Headache & Migraine Clinic — London and Wiltshire
The Health Equation provides a dedicated clinic for people experiencing migraine, recurrent headache, facial pain and associated neck or jaw symptoms. The clinic is led by Gerry Gajadharsingh DO, Osteopath and Diagnostic Consultant in Integrated Medicine, drawing on approximately 40 years of clinical experience.
Headache and migraine can be straightforward, but many patients have persistent, changing or overlapping symptoms that require careful diagnostic reasoning. Our approach begins by establishing the most likely headache classification, identifying any features requiring medical investigation and exploring the wider factors that may be contributing to the frequency, severity or persistence of symptoms.
Consultations are available in Harley Street, London, and Alton Barnes, near Marlborough in Wiltshire.
Understanding Headache and Migraine
Headache is a symptom rather than a single diagnosis. It may arise as a primary headache disorder, such as migraine or tension-type headache, or occur secondary to another medical, neurological, musculoskeletal or systemic condition.
Migraine is a complex neurological disorder. It can involve far more than head pain and may include:
Accurate classification matters because different headache disorders require different investigations, treatments and self-management strategies. A careful assessment also helps distinguish common primary headache disorders from symptoms that require further medical investigation or specialist referral.
Could This be Migraine?
Ask yourself these questions:
If you answer “yes” to at least 2 of these questions you probably have migraine.
Migraine Symptoms
Brain
Auditory
Balance
Mid-facial
Sensory
Gastrointestinal
Seven Interconnected Systems
An Integrated Approach to Headache and Migraine
Headache and migraine are rarely explained by a single factor. A patient may have an established primary headache disorder while also being affected by neck or jaw dysfunction, altered breathing, poor sleep, hormonal change, nutritional factors, stress, medication effects or another medical condition.
Using the Integrated Regulatory Systems Framework™ (IRSF), Gerry considers the interaction between the respiratory, neural, circulatory, endocrine, immune and inflammatory, metabolic and musculoskeletal systems.
Depending on the findings, the management plan may include:
This approach is designed to complement appropriate conventional medical care and provide a personalised strategy based on the individual clinical presentation.
Explore Headache and Migraine in More Detail
Our supporting pages provide further information about headache and migraine:
Headache and Migraine Resources
Since 2014, Gerry has regularly reviewed and discussed emerging research relating to headache, migraine, pain and neurological health. The following articles provide further information about diagnosis, treatment and self-management:
Book a Diagnostic Consultation for Headache or Migraine
All new patients should book a 60-minute Diagnostic Consultation with Gerry Gajadharsingh DO.
This is appropriate when headaches or migraine are becoming more frequent, changing in character, interfering with everyday life or failing to respond adequately to treatment. The consultation provides time to clarify the likely diagnosis, review previous investigations and treatments, examine relevant contributing factors and develop a personalised management plan.
Patients with complex symptoms, previous imaging, specialist correspondence or blood-test results are encouraged to send these documents before the appointment.
Patient Experiences
Patients attending the Headache & Migraine Clinic often have symptoms influenced by several overlapping factors. The following accounts describe individual experiences of Gerry’s diagnostic and integrated approach.
I couldn’t recommend Gerry more highly. He is hugely knowledgeable and takes the whole picture into account. I came to see him for migraines that were getting both worse and more frequent – with the help of blood tests and dietary changes, breathing exercises and osteopathic manual techniques he managed to free me of my headaches in a matter of weeks. He is simply fantastic!
Katharina Haindl
Gerry’s rare insight, which draws on many strands of medical, patient centred and holistic practice helped me deal with a sudden onset of migraines in midlife. Neither conventional physiotherapy nor medication had helped, Gerry’s careful unpacking of the symptoms and wider context and causes has helped me spot the very early signs. I’m now equipped with a set of simple relaxing exercises and some help from breathing techniques to deal with stress, and I have been almost symptom free for a year now. I can thoroughly recommend Gerry’s caring and skilful approach.
Rachael Ross
For more than wo decades I had experienced persistent headaches and facial pain which had resulted in numerous trips to opticians, dentists, a Maxillofacial Surgeon and a neurologist culminating in a non-specific diagnosis of ‘atypical facial neuralgia’ and being prescribed powerful medication to try and control my symptoms. Unfortunately no one was able to find a cause of my chronic pain and I’m afraid I put up with it as I thought I had run out of options. A work colleague had known Mr Gajadharsingh for many years and suggested that I see him, as he might be able to identify contributing factors and help treat my symptoms. I am very glad that I made that initial appointment as Gerry has, following a rigorous medical history, been able to help me with a course of (robust) osteopathy, massage and techniques I can do myself such as working on my posture and controlling my breathing, and all without the aid of medication. For the first time in many years I am virtually pain free, and if I do get an episode of pain, I am able to cope with it. I found Gerry to be extremely professional, knowledgeable, empathetic and very kind, and he was able to help me with my symptoms. I have no hesitation in recommending Gerry as a first class osteopath, and wish him and his practice continued success.
Gill Swain-Coad
Gerry was particularly helpful for me when I suffered from acute headaches/neck pain. I visited his clinic and his holistic approach of questioning, diagnosis, and suggested remedial action was extremely thorough (incl. everything from breathing techniques, ‘health’ of nervous system and subsequent impact on my headaches/neck pain). Within a few weeks and a couple of sessions, the symptoms had improved markedly. I have taken away a number of tools & techniques (many of which are quite simple) to manage these issues going forward. I would highly recommend Gerry for any headache/migraine/neck pain related issues. Informative, professional and well run practice. Thank you Gerry & Susie.
James Mason
When to Seek Urgent Medical Attention
Most headaches are not caused by serious disease. However, urgent medical assessment is required if a headache:
In these circumstances, call 999 or attend A&E. Do not wait for an appointment at The Health Equation.
For a severe headache associated with jaw pain while eating, scalp tenderness, blurred or double vision, or other new neurological symptoms, seek an urgent GP appointment or contact NHS 111.
Ready to bring your health picture together?
Our online booking form gives quick access to available appointments in real time, for both our London and Marlborough clinics.