Latest news with #Allder
New York Post
3 days ago
- Health
- New York Post
Slash your stress by 65% — and in just 8 minutes — with this dreamy fix to ‘calm your brain,' neurologist says
Take aurally. Turns out the ultimate anxiety remedy may not be in your medicine cabinet — but on Spotify. An eight-minute ambient track called 'Weightless' by British band Marconi Union is being hailed as the musical equivalent of a chill pill. 3 The track, 'Weightless' by Marconi Union (above) — cooked up with sound therapists to melt stress — actually works, according to science. Just Music The song was actually designed to de-stress listeners — and science says it works. In a study by Mindlab International, participants tasked with solving complex puzzles while wearing biometric sensors experienced a staggering 65% drop in anxiety when 'Weightless,' originally released in 2014, played. 'Unlike most songs, it was composed in collaboration with sound therapists, with the [primary] purpose of slowing down the body's stress response,' Dr. Steven Allder, consulting neurologist at Re:Cognition Health, told Parade in a recent interview. The trippy tune starts at 60 beats per minute — the average resting heart rate — and gradually slows to 50, syncing with your body's rhythm like a lullaby for your nervous system. 'This subtle deceleration encourages a process known as entrainment, where the listener's heart rate and breathing naturally begin to match the tempo of the music, a physiological shift that supports relaxation,' Allder explained. 3 It's no shock this chill track 'Weightless' has become the anthem of relaxation — no pounding beats or sob stories here, just pure ear candy for the anxious soul. Moon Safari – It's no wonder the tune has become the poster child for musical stress relief. Unlike gym bangers or heartbreak ballads, this song goes easy on your eardrums. 'Weightless also features no sharp or abrupt transitions in rhythm, tone or volume,' Allder said. 'By avoiding these fluctuations, 'Weightless' maintains a constant auditory landscape, which promotes calm and reduces mental stimulation.' In other words: It's the anti-EDM. The 'Weightless' craze joins a growing body of research showing music can do everything from sharpen focus to soften pain — if you hit the right notes. For those looking to get in the zone rather than out of their head, neuroscientist Friederike Fabritius swears by Johann Sebastian Bach's 'Goldberg Variations.' 'When I have to focus, I always listen to [that] same song and I instantly get into flow,' Fabritius told Parade in a previous interview. Her hack: train your brain to associate one tune with deep work — Pavlov, meet Spotify. 3 Trying to focus, not freak out? Brain expert Friederike Fabritius says Bach's 'Goldberg Variations' hits the sweet spot for getting in the zone. Tomasz Zajda – Classical music is a smart bet for study tunes, Dr. Erin Hannon of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, also told the outlet. She recommends tracks with 'a slow to moderate tempo, with moderately predictable pitch and rhythmic structure and lower levels of chaotic noise and dissonance, such as screaming.' Dr. Christina Agvent added in a previous study conducted by OnePoll on behalf of online university CSU Global that 'listening to music while studying can be an extremely helpful tool for some students in improving their focus,' especially among younger listeners — nearly 60% of Gen Z students say they plug in to study. And it's not just your mind that benefits. Music might also help turn down the volume on physical pain. In a recent McGill University study, participants reported lower pain levels when listening to tunes set to their own natural rhythm. So whether you're grinding through emails or gritting through aches, one thing's clear: the right beat can hit a lot harder than Advil. As Caroline Palmer of McGill put it, 'soothing or relaxing music works best as a pain reliever' — and tempo may be the secret sauce. Consider it doctor's orders: press play and chill out.
