Heads Up

Aura, visual snow and light sensitivity: making sense of migraine symptoms

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 brought to you by the National Migraine Centre, a charity providing expert care for people with migraine and headache. If you find the podcast helpful, please consider making a small donation to help us keep it going.  Donate here: https://www.justgiving.com/national-migraine-centre  

Nutrition, Gut Health and Migraine: What’s the Link?

In this first episode of series six of Heads Up podcast, our host Dr Katy Munro is joined by nutritionist Emma Ellice-Flint, 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 National Migraine Centre, a charity providing expert care for people with migraine and headache. If you find the podcast helpful, please consider making a small donation to help us keep it going.  Donate here: https://www.justgiving.com/national-migraine-centre Learn more about Emma Ellice-Flint’s work at https://emmasnutrition.com/about/ Dr Katy Munro is also the author of Managing Your Migraine, a practical guide to understanding and living with migraine. Available here

Bonus episode: Celebrating six years of Heads Up

In this special bonus episode, host 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 producer of Heads Up. Together, we reflect on the podcast’s six-year journey and the growth of the charity behind it. We share insights into the clinical services available for people living with migraine and headache conditions, and how National Migraine Centre has become a trusted place for expert advice, treatment options, and long-term support. Whether you're newly diagnosed or navigating chronic symptoms, this episode highlights how you can access the right help - and why no one should have to suffer alone. Click to book an appointment  Listen to more episodes Support our work

Ep 12. Migraine and the role of pharmacists

Heads Up – Series 5 Finale Episode In this extended and festive final episode, Dr Katy Munro, GP and Headache Specialist, explores the crucial role pharmacists play in the migraine and headache treatment journey.   First Half: Our host Dr Katy Munro is joined by experienced prescribing pharmacists David Kelly and Nadeem Shah from North England. They share their insights into supporting people with migraine and headaches, what patients need to know before approaching a pharmacist, and how pharmacists can be a vital first point of contact.   Second half: Dr David Watson, GP Headache Specialist in Aberdeen, and pharmacist Abigail Duthie lead a pharmacy project in Scotland. It highlights the public education campaign. This project was in collaboration with the Migraine Trust & the NHS Grampian.This discussion is tailored to pharmacists, highlighting their essential role in diagnosis and treatment cycles for migraine and headache care.   As we wrap up Series 5, we wish you a wonderful festive season and look forward to returning with Series 6 in the new year. If you’d like to support the podcast, please consider making a small donation https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/headsup and leaving a review on your favourite podcast platform.   Thank you for listening and supporting Heads Up!

Ep 11. Understanding ADHD in people with migraine – Part Two

In part two of our ADHD and migraine series, Dr Katy Munro speaks with Dr Gilly Kahn, a clinical psychologist and ADHD advocate, who shares her personal journey and professional insights. As a therapist, writer, and mother, Dr Kahn brings a unique perspective on navigating life with ADHD, both for herself and her clients. This episode offers a heartfelt look at the experiences of those with ADHD and migraine, shedding light on challenges, resilience, and helpful strategies. Recommended reading: ADHD 2.0 by Dr. Edward M. Hallowell and Dr. John J. Ratey, and Understanding Girls with ADHD by Kathleen Nadeau, Ellen Littman, and Patricia Quinn.   If you enjoyed this episode, please consider reviewing us on Apple Podcasts and sharing it with friends and family!