Also now I am getting gripping headaches on top of my head and down my neck which can be agonising.

I take Sumatriptan and the pain goes away but within 12 hours it comes back. Is there anything you can suggest I do?

FROM your description you are a long standing sufferer of migraine and are aware of how your classical migraine presents.

The severe headaches that you are experiencing, spreading down the neck, sounds as though it has an origin in intense muscle spasm.

Any change in your headache pattern is worth a review by your GP to determine what is the best treatment approach going forward.

The medication you describe is a classic, tried and tested anti-migraine medicine.

It may be that you'd benefit from an additional medicine to resolve these new symptoms.

THIS group of viruses are the most common cause of gastroenteritis (upset stomach) in the UK. Though sometimes called "winter vomiting disease" they can occur at any time of the year. It is estimated noroviruses infect up to one million people, of all ages, in the UK each year. They spread easily and can survive for days in a contaminated area.

Symptoms: The first symptom is usually sudden nausea, followed by projectile vomiting and watery diarrhoea. Some people may also have a raised temperature (over 38C/100.4F), headaches, stomach cramps and aching limbs. Symptoms normally last from 12 to 60 hours but most people recover within two to three days. There are no long-lasting effects.

Treatment: You will usually not need to visit a doctor. Instead, take paracetamol to relieve symptoms and drink plenty of water.

WHAT IS...

NOROVIRUS?

I SAW my local nurse last week to have my first smear test but I was referred to a gynaecologist as the nurse and doctor had trouble locating my cervix.

I can't get an appointment for four to six weeks and I am really worried. I have regular periods so I must have a cervix.

IT is unlikely that you do not have a cervix but it is sometimes the case that if your uterus is tilted backwards – a normal finding in a small number of women – it can mean that the cervix is tucked high up on the vaginal wall and can be very difficult to locate, particularly if you are not carrying out these procedures on a regular basis.

As a GP for more than 23 years, I have had one or two patients who had to be referred to the gynaecology clinic to have a satisfactory smear test carried out.

Do not worry as your GP has done the right thing.

It is most likely you will be reassured and advised of the situation when you attend the clinic.