The Independent
25-02-2025
- Health
- The Independent
The headache symptoms which mean you should see a doctor
Everyone suffers from headaches occasionally and more often than not, they are harmless if not a bit of a nuisance. But when should you worry that something more serious is happening? It is worth knowing that there are certain warning signs that should be checked out by a doctor. Some symptoms could even indicate a brain tumour. March is Brain Tumour Awareness Month. To mark it, we spoke to experts. They have shared insights on when a headache should raise concern, and the steps to take if you're feeling worried about your health. Is a headache a common side effect of a brain tumour? Headaches are a common symptom of brain tumours, occurring in about 50-60% of patients, says Dr Steven Allder, consultant neurologist at Re:Cognition Health. 'The mechanisms by which brain tumours cause headaches include increased intracranial pressure, direct irritation and changes in blood flow,' explains Allder. 'Tumours can occupy space in the skull, causing swelling or blocking the flow of cerebrospinal fluid, which leads to increased pressure on the brain. 'Additionally, tumours may press on or stretch sensitive tissues like blood vessels or nerves, triggering pain. Tumours can also disrupt normal blood circulation within the brain, contributing to headaches.' What characteristics do brain tumour headaches have? Brain tumour-related headaches have distinct characteristics that can help differentiate them from other types of headaches. Here are five key signs to look out for… 1. Persistent, worsening headaches 'Unlike typical tension or migraine headaches, brain tumour headaches tend to worsen over time,' says Allder. 'This progression may involve an increase in the intensity, frequency or duration of the pain.' 2. Morning headaches 'Lying down for long periods of time can increase pressure in the brain,' says Dr Peter Abel, senior lecturer in biomedical sciences at the University of Central Lancashire, who specialises in neuro-oncology. 'This means that people suffering from a brain tumour might experience headaches more often in the morning, after a night of sleep.' 'Headaches in a specific area can also signify the location of the brain tumour, due to pressure or blocked fluid,' notes Abel. 4. Accompanied symptoms ' Brain tumour headaches are frequently accompanied by other symptoms that suggest increased intracranial pressure or direct effects on the brain,' notes Allder. 'These can include nausea and vomiting, as well as neurological signs such as vision changes (blurry or double vision), seizures, muscle weakness or numbness.' 5. Resistance to common pain relief 'Unlike typical headaches, those associated with brain tumours often do not respond well to over-the-counter painkillers like paracetamol, ibuprofen or aspirin,' highlights Allder. 'This lack of relief can be a key warning sign.' When should people seek medical advice about a headache? People should seek medical advice for a headache in several situations. 'If headaches are recurring and differ from your usual pattern, it is important to consult a doctor,' says Allder. 'Similarly, headaches accompanied by neurological symptoms, such as numbness, weakness or speech difficulties, should be investigated. 'Severe headaches that do not respond to usual pain relief also warrant medical attention.' The neurologist also advises that individuals at higher risk, such as those with a history of cancer or a weakened immune system, should seek prompt medical advice if they experience unusual headaches. 'It's important to take brain tumour symptoms seriously,' stresses Abel. 'Emergency care should be sought out if a headache is extremely painful. 'A fever, a stiff neck, photophobia (light sensitivity), and seizures are all accompanying symptoms which should prompt emergency care.'
The Independent
25-02-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Headache? These symptoms mean you need to see a doctor
Everyone suffers from headaches occasionally and more often than not, they are harmless if not a bit of a nuisance. But when should you worry that something more serious is happening? It is worth knowing that there are certain warning signs that should be checked out by a doctor. Some symptoms could even indicate a brain tumour. March is Brain Tumour Awareness Month. To mark it, we spoke to experts. They have shared insights on when a headache should raise concern, and the steps to take if you're feeling worried about your health. Is a headache a common side effect of a brain tumour? Headaches are a common symptom of brain tumours, occurring in about 50-60% of patients, says Dr Steven Allder, consultant neurologist at Re:Cognition Health. 'The mechanisms by which brain tumours cause headaches include increased intracranial pressure, direct irritation and changes in blood flow,' explains Allder. 'Tumours can occupy space in the skull, causing swelling or blocking the flow of cerebrospinal fluid, which leads to increased pressure on the brain. 'Additionally, tumours may press on or stretch sensitive tissues like blood vessels or nerves, triggering pain. Tumours can also disrupt normal blood circulation within the brain, contributing to headaches.' What characteristics do brain tumour headaches have? Brain tumour-related headaches have distinct characteristics that can help differentiate them from other types of headaches. Here are five key signs to look out for… 1. Persistent, worsening headaches 'Unlike typical tension or migraine headaches, brain tumour headaches tend to worsen over time,' says Allder. 'This progression may involve an increase in the intensity, frequency or duration of the pain.' 2. Morning headaches 'Lying down for long periods of time can increase pressure in the brain,' says Dr Peter Abel, senior lecturer in biomedical sciences at the University of Central Lancashire, who specialises in neuro-oncology. 