I shake off this nasty cold?
headaches, tiredness and nausea. However in research trials, where participants were “blinded” to the substances they were exposed to, symptoms were just as likely to occur with placebos, and many experts believe it is the thought of being exposed to the chemical stimulus, rather than the actual exposure, that causes symptoms.
This doesn’t mean symptoms aren’t real, it’s just they are probably triggered more by fear than exposure to the chemicals.
Many patients with MCS have symptoms of anxiety and depression and though some would argue this is caused by their ongoing other symptoms ( in your case, a chronic headache), treatment with talking therapies, such as cognitive behavioural therapy, either on its own or together with antidepressants, can be very helpful in improving mood and other symptoms.
Taking painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen on a regular basis can make headaches worse and a better option is a “pain modulating agent” such as amitriptyline or gabapentin ( available on prescription from your GP).
If you have a health question for Dr Rosemary please write to her in confidence at The Northern & Shell Building, 10 Lower Thames Street, London EC3R 6EN or email health@ express. co. uk.
Dr Rosemary’s reply will appear in this column. She regrets she cannot enter into personal correspondence and due to the volume of letters she cannot reply to everyone. Find out more about her at drrosemaryleonard. co. uk