‘I have a crippling health issue that’s only fixed by Botox’ - The Mirror

‘I have a crippling health issue that’s only fixed by Botox’When Suzi Brown from Manchester started experiencing excruciating pain around puberty she knew something wasn't right, but never

expected to suffer for decades laterCommentsLifestyleAlison Graves Lifestyle and Features Editor08:00, 01 Jun 2025Suzi Brown has suffered in pain for decades until discovering Botox was her

answer Headaches can be debilitating, whether they are linked to allergies, hormones, caffeine or hypertension. Perhaps the hardest to cope with are migraines, which cause mild to severe

pain, typically affecting one side of the head. They can also impact your vision and make you feel incredibly sick.

Doctor Ross Perry, medical director of Cosmedics skin clinics (cosmedics.co.uk), says, “Migraines area unique kind of headache, often characterised by pain on one side of the head, nausea,

and visual disturbances such as flashing lights or temporary tunnel vision. You may also experience an aura,a sensation indicating that a migraine is about to occur.

‌ “The exact cause of migraines is unknown, but they’re thought to be triggered by spasms of blood vessels in the brain or neck area. Factors like stress, alcohol and dehydration can

exacerbate them, but sometimes they can happen for no apparent reason.”

‌READ MORE: Popular breakfast cereal discontinued as fans ask 'is it ever coming back?' Doctor Perry explains that preventive treatments are the main approach to managing migraines, with

medications available to help prevent their onset. Migraines may start when young girls get their first period, but they can begin at any time. They can persist throughout the reproductive

years and into menopause.

Doctor Ross adds, “Sadly, there’s not much you can do as it’s often down to genetics. However, certain measures can help manage the onset and severity, such as staying hydrated and drinking

plenty of fluids.“

Drinking water and engaging in regular exercise can also help alleviate migraines triggered by hormones. It’s recommended to manage stress levels through breathing exercises or yoga.”

Article continues belowJune marks Migraine & Headache Awareness Month(Image: Getty Images) As June marks Migraine & Headache Awareness Month, we spoke to web developer Suzi Brown, 46, from

Manchester, who suffered for years before finding the perfect and unexpected cure.

“I started suffering from migraines around puberty. I remember telling my mum my head felt really heavy when I was about nine years old. For me, they feel like a vice is crushing my head,

and I feel sick and dizzy at the same time. I get brain fog and memory loss, both during and after.

‌ “The worst thing is not being able to plan – they happen without warning. I missed a festival last year because I had to leave early. Alcohol makes them worse, too. I’ve even had to miss

family holidays abroad.

“I missed tons of work before I was self-employed, and people made comments that I was lying because it’s not a disability that can be seen – although you can see when I have one, as my face

and eyes are really puffy.

“It’s much easier now I’m self-employed. In fact, it’s one of the reasons I work for myself. If I do have to take time off, I can make up the hours, and I’m in control of my workload.

Article continues below “If I catch migraines early, they can last a few hours. I take meds during the night if I feel one coming, and they’re usually gone by morning. If I don’t, they can

last a few days or even a week.

“To manage them, I now get Botox which takes away about 80% of the migraines. I don’t know how it works, but I’m thankful it does. I get some Botox on the NHS, so although it’s meant to be

every three to six months, it’s nearer to every year due to waiting lists. So I top this up privately when I can.

"The doctor has added the sides of the head and, last time, the forehead. The latter hasn’t worked,but it did wonders for my wrinkles!”