Skip to main content

Featured post

Older Child Still Drooling? Mouth Breathing, Adenoids & When to Check | London & Essex

  Why Is My Older Child Still Drooling or Dribbling? A Parent’s Guide Drooling is completely normal in babies and young toddlers. But what if your child is four, five or older and still regularly has saliva on their chin, damp clothes or a wet pillow? Parents may wonder: “Are they producing too much saliva?” “Could their adenoids or tonsils be causing it?” “Is this something they should have grown out of?” Persistent drooling—also called dribbling or sialorrhoea —does not have one single cause. Interestingly, the problem is often not that a child produces an excessive amount of saliva . Instead, the child may be less aware of saliva collecting at the front of the mouth, may swallow less frequently, keep their mouth open because their nose is blocked, or have difficulty coordinating the movements involved in saliva control. A child-specific NHS guide published in January 2026 explains that drooling can be influenced by open-mouth posture, concentration, tiredness, nasal blo...

Is my dizziness due to vestibular migraine?

 



What's a vestibular migraine?


Vestibular migraine is also known as migraine-related dizziness, migraine with prominent vertigo or migrainous vertigo.

Patients will have vertigo symptoms, dizziness or imbalance, and some migraine symptoms. It is vital to understand that not all vestibular migraine patients will have headaches as the main symptoms. So migraine symptoms can be any of these: headache with or without nausea and vomiting, sensitivity to sound or lights or motion sickness. Each episode can last for minutes to hours.


What causes or triggers a vestibular migraine?


A lot of factors can trigger a vestibular migraine attack.

The most common trigger factors are stress and anxiety, poor sleep hygiene, fasting and dehydration, menstrual cycle and food such as chocolate, cheese and red wine.





How is vestibular migraine diagnosed?


Diagnosis of vestibular migraine solely depends on patients history of symptoms. It is beneficial to record his or her episode in a vertigo or dizziness diary. Things to record for each episode are: any trigger factor, the time it lasted for, headache, photophobia or phonophobia and relieving factors. Making an appointment to see an ENT consultant interested in dizziness and balance is required. The specialist will listen to your history, examine your ears and do balance testing. Most of the time, in between episodes, all tests are negative.


How to treat vestibular migraine naturally?

Lifestyle changes and managing trigger factors can manage most cases. Treatment can be divided into two parts, one manging acute episode and other medications to prevent and decrease the number of vestibular migraine attacks.


Acute episodes can be managed by using regular painkillers as paracetamol or Ibuprofen. In some cases, the doctor may prescribe triptans for you to control the acute attack. To control sickness associated with a vestibular migraine attack, you may need prochlorperarzine (stemetil) or other antiemetic medications such as ondansetron and domperidone.


Preventive migraine tablets used are propranolol and amitriptyline. The doctor will discuss treatment options and how to manage your condition well.



Does vestibular migraine ever go away?

Vestibular migraine is more common in females and most of the time associated with hormonal changes and lifestyle. Most of the studies suggest that it can last up to a few years.


Is vestibular migraine a disability UK?

Migraine can be considered as a disability under the Equality Act 2010. The decision depends on the severity and frequency of the attacks and their impact on the person.


Ménière’s Society: Information for employers (menieres.org.uk)


The Brain Charity Supports people with neurological conditions and provides welfare benefits advice. 

www.thebraincharity.org.uk Tel: 0151 298 2999 

Citizens Advice Provides advice on legal issues. www.citizensadvice.org.uk 

Disability Rights UK Led by people with diverse experiences of disability and health conditions, they work to ensure equal participation for all. www.disabilityrightsuk.org 

Law Centres Network Offer legal advice, casework and representation to individuals and groups. www.lawcentres.org.uk National Association of Welfare Rights Advisers Provides online support with completing application forms. www.nawra.org.uk


Helping patients with specialist expertise and kindness


Mr Gaurav Kumar

Consultant Ear Nose Throat Surgeon


Book Appointment


Book Online


entsurgeonclinic@gmail.com


07494914140

Disclaimer: For general information only, always seek medical advice from your treating consultant.






