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September 2019

Hello Friend,

Welcome to the September Edition of Migraine Monthly, a curated selection of resources from our migraine community. We're excited to share useful knowledge and resources for ensuring access to migraine treatment.

We believe that education is key to advocacy, and that begins with learning more about the impact migraine has. For this reason, we're proud to share an interview we conducted with Sharron Murray, RN, co-author of "Life With Migraine: Effects on Relationships, Career, and Finances From the Chronic Migraine Epidemiology and Outcomes (CaMEO) Study," a study published in the journal Headache®.

In the interview, Sharron—an AMF Partner and Move Against Migraine moderator—explains the research findings, and how significant and validating the study was for the migraine community. “Knowledge is power,” she says. “The more you know about migraine, the more you can work with your healthcare provider to manage treatment."

Together, we are as relentless as migraine.

The AMF Team

Affordable Access to Migraine Treatments

Many members of the migraine community consider access to  treatment as a barrier. Our partner MigraineDisease.com put together this webpage to help people learn more about the process and navigate insurance hurdles. 

Navigate Access Issues with #MigraineMatters

Patient Advocate Foundation offers a program called #MigraineMatters, to help people living with migraine navigate access issues. Submit an application and a case manager will be back in touch with you within 48 hours. Learn more here.

Tips to Stop Feeling Anxious with Migraine

About 50% of people with migraine also experience anxiety. In this article, Jennifer from Migraine Strong shared her experience with vestibular migraine and her tips for reducing anxiety. Read more here.

Thanks for reading!

The American Migraine Foundation was founded by the American Headache Society. All of our content is verified by board-certified neurologists and sourced from members of the American Headache Society.

October 2019

Hello Friend,

As the seasons change and routines fluctuate, it is a good time to talk about the importance of wellness and self-care. Managing migraine can be hard, but making healthy changes to your lifestyle can make each day a little easier. 

Maintaining a healthy diet and understanding your specific food triggers—foods or ingredients that contribute to migraine symptoms—can help you better manage your migraine. Because these food triggers vary widely from person to person, consider keeping a food diary to track your meals and help identify your triggers.

Another wellness tip is to keep a consistent sleep schedule. Your body needs sleep, and prioritizing a good night’s rest provides the foundation for healthier living. It may even result in fewer migraine attacks. Our Facebook support group gave some secrets to maintaining healthy sleep habits, which included keeping a consistent bedtime, regulating your bedtime routine and checking for sleep apnea. 

If you’re looking for ways to manage migraine before bedtime or throughout the day, people with migraine reported that certain activities helped with managing headaches. These include meditation, guided imagery, yoga, exercising for 30 minutes three times a week or just by focusing on one task at a time.

Also, most importantly, always remember that you don’t need to manage your pain alone. Managing this disease is not easy. Finding your support system—whether it be your friends, family, an in-person support group or an online community like  Move Against Migraine—can make a world of difference.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more migraine tips, expert advice and relatable memes.

Together, we are as relentless as migraine.

The AMF Team

Managing Diet and Migraine

Did you know that your diet and specific foods you eat can contribute to a migraine attack? Learn more about food triggers and how a doctor can help you.

Preventive Migraine Treatment: An Introduction

Rescue medications can help stop attacks that have already started, but preventive migraine treatment can help reduce the number of attacks and their severity. There are many preventive treatments available, but choosing one will depend on your medical history, attack frequency and more.

Establishing Healthy Sleep Habits

Consistent sleep habits are foundational to healthier living and fewer migraine attacks. But getting the recommended 7 to 8 hours of sleep isn’t always easy. We asked our Move Against Migraine support group members for some of their sleep secrets.

Your contribution matters. Donate to the American Migraine Foundation today.

Follow the American Migraine Foundation on social media for facts, research and access to a growing community where all patients of migraine can share their story.

Thanks for reading!

The American Migraine Foundation was founded by the American Headache Society. All of our content is verified by board-certified neurologists and sourced from members of the American Headache Society.

October 2019

Hello Friend,

We are excited to announce the launch of the Move Against Migraine podcast, a new program designed to share vital migraine information in a conversational, convenient format.

In each episode, Dr. Larry Newman, Vice Chair of the American Migraine Foundation, speaks with experts in migraine, breaking down complex topics into short, digestible episodes. During our first season we're centering our discussion on topics we see in the migraine community, such as medication overuse headache and migraine during pregnancy. 

Listen to our first three episodes online or on the Migraine Essentials hub, your destination for all things migraine.