'This means that people suffering from a brain tumour might experience headaches more often in the morning, after a night of sleep.' 'Headaches in a specific area can also signify the location of the brain tumour, due to pressure or blocked fluid,' notes Abel. 4. Accompanied symptoms ' Brain tumour headaches are frequently accompanied by other symptoms that suggest increased intracranial pressure or direct effects on the brain,' notes Allder. 'These can include nausea and vomiting, as well as neurological signs such as vision changes (blurry or double vision), seizures, muscle weakness or numbness.' 5. Resistance to common pain relief 'Unlike typical headaches, those associated with brain tumours often do not respond well to over-the-counter painkillers like paracetamol, ibuprofen or aspirin,' highlights Allder. 'This lack of relief can be a key warning sign.' When should people seek medical advice about a headache? People should seek medical advice for a headache in several situations. 'If headaches are recurring and differ from your usual pattern, it is important to consult a doctor,' says Allder. 'Similarly, headaches accompanied by neurological symptoms, such as numbness, weakness or speech difficulties, should be investigated. 'Severe headaches that do not respond to usual pain relief also warrant medical attention.' The neurologist also advises that individuals at higher risk, such as those with a history of cancer or a weakened immune system, should seek prompt medical advice if they experience unusual headaches. 'It's important to take brain tumour symptoms seriously,' stresses Abel. 'Emergency care should be sought out if a headache is extremely painful. 'A fever, a stiff neck, photophobia (light sensitivity), and seizures are all accompanying symptoms which should prompt emergency care.'
The Independent
24-02-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Got a headache? These are the signs you need to see a doctor
Everyone suffers from headaches occasionally and more often than not, they are harmless if not a bit of a nuisance. But when should you worry that something more serious is happening? It is worth knowing that there are certain warning signs that should be checked out by a doctor. Some symptoms could even indicate a brain tumour. March is Brain Tumour Awareness Month. To mark it, we spoke to experts. They have shared insights on when a headache should raise concern, and the steps to take if you're feeling worried about your health. Is a headache a common side effect of a brain tumour? Headaches are a common symptom of brain tumours, occurring in about 50-60% of patients, says Dr Steven Allder, consultant neurologist at Re:Cognition Health. 'The mechanisms by which brain tumours cause headaches include increased intracranial pressure, direct irritation and changes in blood flow,' explains Allder. 'Tumours can occupy space in the skull, causing swelling or blocking the flow of cerebrospinal fluid, which leads to increased pressure on the brain. 'Additionally, tumours may press on or stretch sensitive tissues like blood vessels or nerves, triggering pain. Tumours can also disrupt normal blood circulation within the brain, contributing to headaches.' What characteristics do brain tumour headaches have? Brain tumour-related headaches have distinct characteristics that can help differentiate them from other types of headaches. Here are five key signs to look out for… 1. Persistent, worsening headaches 'Unlike typical tension or migraine headaches, brain tumour headaches tend to worsen over time,' says Allder. 'This progression may involve an increase in the intensity, frequency or duration of the pain.' 2. Morning headaches 'Lying down for long periods of time can increase pressure in the brain,' says Dr Peter Abel, senior lecturer in biomedical sciences at the University of Central Lancashire, who specialises in neuro-oncology. 'This means that people suffering from a brain tumour might experience headaches more often in the morning, after a night of sleep.' 'Headaches in a specific area can also signify the location of the brain tumour, due to pressure or blocked fluid,' notes Abel. 4. Accompanied symptoms ' Brain tumour headaches are frequently accompanied by other symptoms that suggest increased intracranial pressure or direct effects on the brain,' notes Allder. 'These can include nausea and vomiting, as well as neurological signs such as vision changes (blurry or double vision), seizures, muscle weakness or numbness.' 5. Resistance to common pain relief 'Unlike typical headaches, those associated with brain tumours often do not respond well to over-the-counter painkillers like paracetamol, ibuprofen or aspirin,' highlights Allder. 'This lack of relief can be a key warning sign.' When should people seek medical advice about a headache? People should seek medical advice for a headache in several situations. 'If headaches are recurring and differ from your usual pattern, it is important to consult a doctor,' says Allder. 'Similarly, headaches accompanied by neurological symptoms, such as numbness, weakness or speech difficulties, should be investigated. 'Severe headaches that do not respond to usual pain relief also warrant medical attention.' The neurologist also advises that individuals at higher risk, such as those with a history of cancer or a weakened immune system, should seek prompt medical advice if they experience unusual headaches. 'It's important to take brain tumour symptoms seriously,' stresses Abel. 'Emergency care should be sought out if a headache is extremely painful. 'A fever, a stiff neck, photophobia (light sensitivity), and seizures are all accompanying symptoms which should prompt emergency care.'
