A Leeds dad says he is at his 'wit's end' after his 14-year-old daughter was allegedly sent home from school for wearing a discreet earing which helps her to manage her 'debilitating' migraines.
Bobbiemay Smith is currently sitting her end-of-year exams at Cockburn John Charles Academy in south Leeds, but claims she has been told that she cannot return to school until she takes out a small, clear earring which helps her manage her migraines.
Geoff Smith, 49, told LeedsLive that the piercing 'immediately' cleared up his daughter's symptoms, which included a lack of balance, confusion and even vomiting.
"She gets these migraines in waves throughout the week," said Mr Smith.
"She has to lie down, she can't string a sentence together, she's throwing up, she hasn't got any balance.
"It'll back off for a bit, but then it'll come back in another wave. It's not possible for her to function like that."
Mr Smith said he took his daughter to get a daith piercing near the top of her right ear.
Daith piercings see a small hole created in the innermost cartilage fold of the ear in an attempt to replicate acupuncture. Although the practice isn't universally recognised by medical professionals, Mr Smith said it has worked wonders for his daughter.
Mr Smith said: "Bobbiemay says it immediately cured her headaches and she's not had a migraine since.
"She used to get them every two or three days. It works. If she feels a migraine coming on she plays with the earring and it seems to work."
Bobbiemay even bought a discreet, nude-coloured earring to try and hide it - but she was sent home when teachers discovered the piercing.
"She's about to do her exams soon and she's not going to be allowed to do them while she's wearing the earring," said Mr Smith.
"I'm bordering on not being to control myself in the school. I'm being as polite as I can but I'm coming to my wit's end with it.
"It's not in there for decoration. It's for her migraines.
"How she does this year affects her position in the school next year.
"All this over a piercing to stop her migraines. It's madness."
Cockburn John Charles Academy has been asked for comment.
Visit our homepage for more of the biggest talking points across Leeds.
LeedsLive has launched a WhatsApp group to keep you up to date with the latest news! Click here to join and follow the instructions on your phone. Your number won't be shared with anyone else in the group.
