Archive for the ‘News’ Category

Sessional Doctor Vacancy

Monday, August 29th, 2011

We currently have the following vacancy:

Sessional Headache Specialist Doctor

Are you interested in developing a special interest in migraine and other primary headaches?

Would you like to have up to 40 minutes to spend with each patient?

Due to the retirement and maternity leave of two of our staff members, we would like to recruit an additional doctor to our dynamic team of 7 doctors. We are looking for a doctor to work for a minimum of two 4-h sessions a week. Sessions are available on each weekday but during the initial training weeks, you would need to be available on Tuesdays or Thursdays.

We welcome doctors trained in neurology, general practice and reproductive healthcare who have a patient-centred approach to the delivery of care. An interest in migraine and other primary headaches. Neurological experience is desirable together with  An interest in women’s health and psychiatry would complete the picture of our ideal candidate. We will provide the training necessary to deliver the Clinic’s renowned service.

The salary for this role will be £4,363 per annum inclusive of London weighting (per session). Although we are a registered medical charity and not part of the NHS, we can provide access to the NHS Pension Scheme.

Please view job description and background information.

If you wish to apply, please email the following to Heather Sim:
1. A covering letter, briefly stating why you would like this post
2. A copy of your CV

August Newsletter

Friday, August 12th, 2011

Please click here to view a Pdf version of the August newsletter

 August 2011

August has arrived and brought with it some long-awaited sunshine. In this month’s newsletter Dr Ulrike Sauer explains the link between the menstrual cycle and migraine, which we are always talking about. We also have exciting news of our new Consultant Neurologist and Medical Director who will be starting very soon…

CONTENTS

1. Menstrual cycle and migraine

2. Research

3. Introducing our new Medical Director

4. Farewell and good luck

5. New drug free treatment at the Clinic!

6. Text us a thank you

7. Remember a Charity – what will be your legacy?


1. Menstrual cycle and migraine

About 50% of women who suffer from migraine have experienced that this may be connected to their menstrual cycle and often have more severe migraine attacks in the two days leading up to  their period and often during the first couple of days of their period.

The menstrual cycle is regulated by a series of hormones although the main two that have the most effect are oestrogen and progesterone.

Menstrual migraine can be triggered by several hormones related to the menstrual cycle but studies have shown that one trigger is the natural drop of Oestrogen.

But what does this mean?

Every month from menarche until menopause the cycle is steered by an egg developing and then being released from the ovaries. Often at the start and at the end of a women’s fertile life the cycle is not as regular and predictive, which is one of the reasons why menstrual migraine is often worse in the so called perimenopause (the time leading up to the menopause).

Women are born with 2 million eggs per ovary, but during a woman’s reproductive life only about 400–500 eggs will actually be released at ovulation.

At the beginning of the menstrual cycle (which is the first day of the period) about 20 eggs will start to mature. At the same time the ovaries produce Oestrogens. This is important as it thickens the lining of the womb in preparation for a possible fertilised egg. Regardless of how long or short a women’s cycle is, ovulation (normally one but sometimes more than one egg is released from an ovary) usually happening around 10–16 days before the start of her next period. Once the egg is released the ovaries produce another hormone, progesterone. This prepares the endometrium even further, ensuring that a fertilised egg can implant itself within the womb.

In most cycles the egg is not fertilised, which causes the level of the hormones to fall and the endometrium to break down. The endometrium is then shed through the vagina as a menstruation.

The cycle is shown below.

As you can see there is usually a small drop of Oestrogen (mainly represented by Estradiol) just before ovulation whilst there is a significant drop just before menstruation. The trick here is to either switch off the natural menstrual cycle by, for example taking the contraceptive pill or to supplement oestrogen for the days where it is naturally low within the cycle.

One of the best methods to discover if a women is suffering from menstrual migraine is the maintenance of a diary for a couple of months, recording the dates and times of the regular cycle, and migraine attacks so a thorough analysis can be achieved.

By Dr Ulrike Sauer July 2011

 

Treatment: At the clinic we suggest a range of treatments for menstrual migraine. The main approaches are listed below.

