Headache conference to offer session for sufferers

Over 300 leading experts from around the world are expected to attend a conference in Cottingham investigating headaches and migraines.

Specialists taking part will look at preventative treatments and medication, children's headaches, as well as the issue of headaches suffered by women, who are three times more likely than men to to have migraines.

Consultant neurologist Prof Fayyaz Ahmed, chairing the event later this week, said headaches could be "debilitating" and urged people not to "suffer in silence".

Prof Ahmed said headaches and migraines were actually "surprisingly common", with estimates by the The Migraine Trust suggesting one in seven adults and one in 10 children were sufferers.

Prof Ahmed also cited research that estimated one in four people had left a job due to their migraines.

"When you consider just how many people the condition is thought to affect, this is a really serious issue," he said.

The neurologist explained that sufferers did not always know when or how to seek help or what help was available.

"We're keen that people don't suffer in silence," he said.

The conference is due to run between 22-24 January at the Lazaat Hotel in Cottingham, while, at the same location on Saturday 25 January, a free half-day session open to the public would offer advice on the issue, organisers said.

The, 'Managing your Migraine' event aimed to advise people when to seek professional help and offer tips and support with self-management of the condition, they added.

Prof Ahmed, who has worked as a consultant neurologist in Hull for 28 years and is internationally recognised for his expertise in headaches and migraines, said: "It's not often the public are able to put their questions to, and learn from, a range of headache professionals in this way.

"We'd encourage anyone who's struggling with headache or migraine, or who wants to learn more about them, to come along."

The event is organised by Hull Royal Infirmary's specialist neurology team.

Listen to highlights from Hull and East Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.