a small...
info_outlineSpotlight Series | Heads Up Podcast
What happens in the brain during a cluster headache attack? In this episode, our host Dr Katy Munro is joined by Dr Phil Holland, a leading headache neuroscientist and previous guest expert on the podcast, to dig into the science behind one of the most extreme pain events the human body can experience. They explore why attacks follow such striking seasonal and daily patterns, the relationship between cluster headache and sleep, the role of brain neuropeptides like CGRP and PACAP, and what emerging therapies targeting these pathways could mean for patients. If you have ever wanted to understand the biology behind the pain, this is the episode for you.
For more information please see the links below:
- https://www.kcl.ac.uk/people/philip-r-holland
- https://www.georgeinstitute.org/news-and-media/news/hope-for-cluster-headache-community-as-psilocybin-trial-funded
- https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/headache-cluster/
*Disclaimer*
This podcast episode contains discussions about cluster headaches, including topics that may touch upon sensitive subjects such as mental health and suicide. While we strive to provide informative and supportive content, we acknowledge that these discussions may be triggering for some listeners. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues or experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide, we urge you to seek support from a qualified healthcare professional or your GP. For emergency call 999 helpline immediately. Your mental health and well-being are important, and help is available. Listener discretion is advised.
The Heads Up podcast is provided for general information only. It is not intended to amount to medical advice on which you should rely or to advocate or recommend the purchase of any product or to endorse or guarantee the credentials or appropriateness of any health care provider. The National Migraine Centre is not responsible for the views of those featured on this podcast and does not endorse, approve, or certify their recommendations or opinions, and information from this podcast should not be referenced in any way to imply such approval or endorsement. No material within this podcast is intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of information provided in this podcast.
Do not begin a new medical regimen, or ignore the advice of a medical professional, as a result of information expressed in this podcast, this website or from any of the sources of information to which we may link. By accessing this podcast, you acknowledge that the National Migraine Centre makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in this podcast. Any hyperlinks or references are provided for your convenience & information only. We have no control over third party websites and accept no legal responsibility for any content, material or information contained in them.