Non-hormonal

  • Non-drug (eg. lifestyle changes)
  • Standard preventatives (eg. Amitriptyline or propranolol)
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
  • Preventative triptans
  • Dietary supplements (eg. daily magnesium)

 Hormonal

  • Combined hormonal contraceptives, used by ‘tricycling’ or continuous pill dosing
  • Progestogen-only contraceptives
  • The Mirena® intra-uterine system
  • Oestrogen supplements (gels/patches)

 Tips for coping with hormonal headaches

Keep a diary for at least three months (including headaches, migraines, periods, menopausal symptoms & hormonal treatments taken)

  • Keep a diary for at least three months (including headaches, migraines, periods, menopausal symptoms & hormonal treatments taken)
  • Exercise, eat a balanced diet and adopt regular sleep patterns
  • Get ‘in tune’ with your body and its hormonal cycles, so that you are more likely to cope with the headaches
  • Avoid triggers
  • If taking hormonal treatments, give them time. It takes your body at least three months to adjust to additional hormones.
  • Side effects of headaches from the drugs may seem like a disaster but will settle given time. 

 

Thank you to Alison Frith and her excellent book ‘Coping with Headaches and Migraine,’ for this useful information (available online and at the Clinic).


2. Research

The last update for a while…

Patient Preference Study: A double-blind, cross-over patient preference study of frovatriptan versus rizatriptan for the acute treatment of migraine.

Triptans are an established treatment for migraine attacks. This study undertaken in 2007-8 was designed to find out if patients had a preference for frovatriptan or rizatriptan after treating three migraine attacks with each drug.

There were 126 participants in this European study. Overall, both drugs were similarly favoured with no significant preference for one drug over another. However, there were some differences in responses to very specific questions. Participants favoured frovatriptan for its longer-lasting effect but favoured rizatriptan for its rapid activity and more complete pain control. Both drugs were effective at treating the symptoms of migraine, although the rizatriptan worked more quickly than frovatriptan. The symptoms of migraine were more likely to return following treatment with rizatriptan than with frovatriptan. Both treatments were safe and well tolerated with slightly fewer unwanted effects reported for frovatriptan than for rizatriptan.

These results confirm the known profile of each drug, i.e. that rizatriptan works quickly but frovatriptan has a longer lasting effect. Participants expressed similar satisfaction with both drugs which were confirmed to be effective and safe for the treatment of migraine.


3. Introducing our New Medical Director…

 

Dr Giles Elrington MD is a Consultant Neurologist based in Colchester. He runs the Headache Clinic at Barts and The London, Queen’s Square and also has practices in Essex and London from which he carries out sessions for PCTs as well as private and medicolegal work. He is a general neurologist with interests in headache, rehabilitation, neuropsychiaty and MS.

He has been a long term trustee of the clinic and has built up a good working relationship with his predecessor Prof Anne MacGregor, lecturing at our Masterclass events for Healthcare Professionals and fighting our case at the event aimed at NHS Commissioners earlier this year.

We are very much looking forward to working with him and hope that he will enjoy leading the Medical Team into the future.


4. Farewell

Six months have flown by and it is now time to say good bye to our Intern Megan Hookchild. We wish her all the best in finding her dream job, and hope that her experience with us leads her on to great things. We appreciate her dedication, rising early and travelling in from the depths of the Essex countryside to man our reception desk and help write grant applications or whatever else was thrown at her! This means that we now have another vacancy for a Graduate Intern for 6 months, so please contact rebecca.sterry@migraineclinic.org.uk if you or anyone you know may be interested in gaining this valuable work experience in admin, PR, marketing and events management.

Dr Jud Pearson has just completed her final clinic with us for a whole year, while she takes some well needed time out to have her third baby and spend time with her other two children. We wish her all the best, and look forward to welcoming her back in 2012.


5. New drug free treatment at the Clinic!

A new hand-held device emitting a single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (sTMS) to the back of the head is now available for hire through the clinic. There has been substantial evidence supporting this new device, with two decades of clinical experience. 40% of those trialled were completely pain free after two hours using the device. It is appealing to us because it is drug-free and has no proven side effects.

The device was developed in response to the fact that 40% of patients do not respond well to, or are unable to use the Triptan drugs introduced in the 90s. According to an article in The Lancet (see link below) ‘no treatment is reliably effective in terminating the aura phase or preventing the ensuing headache.’

Experts from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York carried out the trial to assess the safety and effectiveness of the device. Previously only large, expensive devices which have to be used in a clinical environment have been tested. This device however can be used anywhere and operated by the patient.

In the most recent trial two hundred patients were asked to use the device to treat migraines with aura over three months. Half of those patients were given placebo treatment. The findings showed that the pulse from the device was significantly more effective than placebo treatment. More patients were pain free two, 24 and 48 hours afterwards.

