logo
Dr Zoe shares the red-flag warning signs your headache is serious – and needs medical attention

Dr Zoe shares the red-flag warning signs your headache is serious – and needs medical attention

The Irish Sun6 days ago
WITH the holidays upon us, it can be a challenging time for parents to juggle the stresses of work and childcare while trying to keep the family active and healthy.
Physical activity is essential for children, not just for their health but for their development, happiness and self-esteem.
Advertisement
4
Sun columnist Dr Zoe answers your health concerns
Credit: Olivia West
Recent data shows that 53 per cent of
It's called 'Activate' and it is a fun, accessible new animated series, backed by the Government, to help address childhood inactivity.
Each five-minute episode offers bursts of energy, fun and movement that can be enjoyed at home or on the go.
Advertisement
READ MORE FROM DR ZOE
View it free on YouTube Kids.
One of the best ways to inspire children to be active, now and in the future, is to be active yourself.
We are children's most important role models.
Here is a selection of what readers have asked this week . . .
Advertisement
Most read in Health
Exclusive
Mum dies after going to A&E with a 'sudden headache'
IS HEAD PAIN CANCER?
Q: I HAVE been getting severe headaches for a few months now.
My doctor prescribed codeine, but even that does not help.
If l press the back of my neck and my temples, it alleviates the pain for a while.
Please can you advise me what to do as l am very worried?
Advertisement
A:
Tension headaches, the most common
Applying pressure to these areas can sometimes help and the best painkillers for
Activities to help you relax, such as exercise, yoga and massage, can be beneficial.
Stress, dehydration, lack of sleep, poor posture and eye strain can cause tension headaches, too.
Advertisement
Another possible cause that can be alleviated with pressure is cervicogenic headaches, which originate from issues in the cervical spine (neck), such as arthritis or muscle tension.
Pain starts in the neck and spreads to the head, often worsening with certain neck movements.
It could be that you are performing 'acupressure' while pressing your neck and temples.
Acupressure works by applying pressure to specific points on the body, to relieve pain, muscle tension and promote wellbeing.
Advertisement
It's a manual therapy technique rooted in Chinese medicine, similar to acupuncture but without needles.
So even if the pain in your head isn't directly linked to these sites, pressing can help, as you have found.
In people over the age of 50 who develop severe headaches, pain or tenderness at the temples, sometimes with scalp tenderness or jaw pain when chewing, we must rule out an inflammatory condition called temporal arteritis, which can lead to vision loss or stroke if untreated.
Another red flag is
Advertisement
Other symptoms that cause concern include headaches accompanied by fever, stiff neck or confusion (suggesting meningitis); headaches with neurological symptoms like vision changes or weakness; headaches after head trauma; and headaches that progressively worsen or don't respond to treatment.
Sick of feeling always off balance
Q: ABOUT two years ago I suffered a bout of blurred vision and sickness.
I was diagnosed with
4
Dr Zoe helps a reader who has vestibular neuritis
Credit: Getty
Advertisement
I've been told I would have this for life.
Is there any way I could be cured of this and be able to walk without fear of falling over?
It is ruining my life.
A:
I'm sorry to hear how much this diagnosis has impacted your quality of life.
Advertisement
Long-term dizziness and instability from vestibular neuritis can be deeply distressing but it's important to know there are still options that may help you regain stability – many people see significant improvement even if the condition is described as 'incurable'.
Vestibular neuritis means inflammation of the vestibular nerve.
This is the nerve that takes messages from the balance organ within the inner ear to the brain.
It's most commonly caused by a viral infection of the nerve.
Advertisement
It tends to cause sudden and severe dizziness, nausea and issues with balance for a week or two. In most cases, things resolve fully after two to three months, but in a small number of cases, such as yours, symptoms persist.
There's currently no way to reverse permanent nerve damage in the vestibular system.
However, it's not inevitable for symptoms to persist for life.
Many people achieve substantial recovery of their balance and reduction of dizziness through specialised therapies even years after their initial illness.
Advertisement
You could ask to be referred for vestibular rehabilitation therapy.
This treatment uses physical and occupational therapy techniques to treat vertigo and balance disorders, designed to help your brain 'recalibrate' to the changed signals from your balance system.
Chronic dizziness can also take a toll on your mental health, so seeking talking therapy might also help your recovery.
TIP OF THE WEEK
WHEN lifting something, particularly if it is big, heavy or from floor level, always remember the mantra: 'Legs, not back'.
Bend your knees and keep your back straight while you use your leg muscles to raise the weight.
This may help to prevent back injury.
