CaRi-heart technology
Revolutionary new technology to assess the risk of a serious heart condition or heart attack – many years before anything happens.
Migraine
Migraines are moderate-to-severe headaches, which can lead to nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light
About
Migraines are throbbing headaches, usually felt on one side of the head. They can lead to nausea and vomiting, as well as an increased sensitivity to light (photophobia), noise (phonophobia) and smell (osmophobia). They're not life threatening but they can be distressing. If you're suffering from them, we can alleviate your symptoms.
Need to know
Migraines usually begin in early adulthood, affecting 1 in 5 women, and 1 in 15 men. The common symptoms of migraines include:
- throbbing pain on one side of your head
- nausea and vomitting
- light sensitivity (photophobia)
- noise sensitivity (phonophobia)
- smell sensitivity (osmophobia)
Some people experience these symptoms without the throbbing pain. This is known as a migraine aura without headache (or silent migraine).
There isn't a specific diagnostic test for migraines. Instead, your HCA UK neurologist will look to establish the pattern and nature of your headaches. This may involve discussing your symptoms and asking you to keep a diary of your headaches. They may, if necessary, recommend certain diagnostic tests and scans.
Your neurologist will discuss your symptoms with you. This may involve prescribing painkillers and anti-migraine drugs for acute (serious) attacks. If you experience frequent migraines, they may prescribe drugs that can help to prevent them from happening.
Our migraine locations
Headache and Facial Pain Service
78 Harley Street London W1G 7HA
The Wellington Hospital
8A Wellington Place London NW8 9LE
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.