How can I try the device? The device can be trialled for three months and then if you find it successful, hired at a charge of £150 per month thereafter. If you are interested in trying this out, please talk it through with your doctor at your next appointment as this is something that we can only arrange for you on the doctor’s recommendation.

We hope that the manufacturers have success in getting Primary Care Trusts to fund the hire of these devices in the future to make them accessible to all.


6. Text us a thank you!

We have now signed up for Vodaphone’s Just Textgiving scheme, which allows supporters to text through small amounts to their favourite charity easily via text. The code for the Clinic is HEAD08, a shameless pun on headache – but one that you won’t forget easily we hope! If you feel the Clinic has made a positive difference to your life, please text us today, however small your donation. This newsletter goes out to 5,000 people, and if everyone gave just £2 as a thank you for the information that we provide, it would go a long way in securing the service for the future. Text 70070 followed by the message (eg. HEAD08 £10). Donations between £1 and £10 can be made. Thank you!


7. Remember a Charity - what will be your legacy?

Thank you to those of you that gave their opinions last year on our leaflet promoting legacy giving in your Will. Due to the rebranding, we have not been able to fully launch this campaign, however we have a page on our website dedicated to the subject and if you require further information we welcome your calls. Being that migraine is so closely linked to genetics, it is worth considering supporting the clinic so that future generations can benefit from our unique service.

The organisation ‘Remember a Charity’ of which we are a member, has launched its own campaign this month to raise awareness of charitable Will giving, with daredevil ‘Rocky Taylor’ performing live stunts on Youtube to tie in with the slogan ‘no-one knows the importance of a Will more than a stuntman’! Visit their website at http://www.rememberacharity.org.uk/ or take part in a tea party or literary event to raise awareness and funds for the clinic as we have plenty of promotional Remember a Charity tea bags and bookmarks to give away!

 

 

If you would like to receive our monthly newsletter, please sign up at the top right of this page.

GP Headache Masterclasses & Day Symposium

Tuesday, July 26th, 2011

 

Following the success of last year’s events, we will again be running educational events for healthcare professionals. Please view our latest leaflets for our series of 4 evening Masterclasses and our full day Headache Symposium, where you will find information on speakers and topics covered, as well as how to book your place.

Please email rebecca.sterry@migraineclinic.org.uk for all enquiries. Please make any bookings via the form on the leaflets.

July 2011 – New Medical Director Appointed

Tuesday, July 26th, 2011

We are pleased to announce that Dr Giles Elrington has now been appointed as our new Consultant Neurologist and Medical Director. He has been a long-term trustee of The City of London Migraine Clinic and so we feel he will fit in with the Clinic well, as he understands our values and vision for the future.

Dr Giles Elrington MD also works as a consultant neurologist at Barts and The London and has practices in Essex and London, from which he carries out sessions for PCTs, as well as private and medicolegal work. He is a general neurologist with interests in headache, rehabilitation, neuropsychiatry and MS.

Recruitment – Graduate internship

Thursday, February 4th, 2010

Office Internship
Do you want to gain unrivalled experience with the only national, independent migraine charity that treats and researches to improve the treatment of migraine and cluster headache?

If you are a graduate with an enthusiastic ‘can do’ attitude to challenges this is a unique opportunity to work in a small organisation with an international reputation for a six month placement. The work will include fundraising, events and administration. The position is unpaid but travel expenses will be reimbursed.

For further details contact Rebecca Sterry. To apply please send a CV and a covering letter explaining why you are suited to the position to rebecca.sterry@migraineclinic.org.uk.

‘Coping with Headaches and Migraine’ – A new book by Alison Frith our Clinical Research Sister

Friday, October 2nd, 2009

On the 20th August 2009 Coping with Headaches and Migraine was published by Sheldon Press.Alison's book-cover

Headaches and migraines affect up to 10 million people in the UK and are labelled by the World Health Organisation as being among the most disabling disorders. Women are also disproportionately hit, making up two thirds of those affected.

This book outlines and explains different kinds of headaches, as well as different treatment options. It includes chapters on lifestyle factors, such as diet and exercise, that affect headaches. How headaches affect women at different stages of their lives is also discussed.

Alison Frith is our Clinical Research Sister and was last year awarded the accolade of ‘Best Healthcare Professional 2008’ at the Migraine Heroes Healthcare Awards. She has previously co-edited a volume called ABC of Headaches with our Clinical Director Dr E A MacGregor.

Coping with Headaches and Migraine is available to purchase from the Clinic by emailing us on info@migraineclinic.org.uk. The book will cost £7.99 and P&P is £1.50.

For further information and reviews please download this flyer.