WEEKEND WARRIOR WIN
4
Exercising only at the weekend can be enough to slash your risk of dying young
Credit: Getty
Advertisement
EXERCISING only at the weekend can be enough to slash your risk of dying young, a study found.
Researchers at Harvard University, USA, said 'weekend warriors' with diabetes get as much benefit as people who work out every day.
Cramming physical activity into Saturday and Sunday is common as many of us struggle to make time in our daily lives.
It might seem like less exercise but a study showed the heart benefits can be just as great.
Advertisement
Data from 52,000 Americans with diabetes showed that weekend warriors had a 21 per cent lower risk of dying young compared to those who didn't exercise.
Their risk of dying from heart disease was 33 per cent lower, study authors wrote in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine.
The key was simply to hit the NHS target of at least two and a half hours of moderate activity over the two days.
Commenting on the study, Professor Ronald Sigal of the University of Calgary, said: 'Regular physical activity is recommended for most people with or without diabetes.
Advertisement
'On the whole, these findings are encouraging.
'They provide evidence that protective effects of physical activity against cardiovascular and overall mortality could be achieved through one or two weekly physical activity sessions.'
Sport England figures show adults trying to get fit is on the rise, with 30million people – 64 per cent of adults – hitting the NHS exercise target last year.
CALL TO HAVE HPV JAB
HUNDREDS of thousands of young adults will be contacted by the NHS in an HPV vaccine catch-up campaign.
Advertisement
The jab is given at schools and is targeting the elimination of cervical cancer in the UK in the next 15 years.
More than 418,000 people have left school unvaccinated in the past three years and many more people under the age of 26 are unprotected.
NHS England is contacting young adults who have not had the vaccine to prevent infection with the sexually transmitted HPV virus.
Many strains are harmless but a few cause cervical cancer, and cancers of the mouth, throat, penis, vagina and anus.
Advertisement
The NHS wants to use the one-dose vaccine to wipe out cervical cancer in England by 2040.
Dr Amanda Doyle at NHS England said: 'This vaccine is hugely important but it isn't just for girls and women.
"It's also vital for boys and men to get vaccinated to protect themselves against cancers of the mouth, throat or genitals, while preventing spreading the HPV infection to partners.
'Encouraging progress has been made but we know there is much more to do.'
Advertisement
Public health minister Ashley Dalton added: 'If you missed your vaccination at school, it's not too late to get vaccinated.
'Don't hesitate to make an appointment with your GP – one jab could save your life.'
Eligible patients should get a letter, email, text or NHS app notification.
Patients can call their GP practice if they think they need any vaccinations.
Advertisement
Q: I AM a pensioner and I need an RSV [respiratory syncytial virus] vaccine.
I have had this illness twice, last time I lost 2st.
I have begged my doctor for the jab but they say I can't have it because they have a limit on the people they can give it to – and at 83 years old, I am outside their limit.
4
Dr Zoe helps a reader who needs the RSV [respiratory syncytial virus] vaccine
Credit: Getty
Advertisement
I was born with cysts on my lungs, I have COPD, asthma, bronchiectasis and am having tests for a lump on my lung.
I asked the lung specialist for help but my GP still refuses.
A
: Thank you for writing in and I hear your frustrations.
Unfortunately, I cannot give you the news that you want to hear but I can at least explain why your GP is not allowed to give you the RSV vaccine.
Advertisement
In September 2024, the NHS introduced an RSV vaccine programme, which is currently only offered to people aged 75 to 79 (or for those who turned 80 after September 1, 2024, who are eligible until August 31, 2025).
So you are not eligible to receive the RSV vaccine on the NHS and it is not down to your GP's choice or discretion, unfortunately.
Your NHS respiratory doctor cannot override this either, as the age-based rules do not currently allow for clinical discretion or prioritisation based on chronic illness alone.
Advertisement
The decision to limit the programme to those under 80 comes from clinical trial evidence and national guidelines, as studies did not provide enough data on vaccine effectiveness and safety in the 80+ age group.
The eligibility criteria may change in the future, depending on new evidence or updates to UK vaccination policy.
If you still wish to be vaccinated, it may be possible to access the vaccine privately.
Or, you can discuss other RSV preventive measures with your GP.
Advertisement
I'm sorry it's not the answer you wanted, but hopefully understanding that it is out of your GP's hands will alleviate some of your frustration, and help you to maintain a good, trusted, doctor-patient relationship.
Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme -
Sun Club.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Alcohol health labelling 'will add over a third to costs'
Alcohol health labelling 'will add over a third to costs'