• The Start of Your Migraine Journey
• Migraine Treatment and You
• Migraine and Anti-CGRP Treatments

Move Against Migraine is available to listen on many different platforms, and we'll be releasing the rest of the first season over the coming weeks. If you loved it or found it useful, we would greatly appreciate it if you left us a review and shared it with your community.

Together, we are as relentless as migraine.

Sincerely,

The AMF Team

Follow the American Migraine Foundation on social media for facts, research and access to a growing community where all patients of migraine can share their story.

Thanks for reading!

The American Migraine Foundation was founded by the American Headache Society. All of our content is verified by board-certified neurologists and sourced from members of the American Headache Society.

October 2019

Hello Friend,

Welcome to the October edition of Migraine Monthly, a curated selection of resources from our migraine community. We're excited to share useful knowledge and resources for ensuring access to migraine treatment.

Migraine is a disabling disease that no one should have to go through alone. It is essential to build a support network of understanding people who can not only check in on you during an attack but also empathize with your experience. 

Here are some ideas to help you create a migraine support network:

• If you're looking to meet people with migraine and give back the migraine community, our partner Shades for Migraine has an incredible opportunity for you! Whether you're a talented writer, artist, communicator or love organizing events, you can join their volunteer registry database and see how you can help. 
• Find an understanding headache specialist. A good relationship with your headache specialist or neurologist can go a long way! Your doctor should make you feel comfortable, listen to your concerns and prescribe you treatment you both agree on. We have tool on our website to help you find a doctor near you.
• Join our Move Against Migraine Facebook support group to connect with people who get what you're going through. Members include doctors, people with migraine and people who are supporting someone with migraine. The discussion is focused on improving the lives of those living with this disease.
• Keep up in your current community. Migraine can easily separate you from your support community, so focus on nurturing the relationships you currently have. This keeps you engaged in the things you enjoy or believe in while surrounding yourself with people who support you. Win-win.

We hope these ideas will help you develop meaningful relationships with people who will give you support when you need it and help you better manage your migraine. 

Together, we are as relentless as migraine.

The AMF Team

Fighting Stigma with Miles for Migraine

Our partner Miles for Migraine covers a lot of ground (literally) to raise awareness for this disease. Through walk and run events, people learn more about migraine, spread awareness and push for more funding and research to help those living migraine. See how they do it here.

The Dizzy Cook on Food, Migraine & More

Because different foods can be a migraine trigger, those living with the disease may shy away from the kitchen. But Alicia Wolf of AMF partner The Dizzy Cook, cooking can be a delicious way to avoid migraine, connect with loved ones and more. Listen to her Facebook Live here.

Improved Care for Children with Migraine

One in 11 children lives with migraine. The American Headache Society and the American Academy of Neurology updated the pediatric migraine treatment guidelines to improve the care that children receive. Learn more about the guidelines here.

Thanks for reading!

The American Migraine Foundation was founded by the American Headache Society. All of our content is verified by board-certified neurologists and sourced from members of the American Headache Society.

November 2019

Hello Friend,

The American Migraine Foundation (AMF) is proud to announce that Jim Cramer, host of CNBC’s Mad Money, has joined the organization as its spokesperson. Mr. Cramer will be an instrumental figure in the Foundation’s mission to mobilize a community for patient support, drive awareness, advance research, and provide education for those impacted by migraine and other disabling diseases that cause severe head pain.   

“The American Migraine Foundation is a world-class organization dedicated to providing those living with migraine with education and resources to combat their disease,” says Mr. Cramer. “There is an endless amount of people with migraine who are in excruciating pain, struggling to find treatment and looking for answers. No one should have to face this alone.”

Mr. Cramer is one of the more than 37 million Americans living with migraine. Starting in October of 2016, he would get a migraine attack almost daily, disabling him and impacting every aspect of his life.

“There are headaches and then there is migraine,” says Cramer. “Unless you have migraine, you don’t know what it’s like to fear an attack.”

Migraine is the 3rd most common disease in the world and the 2nd leading cause of all global disability. Mr. Cramer’s goal is to draw more attention to migraine with the hope of reaching more patients and breaking down barriers to make treatment more accessible.

“If I can help even one person find relief, then I know I will have made a big difference,” says Cramer. “No one living with this disease should have to suffer the pain that is migraine alone.”

We could not be more honored to have Mr. Cramer represent AMF as we fight against this disabling disease. 

Together we are as relentless as migraine. 

Nim Lalvani
Executive Director

Your contribution matters. Donate to the American Migraine Foundation today.

Follow the American Migraine Foundation on social media for facts, research and access to a growing community where all patients of migraine can share their story.

Thanks for reading!

