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I have hypnic headaches (the ‘alarm clock’ headache). None of my medications has eliminated these, and last year an MRI scan was clear. Could an optical nerve block help? Name and address supplied. Hypnic headaches have a unique characteristic — they only occur during sleep, causing those affected to wake up (hence the name ‘alarm … Read more
I’ve had shingles for six weeks. It’s no longer contagious but is very painful. My doctor has prescribed medications but they all make me sick. Is there anything that can reduce the nerve pain? Jenny Johnson, Chesterfield, Derbyshire How miserable for you to be suffering still with nerve pain. But fortunately, it is treatable. Long-term … Read more
Drew Barrymore went into her major interview with Tom Green with no idea what she’d say to him, she said Tuesday on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. The 45-year-old actress hadn’t spoken to her ex in 15 years before recently inviting him on her talk show, but was intent on making their reunion as … Read more
Ruth Langsford had an emotional debate on Tuesday’s Loose Women about visitation rights for care home residents. The ITV star was in tears as she revealed she hasn’t physically touched her mother Joan, who lives in a care home, for months under covid-19 restrictions. Ruth, 60, and her Loose Women co-stars were discussing I’m A Celeb’s … Read more
Three years ago, I started noticing an unpleasant smell that no one else could detect. A neurosurgeon suggested it was phantosmia and that it would go; other specialists have been unable to explain it. I am 53. Have you come across anything like this? Lindsay Bruce, via email. Your symptom, although uncommon, is certainly not … Read more
Forget the eyes – nowadays, it is our internet searches that provide a window into the soul. We often turn to search engines to ask the questions that are on our minds, whether we’re just looking for a quick answer or because it’s something we are embarrassed to ask in person. Now, Britons’ most common … Read more
Could Nicola Sturgeon try to BAN Boris Johnson from going to Scotland? SNP questions whether PM’s trip north of the border is ‘essential’ Prime Minister Boris Johnson expected to make a trip to Scotland later this week Mr Johnson is expected to use the official visit to stress the benefits of the Union But SNP … Read more
I have recurring mouth ulcers, which my research suggests is something called Sutton disease II. My doctors haven’t mentioned this, though. I am otherwise healthy but the ulcers make me feel run down and treatments don’t work. I am 57. Dave Keeping, via email. Mouth ulcers are a common, often recurrent, problem and I am … Read more
How quickly the pandemic is rotting the minds of supposedly clever civil servants and ministers. The latest crazy ideas to emanate from Whitehall are contained in a leaked 16-page official document. Mad idea number one: to pay £500 to every person testing positive for Covid-19. Mad (and dangerous) idea number two: to give police access … Read more
How good is YOUR biology? Tricky quiz featuring questions on the human body, plants and viruses will put your knowledge to the test Tal Garner put together a biology quiz for the US-based trivia platform Playbuzz Do you have what it takes to answer all ten questions correctly without cheating? Or will you need to … Read more