Headache & Migraine Introduction

At The Health Equation, we treat a wide range of headache and migraine types, recognising that these conditions are often complex and multifactorial.

Headache Types that we see

  • Migraine without aura

  • Migraine with aura

  • Chronic migraine

  • Primary stabbing headache

  • Tension-type headache (TTH)

  • Headaches secondary to neck and upper back issues

  • Facial pain (e.g. Trigeminal Neuralgia)

  • Headache of sexual activity

  • Vasodilator-related headaches (e.g. from Viagra, Cialis)

  • Hypertension-related headaches

  • Medication overuse headache (MOH) from withdrawal or excessive use of painkillers

  • Dehydration-related headaches

  • Stress-induced headaches

  • Headaches related to eye problems

  • Headaches secondary to blood glucose dysregulation

It’s important to note that many patients experience overlap between headache categories. These labels describe patterns of symptoms, not always definitive diagnoses.

Our integrated approach combines conventional and complementary medicine to evaluate both symptoms and underlying factors, aiming not just to manage symptoms but to address their root causes. While total elimination of symptoms may not always be possible, our goal is to reduce the severity, intensity, and frequency of headaches and migraines.

Migraine – A Neurological Disorder

Migraine is one of the most prevalent and disabling neurological conditions worldwide.

  • Prevalence: Affects around 1 in 7 people globally and 15% of UK adults.

  • Gender difference: Women are affected 2–3 times more often than men, with lifetime prevalence of 33% in women vs 13% in men.

  • Age group: Most common between 25 and 55 years.

  • Chronic migraine: About 8% of sufferers experience migraine on more days than not.

Symptoms & Pathophysiology

Migraine is more than just a headache. It involves recurrent episodic attacks with neurological, vascular, and biochemical changes. Head pain may be accompanied by:

  • Sensory hypersensitivity (light, sound, smell)

  • Visual aura or disturbances

  • Nausea and vomiting

  • Fatigue, brain fog, or difficulty concentrating

Wider Impact

  • Workplace & economy: Migraines cause an estimated 100,000 missed work or school days daily in the UK, costing the economy £8.8 billion annually in lost productivity.

  • Associated conditions: Migraine sufferers are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, fibromyalgia, PoTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome), and sleep apnea.

  • Medication Overuse Headache (MOH): Around two-thirds of chronic migraine patients develop MOH due to excessive reliance on triptans, opioids, or over-the-counter painkillers—leading to daily headaches and worsening symptoms.

✅ At The Health Equation clinics in London and Marlborough, we use a multifaceted approach to migraine and headache management, integrating osteopathy, functional medicine, breathing re-education, stress management, and nutrition strategies, alongside conventional care when needed.

Below is a slide from the Association of Migraine Disorders, showing the many conditions associated with Migraine