The Independent
24-02-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Signs your headache needs medical attention
Headaches are a common nuisance that many of us experience from time to time, but when does a headache cross the line from simply annoying to something more serious? While most headaches are harmless, there are certain warning signs that could indicate a brain tumour and may require medical attention. With Brain Tumour Awareness Month approaching in March, we spoke to experts who have shared insights on when a headache should raise concern, and the steps to take if you're feeling worried about your health. Is a headache a common side effect of a brain tumour? Headaches are a common symptom of brain tumours, occurring in about 50-60% of patients, says Dr Steven Allder, consultant neurologist at Re:Cognition Health. 'The mechanisms by which brain tumours cause headaches include increased intracranial pressure, direct irritation and changes in blood flow,' explains Allder. 'Tumours can occupy space in the skull, causing swelling or blocking the flow of cerebrospinal fluid, which leads to increased pressure on the brain. 'Additionally, tumours may press on or stretch sensitive tissues like blood vessels or nerves, triggering pain. Tumours can also disrupt normal blood circulation within the brain, contributing to headaches.' What characteristics do brain tumour headaches have? Brain tumour-related headaches have distinct characteristics that can help differentiate them from other types of headaches. Here are five key signs to look out for… 1. Persistent, worsening headaches 'Unlike typical tension or migraine headaches, brain tumour headaches tend to worsen over time,' says Allder. 'This progression may involve an increase in the intensity, frequency or duration of the pain.' 2. Morning headaches 'Lying down for long periods of time can increase pressure in the brain,' says Dr Peter Abel, senior lecturer in biomedical sciences at the University of Central Lancashire, who specialises in neuro-oncology. 'This means that people suffering from a brain tumour might experience headaches more often in the morning, after a night of sleep.' 3. Pain concentrated in one specific area 'Headaches in a specific area can also signify the location of the brain tumour, due to pressure or blocked fluid,' notes Abel. 4. Accompanied symptoms ' Brain tumour headaches are frequently accompanied by other symptoms that suggest increased intracranial pressure or direct effects on the brain,' notes Allder. 'These can include nausea and vomiting, as well as neurological signs such as vision changes (blurry or double vision), seizures, muscle weakness or numbness.' 5. Resistance to common pain relief 'Unlike typical headaches, those associated with brain tumours often do not respond well to over-the-counter painkillers like paracetamol, ibuprofen or aspirin,' highlights Allder. 'This lack of relief can be a key warning sign.' When should people seek medical advice about a headache? People should seek medical advice for a headache in several situations. 'If headaches are recurring and differ from your usual pattern, it is important to consult a doctor,' says Allder. 'Similarly, headaches accompanied by neurological symptoms, such as numbness, weakness or speech difficulties, should be investigated. 'Severe headaches that do not respond to usual pain relief also warrant medical attention.' The neurologist also advises that individuals at higher risk, such as those with a history of cancer or a weakened immune system, should seek prompt medical advice if they experience unusual headaches. When should people seek emergency treatment about a headache? 'It's important to take brain tumour symptoms seriously,' stresses Abel. 'Emergency care should be sought out if a headache is extremely painful. 'A fever, a stiff neck, photophobia (light sensitivity), and seizures are all accompanying symptoms which should prompt emergency care.'
