Migraine & Headache
Shedding Light on Pain: Migraine & Headache Awareness
June is National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month (MHAM)—a time to raise understanding, break stigma, and empower those living with chronic headache disorders. Migraines and headaches are more than just temporary discomforts; for many, they’re debilitating conditions that affect every aspect of life, from work to relationships and mental health.
Let’s dive into the differences, causes, symptoms, and treatments of migraines and headaches—and most importantly, how to manage them.
What’s the Difference Between a Headache and a Migraine?
While the terms are often used interchangeably, headaches and migraines are different in cause, intensity, and symptoms.
Headaches are typically mild to moderate pain in the head, scalp, or neck. The most common types are:
Tension headaches (often stress-related)
Cluster headaches (occur in cyclical patterns)
Sinus headaches (from sinus infections)
Migraines are more severe and often accompanied by other symptoms like:
Nausea and vomiting
Sensitivity to light, sound, or smell
Visual disturbances (aura)
Throbbing pain, often on one side of the head
Migraines can last from 4 hours to 3 days and can be triggered by a range of factors.
Who’s Affected?
Migraines affect more than 1 billion people worldwide, making them the third most prevalent illness globally.
In the U.S. alone, over 39 million men, women, and children live with migraines.
Women are 3 times more likely to experience migraines than men due to hormonal influences.
Common Triggers
Understanding triggers can help reduce migraine and headache frequency. These include:
Stress or anxiety
Hormonal changes (e.g., menstruation)
Certain foods (chocolate, caffeine, aged cheese, alcohol)
Skipping meals
Lack of sleep or irregular sleep patterns
Weather changes
Bright lights or strong smells
Diagnosis and Treatment
If you suffer from frequent headaches or migraines, it’s important to see a healthcare provider. A neurologist may recommend:
Lifestyle changes: Stress management, hydration, sleep hygiene
Preventive medications: Beta-blockers, anticonvulsants, antidepressants
Acute medications: Triptans, NSAIDs, gepants, and ergots
Therapies: Biofeedback, acupuncture, cognitive-behavioral therapy
Devices: FDA-approved neuromodulation devices to reduce attacks
Tips for Managing Migraine and Headache
🧠 Keep a headache diary to track triggers and patterns
💧 Stay hydrated and avoid skipping meals
🛏️ Stick to a consistent sleep schedule
🌤️ Use sunglasses or blue-light blocking glasses
🧘♀️ Practice relaxation techniques like yoga and meditation
💊 Follow your prescribed treatment plan closely
You’re Not Alone
Living with migraines or chronic headaches can be isolating—but there is support. Organizations like the Migraine Research Foundation and the American Migraine Foundation offer resources, support communities, and ongoing research updates.
Awareness leads to understanding—and understanding leads to compassion and better care. Let’s work together to break the stigma and uplift those affected by these invisible illnesses.
🟣 Wear purple this month in solidarity and to start important conversations.
📚 References:
American Migraine Foundation
https://americanmigrainefoundation.orgMigraine Research Foundation
https://migraineresearchfoundation.orgCenters for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Migraine and Headache Disorders
https://www.cdc.gov/National Headache Foundation
https://headaches.orgWorld Health Organization (WHO)
Headache Disorders Fact Sheet
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/headache-disorders