Popular Post

LAX VOX

  LAX VOX  is a vocal therapy technique that can help improve voice quality, relaxation, and overall vocal health. It involves using a unique tube to create  bubbling sounds  while phonating.  Here are the steps for practising LAX VOX: Relax and Focus on Posture and Breathing : Maintain a good posture with a long spine. Relax your face, neck, upper back, and chest muscles, allowing them to release toward gravity. Preparing for Bubbling with Phonation : Place a  silicone tube  (about 35 cm long and 9-12 mm in diameter) between or in front of your incisor teeth and above your tongue. Keep your tongue relaxed (imagine it as a piece of steak) and slightly touch the tube. Hold the water-filled bottle near your body to avoid using shoulder muscles. Inhale through your nose as if you’re yawning with your mouth closed. Prepare for phonation during exhalation, focusing on abdominal and lower back muscles. Finding the Target Voice : Create bubbling sounds with y...

Bleeding After Child Tonsillectomy: Emergency Advice | London & Essex

  Bleeding After Tonsil Surgery: The Safety Red Flags Every Parent Must Know Bringing your child home after a tonsillectomy is a moment of relief, marking the end of chronic infections or disruptive sleep apnoea. As you settle into the two-week home recovery period, your primary focus is usually on managing their throat soreness, keeping them hydrated, and ensuring they rest. However, there is one critical post-operative complication that demands every parent's absolute vigilance: post-tonsillectomy bleeding . While advanced techniques like low-temperature coblation tonsillectomy significantly lower surgical trauma, the throat remains a highly vascular area. Any amount of fresh bleeding after a tonsillectomy must be taken seriously. Parents should know exactly when to seek urgent medical help and never adopt a "wait and see" approach at home. This emergency guide breaks down how to identify a tonsil bleed and the exact rapid care pathways available across East London and...

Private Pediatric Coblation Tonsillectomy London & Essex | Mr Gaurav Kumar

Private Pediatric Coblation Tonsillectomy London & Essex | Mr Gaurav Kumar Coblation Tonsillectomy for Children: A Gentler, Less Painful Option in London and Essex When a child suffers from chronically enlarged tonsils that disrupt their breathing at night, or recurrent bouts of tonsillitis that cause high fevers and missed school days, surgical removal is often the most effective long-term solution. However, the prospect of a traditional tonsillectomy can make many parents incredibly anxious, primarily due to concerns over post-operative throat pain and a lengthy recovery period. Fortunately, modern surgical advancements have introduced a technique designed specifically to address these concerns: Coblation Tonsillectomy . If you are looking into private treatment options for your child outside of overstretched local NHS waiting lists, understanding how this gentle technology works can help you make an informed choice. This guide breaks down the benefits of coblation and how famil...

Endoscopic Transcanal Cholesterol Granuloma Surgery | London & Essex

  Endoscopic Transcanal Cholesterol Granuloma Surgery: Advanced Minimally Invasive Ear Care A persistent feeling of fullness in one ear, fluctuating hearing loss, or a deep, dull earache can easily be mistaken for a standard Eustachian tube dysfunction or stubborn middle ear fluid. However, when these symptoms persist despite routine medical treatment, a closer clinical examination may reveal a dark, bluish discolouration glowing behind the eardrum. In many cases, this distinct visual sign points to a Cholesterol Granuloma —an inflammatory, fluid-filled cystic lesion packed with cholesterol crystals. While hearing the term "granuloma" can cause immediate anxiety, these lesions are non-cancerous, benign formations. Historically, accessing and draining a cholesterol granuloma required large incisions behind the ear and extensive bone removal (a mastoidectomy). Today, modern surgical advancements allow skilled otologists to access and drain these lesions using minimally invasive...

Endoscopic Glomus Tympanicum Surgery London & Essex | Mr Gaurav Kumar

  Endoscopic Minimally Invasive Glomus Tympanicum Surgery: Advanced Solutions for Pulsatile Tinnitus Hearing a rhythmic thumping, swooshing, or heartbeat-like sound in one ear can be deeply unsettling. Known clinically as pulsatile tinnitus , this symptom often leads patients across East London and Essex on a complex diagnostic journey through general practice, cardiology, and neurology before they are referred to a specialist otologist. When an ENT specialist inspects the ear canal, they occasionally spot a distinct red or purple vascular mass glowing behind an intact eardrum. In many cases, this is a Glomus Tympanicum (a tympanic paraganglioma). While hearing the word "tumour" can cause immediate panic, glomus tympanicum tumours are benign (non-cancerous) and highly vascular growths. Historically, removing these tumours required large incisions behind the ear and extensive mastoid bone removal. Today, modern surgical advancements allow skilled otologists to remove them usi...

