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Jack P Shepherd health: Coronation Street star reveals condition that makes him ‘go blind’

Jack P Shepherd, 31, is a respected face in the soap world, having played the character of David Platt in the ITV soap opera Coronation Street for almost two decades. The role has earned him prestigious awards over the years, taking home the British Soap Award for Villain of the year in 2008 and most recently the British Soap Award for Best Actor in 2018. His character has been at the centre of a number of dramatic storylines over the years, and Jack has grappled with his own personal struggles too.

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Earlier in the year, Jack revealed to his fans on social media that he suffers from debilitating migraines.

The soap star opened about his health battle after initially revealing that he has never had a cold, which prompted a response from one of his fans.

The fan quipped: “You must’ve been breast fed as a baby…or maybe you still are.”

Jack replied: “Wasn’t breast fed, had milk off the door step. I ate really well as a child, and that builds your immune system, also I played outside, climbed trees, played in mud…maybe that’s why?”

He continued: “I suffer with migraines and throw up for 10 hours, and ultimately go blind! So I’m not superman.”

A migraine is usually a moderate or severe headache felt as a throbbing pain on one side of the head, according to the NHS.

The throbbing sensation that accompanies a migraine tends to get worse when you move and prevents you carrying out normal activities.

In some cases, the pain can occur on both sides of your head and may affect your face or neck, notes the health site.

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Other symptoms commonly associated with a migraine include:

  • Feeling sick
  • Being sick
  • Increased sensitivity to light and sound, which is why many people with a migraine want to rest in a quiet, dark room
  • Some people also occasionally experience other symptoms, including:
  • Sweating
  • Poor concentration
  • Feeling very hot or very cold
  • Tummy (abdominal) pain
  • Diarrhoea

“Not everyone with a migraine experiences these additional symptoms and some people may experience them without having a headache,” explained the health site.

It added: “The symptoms of a migraine usually last between four hours and three days, although you may feel very tired for up to a week afterwards.”

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How to treat migraines

There’s currently no cure for migraines, although a number of treatments are available to help alleviate symptoms.

You may need to try different types or combinations of medicines before you find the most effective ones, explains the NHS.

If you find you cannot manage your migraines using over-the-counter medicines, your GP may prescribe something stronger, says the health body.

Some people find the best immediate response to having a migraine is to sleep or lie in a darkened room to alleviate symptoms.

Others find that eating something helps, or they start to feel better once they have been sick, says the NHS.

Many people who have migraines find that over-the-counter painkillers, such as paracetamol, aspirin and ibuprofen, can help to reduce their symptoms and they to be most effective if taken at the first signs of a migraine attack, says the health body.

Certain lifestyle measures be taken to reduce the risk of having a migraine, and exercise may play a key role, according to Mayo Clinic.

The health site said: “During physical activity, your body releases certain chemicals that block pain signals to your brain. These chemicals also help alleviate anxiety and depression, which can make migraines worse.”

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