Irish Examiner

time14 hours ago

  • Irish Examiner

Alcohol health labelling 'will add over a third to costs'

Taoiseach Micheál Martin was lobbied by business representative group Ibec to delay the introduction of alcohol warning labels for 'at least' four years due to tariff fears. Ibec chief executive Danny McCoy warned the Fianna Fáil leader that the new requirements would lead to packaging and labelling costs increasing by 'over one-third'. The letter also suggested that some distillers had even suspended brewing in fear of impending tariffs by the US administration. Mr McCoy also sent the letter to Tánaiste and trade minister Simon Harris and health minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill in early June. The Government agreed earlier last week to suspend the rollout of warning labels for two years. In May 2023, then health minister Stephen Donnelly signed the Public Health (Alcohol) (Labelling) Regulations 2023. It was envisaged that the law would make it mandatory for alcohol product labels to state the calorie content and grams of alcohol in the product. They would also warn about the risk of consuming alcohol when pregnant and about the risk of liver disease and fatal cancers from alcohol consumption. The change was due to come into effect in May 2026, to allow a three-year implementation period for the drinks industry. However, there have been rumblings in recent weeks that the plan would be postponed, with Mr Harris saying that it would be additional disruption and a 'potential trade barrier' as tariff negotiations continue. At Tuesday's Cabinet meeting, the Tánaiste told ministers that Ms Carroll MacNeill will defer the plans for two years. This is despite reports that it would be a four-year pause. Correspondence released under Freedom of Information (FoI) shows that the Taoiseach was being lobbied by Ibec to drop the labelling plans. On June 3, Mr McCoy called for the plans to be dropped for four years 'at least'. 'The wider drinks sector, but particularly many of the new emerging distilleries, have significant exposure to these new tariffs and the wider trade uncertainty,' wrote Mr McCoy. 'The majority of distilling across the country is now suspended. The introduction of new labelling requirements for the drinks sector, which will add over one-third to product labelling and packaging costs, should be suspended for at least four years to give some certainty to operators. 'Reducing regulatory burden costs to free up resources to allow companies invest in finding new markets would be a positive development.' Mr McCoy said that the legislation had been cited by the US administration in its 2025 National Trade Estimate Report on Foreign Trade Barriers, which he said was 'cause for further concern and reason for this legislation to be deferred'. He added: 'The industry does not want this to be an issue of disagreement in overall efforts to secure a resolution on trade relations and restoration of a tariff-free trading environment.' Further correspondence shows the letter was also forwarded from the Taoiseach's office to the Department of Enterprise several days later seeking an update on enterprise minister Peter Burke's engagement with Ms Carroll MacNeill. A letter sent from Mr Burke to Ms Carroll MacNeill on May 15 was also released under FoI. He said that recent months have seen 'significant global uncertainty and a rapidly shifting trading landscape', which he said 'could have profound competitiveness implications for small open economies like Ireland'. Mr Burke said that Ireland would be the first country in Europe to introduce the labels. 'The proposed measures will mean increased production and sale costs for Irish producers and importers and add to the price payable by consumers at a time when prices are also rising due to a multitude of other factors,' wrote Mr Burke. 'Notwithstanding the overarching health benefits of the proposal, I would ask you to consider pausing the introduction of the proposed new requirements.' Calls not to delay plans Meanwhile, Mr Martin was urged not to delay the plans and received a letter just last week from Alcohol Action Ireland chief executive Sheila Gilheany. She said that 'postponing alcohol health information labelling is not consequence free given the thousands harmed by alcohol in Ireland.' Read More Delaying alcohol warning labels prioritises profiteering over health, says Irish Medical Organisation

My blood pressure has been flagged as pre-diabetic – what should I do?
My blood pressure has been flagged as pre-diabetic – what should I do?