Retracted Eardrum in Children & Ear Infections | London Essex ENT

  Retracted Eardrum in Children: Ear Infections, Glue Ear and Hearing Concerns Explained Parents are sometimes told after an ear examination that their child has a retracted eardrum . This can sound worrying, especially if the child has had repeated ear infections, glue ear, blocked ears, hearing problems or speech concerns. A retracted eardrum means the eardrum is being pulled inwards towards the middle ear space. It is not the same as a burst eardrum, and it does not always indicate an active infection. However, it can be a sign that the middle ear is not ventilating normally. In children, this is often linked to the Eustachian tube — the small tube that connects the middle ear to the back of the nose. When this tube does not open and equalise pressure well, negative pressure can build up behind the eardrum. Over time, this may pull the eardrum inwards. Mr Gaurav Kumar, Consultant ENT Surgeon, assesses children with ear infections, glue ear, hearing concerns and paediatric ENT ...

Adult Tonsillectomy Recovery: Day-by-Day Guide After Tonsil Surgery

  Adult Tonsillectomy Recovery: What to Expect Day by Day Adult tonsillectomy can significantly improve quality of life for people struggling with recurrent tonsillitis, chronic sore throats or repeated throat infections. However, recovery after adult tonsil surgery is often more uncomfortable than many patients expect. Understanding the normal stages of recovery can help reduce anxiety and allow patients to prepare properly before surgery. This guide explains what adults commonly experience after tonsillectomy, how to support recovery safely, and when to seek urgent medical advice. Why is adult tonsillectomy recovery difficult? The tonsils sit in an area that moves constantly during swallowing, eating and speaking. After surgery, the throat heals gradually over approximately two weeks. Adults generally experience: Significant throat pain Pain when swallowing Ear pain (referred pain from the throat) Tiredness and reduced energy Disturbed sleep Temporary bad brea...

After your Epley manoeuvre — patient information leaflet

  What this leaflet tells you This leaflet explains what to expect after the Epley (canalith repositioning) manoeuvre for posterior-canal BPPV, what you should and shouldn’t do, and when to seek help.   1. Quick summary — what the Epley did The manoeuvre moves tiny particles (otoconia) out of the balance canal of your inner ear and back into a place where they don’t cause spinning (vertigo). Most people feel much better after one or a few treatments. However BPPV can come back (recurrence is common).   2. How you may feel immediately afterwards You may feel dizzy or off-balance for a few minutes to a few hours; nausea is possible.   Some people feel better straightaway; others get gradual improvement over days.   Rarely ,you may have brief recurrences of vertigo — this does not always mean the manoeuvre failed.   3. Activity and posture — what the evidence says Good news: High-quality studies and recent guidelines show that strict he...

Chronic Throat Clearing and Globus Sensation: Causes, Symptoms and When to See an ENT Specialist

  Chronic Throat Clearing and Globus Sensation: Why Does It Feel Like Something Is Stuck in Your Throat? Many people occasionally clear their throat during a cold or allergy flare-up. However, when throat clearing becomes frequent or constant, it can become frustrating, socially embarrassing and uncomfortable. Some patients also describe a persistent feeling of a “lump” or tightness in the throat, even though swallowing food and drinks may still feel normal. This sensation is known as globus sensation . In many cases, these symptoms are linked to irritation or inflammation affecting the throat and voice box. Common causes include laryngopharyngeal reflux (silent reflux), voice strain, postnasal drip or muscle tension . This article explains the common causes of chronic throat clearing and globus sensation, when to seek ENT advice and what treatment may involve. What is globus sensation? Globus sensation refers to the feeling that something is stuck in the throat, despite the...

Child Headphones Too Loud? Safe Listening ENT Guide | London & Essex

  Is My Child Using Headphones Too Loudly? A Parent’s Guide to Safe Listening Headphones have become part of everyday childhood. Children use them for tablets, music, gaming, schoolwork, online videos, audiobooks, long car journeys, flights, and quiet time at home. For parents, this raises an important question: could my child’s headphones be too loud? The concern is sensible. Exposure to loud sounds can affect hearing, especially when repeated over time. The risk is not just about one loud moment. It is also about how loud the sound is, how long the child listens, how often they listen, and whether they are trying to drown out background noise. Mr Gaurav Kumar, Consultant ENT Surgeon , assesses children with ear, hearing, and paediatric ENT concerns from London, East London, Brentwood, Romford, Ilford, Redbridge, Chelmsford, and the wider Essex area. This guide explains why safe listening matters, how parents can reduce risk, and when a child may need a hearing test or ENT review....