Peter Goadsby on migraine

[helvella]

For those in the UK (I don't think that BBC programs are available abroad), you might be interested in this program:

The Life Scientific

Peter Goadsby on migraine

Released On: 04 May 2021

Available for over a year

Throbbing head, nausea, dizziness, disturbed vision – just some of the disabling symptoms that can strike during a migraine attack. This neurological condition is far more common than you might think, affecting more people than diabetes, epilepsy and asthma combined.

While medications, to help relieve the symptoms of migraine, have been around for some time, they haven’t worked for everyone. And what happens in the brain during a migraine attack was, until recently, poorly understood.

Peter Goadsby is Professor of Neurology at King's College London’s Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience and is a true pioneer in the field of migraine.

Over the course of his career, he has unravelled what happens in the brain during a migraine attack and his insights are already benefiting patients - in the form of new medications that can not only treat a migraine, but also prevent it from occurring.

Peter shares this year’s Brain Prize, the world's largest prize for brain research, with three other internationally renowned scientists in the field.

bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m000vp2z

[JGBH]

Thank you for making people aware of this great scientist. I have listened to this most interesting programme. He was my consultant in the 90s while working at the National institute for neuroscience in Russell Square. He is quite a remarkable man and so simple in his manner, very approachable. He did help me with dreadful migraine problems, for a few years until they stopped. I feel very lucky to have been treated by him, just in time before he went to Canada for a few years. It’s great he’s now back in the UK.

We need more doctors like him, who do not let their ego rule the way they relate to patients. So pleased he shares this year’s Brain Prize, he deserves it!

[helvella in reply to JGBH]

Very pleased to read your response.

He sounded pretty good but a few minutes of radio is nothing compared to being treated by him.

[JGBH in reply to helvella]

Indeed he’s so down to earth, getting on with the job of helping patients. He is exactly as we hear him in this programme, no pretence, very simple and clearly humble although so dedicated and knowledgeable and always curious to know more. What a refreshing difference this makes in the medical world!

[JGBH in reply to helvella]

I would agree. I was really surprised by the way he bevaves, so caring, understanding and really wanting to make a difference PLUS a brilliant sense of humour. I made a mistake when I said he left London to go to Canada, he went to California for a few years and is now back in London. I would encourage anyone suffering from migraines in trying to see him.

[Jacs]

This is very interesting Helvella, thanks for sharing. We need more docs like him who want to get to the root of the biology of illness in order to understand and treat from a place of knowledge

[JGBH in reply to Jacs]

Absolutely! He's brilliant as a doctor and such a compassionate man with a great sense of humour. He inspired confidence in me when I saw him, so many years ago. It does not seem that his success has changed his personality at all. If only we could get more medics like him....

[designer111 in reply to JGBH]

But is he another doc who wants to shovel more tablets down your throat rather than sort out the root cause?!

[JGBH in reply to designer111]

He has done intensive research along with other doctors for a long time in order to help people who suffer incredible life changing pain from migraines. The new drug is supposed to be more helpful with perhaps lesser side effects. If you take the time to research his work you will understand what he’s doing.

If you suffer with a blinding migraine you need relief from it. Perhaps you are lucky not to know this kind of pain?

Finding the root cause is one thing then it needs to be addressed, to bring relief otherwise there’s no point... I think. Unfortunately drugs are often required to stop something or improve it. I don’t know any other way, do you?

I don’t like taking drugs but pleased that in our part of the world we have the help and choice.

Peter Goadsby has really helped me. It was a long time ago. After a few years on a drug my migraine bouts stopped. It was bliss. No migraine now but many other health problems... life.

Hope you’re well.

[designer111 in reply to JGBH]

I certainly know all about the pain! I was in bed for four days the other week with one. Tablets just give me reoccuring headaches all the time, so they are not always helpful. And after 15 years of suffering I do get fed up with docs always suggesting another tablet rather than something else.

[JGBH in reply to designer111]

I do feel for you. When I was so incapacitated by migraine I asked my then GP to refer me to an ‘expert’ rather than wasting my time with doctors who didn’t have a clue! I had read in a health magazine about a Dr Peter Goadsby at the National Hospital for Neurology, in Queen’s Sqare (or Russell Square) in London. I attended regularly for a few years, was given a drug that was used to treat epilepsy, so not great as I put on weight BUT this blocked the pain pathway.... eventually the dose was decreased slowly while I was monitored and then stopped taking it. No more migraine bouts. He left the door open for me should the problem return. Now I understand the drug used is much better suited to migraine. Perhaps you could request to go and see him or one of his colleagues at King’s College. Please let us know if you do. I hope it would help you. He’s very approachable and compassionate. No ego unlike so many useless doctors.

[Hidden in reply to JGBH]

I’ve just seen a really nice neuro in his private clinic as I suffer headaches ,chronic migraines,because of a brain injury.He’s the first medic to acknowledge this was the cause of these awful headaches and chatted with me and told me because of my other health issues I wasn’t suitable for the usual drugs they’d normally try first and asked me if I’d be happy to have the new injections they are doing they are £400 each but he has written to my gp and agreed I can go to his nhs clinic for them,I’m just waiting on an appointment.He’s a youngish professor and really caring and pleasant,well worth the initial outlay to see him private as I’ve suffered so long with this.

[JGBH in reply to Hidden]

It’s good to know you have found a good neurologist who actually understands your problems. It’s rather annoying the NHS do not always employ doctors who are really good in their specialism but if one goes privately then help is offered. Although not always... Everyone should be given the same chance for a correct treatment. Good luck with the injection, hope it will bring you relief. Best wishes.