The American Migraine Foundation was founded by the American Headache Society. All of our content is verified by board-certified neurologists and sourced from members of the American Headache Society.

November 2019

Hello Friend,

If you're reading this email, you may already know that a regular routine can make migraine easier to manage. This means that the holidays, as exciting as they might be, can really turn things upside down.

Planning and preparing for this hectic time of year is important. But so is relaxing, taking it easy and avoiding placing too much pressure on yourself. Finding balance during the holiday season is key, and our Holiday Survival Guide will give you the tools to enjoy this time with your family and friends. 

Remember to take some of the pressure off yourself to be “perfect”—no one can do it all, and no one should have to. So let your loved ones help you out with your holiday to-do list by discussing your migraine and your needs.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more doctor-verified information and patient-verified tips.

Together, we are as relentless as migraine.

The AMF Team

Move Against Migraine Podcast

If you’re looking for ways to unwind during the holidays, make sure to check out our Move Against Migraine Podcast. Dr. Larry Newman, vice chair of AMF, covers a variety of migraine topics with experts in the field.

ICYMI: AMF Names Jim Cramer Spokesperson

We’re very excited to welcome Jim Cramer, host of CNBC’s Mad Money, as our spokesperson. As someone living with migraine, Mr. Cramer knows first-hand how important it is for the migraine community to have an advocate.

What is Orofacial Pain?

If you ever experience pain in your teeth or face, it may be caused by a form of migraine. This kind of orofacial pain is often mistakenly believed to be a dental issue, but could be a manifestation of other symptoms.

Your contribution matters. Donate to the American Migraine Foundation today.

Follow the American Migraine Foundation on social media for facts, research and access to a growing community where all patients of migraine can share their story.

Thanks for reading!

The American Migraine Foundation was founded by the American Headache Society. All of our content is verified by board-certified neurologists and sourced from members of the American Headache Society.

Hello Friend,

The holiday season is upon us, a time for all to enjoy family, friends, food and more! But this time of year can also be hard on those with migraine, taking the “cheer” out of “holiday cheer” and leaving some feeling like they’ve missed out on some of those special holiday moments.

As we approach Giving Tuesday this December 3rd, a global initiative inspiring people to give, collaborate and celebrate generosity, we invite you to join our efforts in supporting those living with migraine by exploring the giving options on our website or starting a Facebook donation campaign. These donations are incredibly important in supporting the education and research working to fight this disabling disease. 

From our online support community of migraine patients and advocates to our library of educational materials and our Find a Doctor tool, we will continue to support our community with resources to help decrease the impact of migraine. 

We are so grateful for your continuous support and commitment to advocating for those impacted by migraine. 

Together, we are as relentless as migraine.

Nim Lalvani

Executive Director

American Migraine Foundation

Thanks for reading!

The American Migraine Foundation was founded by the American Headache Society. All of our content is verified by board-certified neurologists and sourced from members of the American Headache Society.

November 2019

Hello Friend,

Welcome to the November edition of Migraine Monthly, a curated selection of resources from our migraine community. We're excited to share useful knowledge and resources for ensuring access to migraine treatment.

One of the difficulties of living with migraine is having to constantly discern what information is trustworthy and what's unreliable. We often joke about the search for credible advice, but jokes aside, we want you to have all the information you need at your fingertips. 

We've been working with our friends at The Mighty to launch our own page where we publish medically-accurate information that is either reviewed or written by the doctors themselves. Please check us out and give our page a follow. Here are some of our favorite posts:

• Common Myths and Misconceptions. Dr. Thomas Berk breaks down the common myths around headache and migraine to fight sigma with education. 
• Accommodations at Work. Because migraine often impacts a person's professional life, it's important to request accommodations to improve the working environment for those with migraine.
• Misdiagnosis of Childhood Migraine. Children and teens can have migraine, too. But they often struggle to understand and describe their pain. Here's why migraine is often misdiagnosed in children and adolescents.

We hope these articles will help you better manage your migraine and, more importantly, give you peace of mind. For more migraine education, visit our resource library.

Together, we are as relentless as migraine.

The AMF Team

A Migraine Patient's Guide to Choosing a Health Plan

Are you choosing a plan during open enrollment? Our partners, Headache and Migraine Forum and the Patient Advocate Foundation, put together three tips for migraine patients. Check them out here.

Jim Cramer Joins Forces with AMF

The American Migraine Foundation is excited to announce our new spokesperson: Jim Cramer, host of CNBC’s Mad Money. Learn more about his migraine journey and how he plans to work with the Foundation.

Migraine and Body Temperature Regulation

As winter creeps up on us and it gets colder outside, migraine associated with body temperature may be something to look at for. Check out this article from Migraine.com about temperature variations related to migraine. 