The Irish Sun

timea day ago

  • The Irish Sun

My blood pressure has been flagged as pre-diabetic – what should I do?

OUR resident specialist and NHS GP, Dr Zoe Williams, shares her expert advice. Today, 2 Dr Zoe Williams helps Sun readers with their health concerns 2 Dr Zoe helps a reader whose blood pressure was flagged as pointing to pre-diabetic levels Q) I RECENTLY had my free health check and my blood pressure was flagged as pointing to pre-diabetic levels. The high number was 126, and the lower number was 86. My health practice advised me to take statins. Could they help? Any other advice? A) IT is great to hear that you had your health check. They are so important because they help you identify silent but dangerous issues with your blood pressure, blood sugar or cholesterol levels. READ MORE FROM DR ZOE Your blood pressure results seem OK, but it would be a good idea to still look at measures to prevent it getting any higher. Being pre-diabetic relates to a higher-than- normal level of sugar, or glucose, in the blood. It should be taken as a warning sign that you need to make some lifestyle changes. Aim for 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week and eat a healthy and balanced diet, focusing on limiting ultra-processed foods, alcohol and sugary drinks. If you're a smoker, seek support to quit. Most read in Health Statins are medicines used to treat high cholesterol levels and, in doing so, reduce your risk of developing a heart attack or stroke in the future. The good news, though, is that the same lifestyle changes that will help bring down your blood sugar and blood pressure will also help your cholesterol too, and might mean you don't need to take statins. From 'sagging' lobes to 'hearing food' and different shades of earwax - 12 eerie facts about your ears - Dr Philippa Kaye, GP and author TIP IF you are aged 40 to 74 you are eligible for a regular NHS Health Check. It's free and checks your risk of heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease and stroke, and you'll be advised of the symptoms of dementia to look out for.

Delaying alcohol warning labels prioritises profiteering over health, says Irish Medical Organisation
Delaying alcohol warning labels prioritises profiteering over health, says Irish Medical Organisation

Irish Examiner

time3 days ago

  • Irish Examiner

Delaying alcohol warning labels prioritises profiteering over health, says Irish Medical Organisation

The Government's decision to delay the roll-out of warning labels on alcohol ignores health in favour of corporate interests and profiteering, the president of the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) has warned. As Ireland continues to experience worsening rates of liver disease, alcohol-related cancers, and foetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), the planned roll-out of alcohol health information labelling has been delayed until 2028 at the earliest. The decision to delay the introduction of health warnings was approved this week by the Cabinet amid concerns the plan would undermine Irish trade competitiveness internationally. The labels, which warn of the health-related risks of alcohol and its link with cancer, had been due to come into effect in May 2026. President of the IMO, Dr Anne Dee, a consultant in public health, described the move as a 'serious threat to public health'. 'It will result in preventable incidences of cancer, increased incidences of liver disease, and harm to children because of a refusal to fully enact a bill signed into law seven years ago.' Labelling provisions under the Public Health (Alcohol) Act 2018 are a critical tool in reducing alcohol-related harm, she added. An estimated 4.8% of babies born in Ireland suffer from FASD, which represents the third-highest incidence rate of the disorder in the world. 'This is about giving people the basic information that alcohol causes cancer, liver damage, and harm during pregnancy,' Dr Dee added. 'These are irrefutable facts. There is no excuse for keeping them off the label. The longer this Government delays, the more irreversible damage is done.' Dr Dee also criticised what she described as "the influence of vested interests in opposing the measure". 'We welcome the fact that the Government recently reiterated its refusal to meet with representatives of the tobacco industry in keeping with Ireland's obligations under international frameworks that recognise health-harming industries. But why is the alcohol industry, which produces a substance that results in the deaths of up to 1,500 people in Ireland every year, treated differently?' Lack of courage She called on the Government to implement all measures in the Public Health (Alcohol) Act, adding: "This delay shows a lack of courage and clarity when it comes to confronting the alcohol industry's influence, and an inability to act on the commercial determinants of health.' The Government decision to delay the introduction of alcohol health warnings comes against the backdrop of fears for Irish business from US trade tariffs proposed by Donald Trump. Ibec organisation Drinks Ireland welcomed the move and said it provided 'much-needed relief' for drinks producers in Ireland.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store