I seem to suffer with many headaches lately. I do occasionally have a migraine that paracetamol doesn't help, and then I need to take something stronger, such as co codamol, and rest in a dark room with some 4head applied.

My headaches are, fortunately, usually just that-inconvenient, horrible headaches, but controllable. However one of my sons and one of my daughters suffers with severe migraine type headaches. In my daughters case these attacks aren't frequent but when they come they are severe and everything comes to a halt. She is very sick also. The application of 4head doesn't seem to aid her much. In her case it seems to be a case of vomiting, and then sleeping to ease the migraine.

My eldest son suffers from chronic tension type headaches. He has been advised by a consultant to no longer use paracetamol, co codamol or similar, painkillers as they may be causing these headaches and the cycle needs to be broken. This is easy to say but if they actually witnessed him suffering from one of these severe debilitating headaches they might try harder to find an alternative. It has been suggested to only use applicable relief not a tablet or liquid that's swallowed.

So now he is only using headache relief patches and the 4head application. He finds that these, although in no way stopping his headaches, do afford some relief. I first gave him 4head to try a few months ago, as an alternative to patches, if a headache started whilst he was at work. Of course, at these times, using this is more discreet than wearing a gel pad.

He does find it soothing but knows that if the headache starts he is best to get home quickly, as it won't just go away, but will worsen until he sleeps. He says thought that he feels it does give him more time to arrange cover and travel home if he has applied 4head.

At home he finds this treatment works best if applied to his forehead while trying to relax and, hopefully, sleep. Anything that can help is worthwhile

For my headaches I find the 4head to be quite beneficial. If it's quite a bad one I will take painkillers, dab 4head on my forehead and sit back and try to relax. I find the feel of the application on my head seems to soothe and to me and I can best compare the effect to my head being massaged. It doesn't altogether take the pain away but helps and aids relaxation, which helps with my headaches. It aids sleep.

So what exactly is 4head? Well it comes in a small tube like applicator which pushes up. It is clear in colour so is ideal to use outside the home. It needs to be applied to the head gently and will immediately sting a little. I quite like this sensation when suffering with a headache as it seems to massage the area where applied with this sensation. Gradually it begins to lessen the pain. It smells a little like a cold remedy, to me.


FURTHER DETAILS

* Keep away from the eyes as it can sting.

* Suitable for adults and children 6 years and over

* Discontinue using if it feels uncomfortable or you suffer with any undesirable effects. If this happens then seek medical advice.

* This should not be purchased by those under the age of sixteen years old.

* If taking other medication (or complementary medicines) consult your doctor before using.

* If you are breast feeding, pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or suffer from allergies seek advice before using this application.

* As with all medicines, keep secure and out of the reach of children.

**4head contains 3.6g of the active ingredient levomenthol in a solid cone.



4Head is available from chemists. I have bought from many places but last bought from Boots the chemist. It is currently selling here for, £3.99 for a 3.6 g stick. The usual price is, £4.99.