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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
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
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
I suffer from spinal stenosis and even a half-hour walk makes the pain much worse. Should I persevere? Denis O’Brien, Durham. Spinal stenosis, a condition in which the space around the spinal cord narrows, affects around one in ten people. It is often caused by wear and tear of the spine. As a result the … Read more
A few times a year, I have terrible nightmares during which I scream — but I don’t remember them in the morning. I am in my 70s, the only health problem I have is high blood pressure and I haven’t suffered trauma. Should I be concerned? Jane Thornton, via email. This is understandably distressing for … Read more
It would be so callous to make the elderly who are most at risk from coronavirus wait for vaccination, argues Dr MARTIN SCURR By Dr Martin Scurr For The Daily Mail Published: 23:06 GMT, 6 January 2021 | Updated: 00:10 GMT, 7 January 2021 Dr Martin Scurr (pictured) said: ‘The vaccine debate cannot be reduced … Read more
In May I had an ischaemic stroke and I am not sure why. My speech has returned but my mind still goes blank, causing considerable anxiety and depression. I’m 73 and I’ve also been looking after my wife, who has been shielding. Could stress have brought on the stroke? John Prentice, Causewayhead, Stirling. Remaining unwell … Read more
I’m an avid walker aged 74, but now find after a few miles I get a tingling feeling in my little toe which spreads to the pad of my foot and burns, so it’s painful to walk. A consultant said it’s not to do with nerve endings, but could it be peripheral neuropathy? Christine Champeny, … Read more
I am plagued with cramp in my legs at night. I have great difficulty getting back to sleep, and the various medications I’ve been prescribed don’t work. I am desperate for sleep. Maureen Nash, via email. This is not an uncommon condition. Some 40 per cent of adults experience night cramps, resulting in sleep disturbance … Read more