New Migraine Prevention Drug

Thursday, October 1st, 2009

We are looking for people to participate in a study using daily medication to prevent migraine attacks.

The new medication may interrupt the transmission of nerve impulses along the pain pathway which could stop the onset of migraine attacks.

You will be asked to take the study tablets daily. You may be able to continue your usual treatments. The study will last for around 4 months and you will need to visit us at 1-4 weekly intervals for a total of 7 visits.

Travel expenses are available.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED AND WOULD LIKE FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CLICK THE ‘VOLUNTEER FOR RESEARCH’-BUTTON OR CONTACT:

Mrs Alison Frith
Clinical Research Sister
The City of London Migraine Clinic,
22 Charterhouse Square,
London EC1M 6DX.

Direct Line: 020 7251 8094
Email: research@migraineclinic.org.uk

Autumn 2009 events for GPs and other medical professionals

Thursday, August 27th, 2009

The schedule for our autumn series of events for medical professionals is now set.Our popular masterclasses are returning this autumn, with evenings held on the 21st October, 11th November and 2nd December. The masterclasses are free of charge and a certificate of attendance will be provided.
To register fill in the form on back page and fax it back to us
on 020 7490 2183.

The topics are as follows:
21st October: Headaches in children/Headaches in the elderly

11th November: Managing the patient with daily headache/Managing headache in pregnancy

2nd December: Headaches: Making a diagnosis in primary care/Can women with migraine take the pill or HRT?

Please find below the leaflet with a registration form in downloadable PDF format for the above events.

Masterclass leaflet autumn 2009

For general information about the Clinic’s educational events for medical professionals please click here.

Ways to help the Clinic online

Monday, June 15th, 2009

Easyfundraising.org.uk – shopping online to help the Clinic

We are now listed on Easyfundraising.org.uk. You can use this to help us in 2 ways!

1. This website enables any purchase you make through it to pass on a cash back donation to the City of London Migraine Clinic. There are over 600 brand names including; Amazon, M & S, John Lewis, Tesco, Direct Line Insurance, Argos, Boden, the Body Shop, Laura Ashley, B & Q, Waterstones, Vodafone, WH Smith, Dell, Tiscali, Next, PC World, HMV, Boots & Comet.

These cashback donations are made because companies wish to encourage websites to pass customers to them. The online market place is cheaper due to there being no overheads and with so many millions of people surfing websites the companies are more than willing to reward websites that pass trade to them. Easyfundraising does this and keeps a percentage for itself and passes the rest onto various good causes that join it.

If you would like to sign up at here and select The City of London Migraine Clinic as your cause, any purchase made by you as a household or a business would help us in these hard times.

If you wish to make a purchase you log on to easyfundraising and search for the company you normally use and simply click the link. The donation will then go straight to The City of London Migraine Clinic. It will cost you nothing.

2. If you wish to tell another charity about this method of fundraising, please give them our link to sign up with as we will receive 20% of what they raise.

Raise money via your internet searches with Easysearch

You can raise money for the The City of London Migraine Clinic when you search the web by using easysearch. It uses the best results from Yahoo, Windows MSN Live Search & Ask.com in one simple search.

If you want to organise an event – use Justgiving

We have registered with Justgiving, to assist any of you who wish to take part in a sponsored activity. For example we have 2 gentlemen taking part in a sponsored bike ride from London to Windsor on the 16th September. They are doing this to thank us for the care and support given to one of their young sons. Another lady is planning to take part in a sponsored run and swim to thank us for the care given to her mother. We will be including photographs of these kind and athletic supporters over the next few months. Please let us know if you feel you would like to offer support in a similar way. If you wish to set up a page for your sponsored event go to Justgiving and enter the name of the clinic the site will guide you through the set up process.

Spread the word – we are now on Youtube and Facebook

We are now on Youtube, with a number of videos about Migraine and Cluster Headaches, these are similar to the ones on our website but makes us even more accessible. So please tell others about us!

We now have a Facebook site which you, your friends and family can join. This will assist us with communication, whilst making us accessible to a larger population. Via our Facebook site you can also access out videos as well as news updates and newsletters.

Help Save the City of London Migraine Clinic

Tuesday, May 5th, 2009

Chief executive writes to our supporters to ask for urgent help. The Clinic is in real danger of closing in its 29th year due to insufficient funds. Heather Sim, the Chief Executive at the City of London Migraine Clinic is asking our supporters to help in anyway they can. You can read Heather’s letter by clicking Rescue Letter. Please get in touch.