Thanks for reading!

The American Migraine Foundation was founded by the American Headache Society. All of our content is verified by board-certified neurologists and sourced from members of the American Headache Society.

Hello Friend,

As a person living with migraine, I know first-hand how migraine can keep you from enjoying some of life’s most precious moments. If I had a dollar for every time migraine had me leave a family party early, miss a gathering with my friends or just sit on the sidelines of my own life — it is astonishing how much of an impact migraine can have.

While migraine affects everyone differently, it does not discriminate and can affect anyone, at any time. We asked several members of our community how migraine has impacted those special moments in their lives. We heard about missed sporting events, careers that ended early, spoiled occasions and friendships that drifted apart.

This Giving Tuesday, help us fight to bring an end to moments stolen by migraine. By donating to the American Migraine Foundation or starting a Facebook fundraising campaign on behalf of AMF, you can help us advocate and support the migraine community this holiday season. These donations are incredibly important in supporting the education and research working to fight this disabling disease. 

We also invite you to use this video to start the conversation about the impact migraine can have. Forward this video to your friends and family and share it on social media to show people the reality of living with migraine. 

Together, we are as relentless as migraine. 

Nim Lalvani

Executive Director

American Migraine Foundation

Thanks for reading!

The American Migraine Foundation was founded by the American Headache Society. All of our content is verified by board-certified neurologists and sourced from members of the American Headache Society.

Hello Friend,

This year, the American Migraine Foundation has made significant strides in migraine awareness and advocacy. Whether you live with migraine or support a loved one who does, thank you for being a part of our community. We couldn’t have done it without you. 

Migraine often goes under the radar, but so many of this year's initiatives changed that. The “What Migraine Looks Like” campaign helped countless people understand the magnitude of this disease. What’s more, our billboard in Times Square shared important migraine facts and uplifting messages with millions of people from all over the world. 

This year, we also provided patients with resources to have difficult—but important—conversations about migraine with their loved ones, colleagues and more. We also partnered with key advocates in the migraine space to help increase access and elevate the patient voice. It’s vital for people living with migraine to advocate and share their story with people in their lives, and we wanted to help them reach this goal in as many different ways as possible. 

Since we launched the American Registry for Migraine Research, we’ve expanded to nine participating sites and seen amazing patient engagement and recruitment. Insights and data from ARMR will help improve patient care and work to change the future of migraine. 

We’re grateful for the strides we’ve made together this year, but there’s still more to do. There’s still time to help us make 2019 a year to remember and continue our mission into 2020. 

Your gift makes it possible for us to continue to advance migraine research, promote advocacy and stand up for those living with this disease. 

Together, we are as relentless as migraine.

Nim Lalvani

Executive Director

American Migraine Foundation

Year in Review: 2019

In 2019, the American Migraine Foundation reached new heights—literally and figuratively! From launching an international migraine awareness campaign to helping people start conversations about migraine with the people in their lives, it’s been a whirlwind year. Check out what we’ve accomplished here.

Your contribution matters. Donate to the American Migraine Foundation today.

Follow the American Migraine Foundation on social media for facts, research and access to a growing community where all patients of migraine can share their story.

Thanks for reading!

The American Migraine Foundation was founded by the American Headache Society. All of our content is verified by board-certified neurologists and sourced from members of the American Headache Society.

Hello Friend,

We are excited to announce that we’re collaborating with the Patient Advocate Foundation to produce a series of Facebook Live events about patient access. The series is meant to empower those living with migraine and help them get the information and care they need. Here’s the schedule:

During each session, Emily Brown, Patient Education Content and Project Manager at PAF, will provide an overview of the topic, share key information and answer audience questions. Each live stream will begin at 1:00pm ET and last approximately 30 minutes. We hope you will join us. 

Together, we are as relentless as migraine.

The American Migraine Foundation

Your contribution matters. Donate to the American Migraine Foundation today.

Follow the American Migraine Foundation on social media for facts, research and access to a growing community where all patients of migraine can share their story.

Thanks for reading!

The American Migraine Foundation was founded by the American Headache Society. All of our content is verified by board-certified neurologists and sourced from members of the American Headache Society.

Hello Friend,

As you may know, both caplet and gel-tablets of Excedrin Extra Strength and Excedrin Migraine will be temporarily unavailable as GlaxoSmithKline works to resolve an inconsistency in how the ingredients are weighed. The company said in a statement that the production halt is a “precautionary measure” and that there are no safety risks associated with either product. However, both will be temporarily off the shelves until the issue is resolved.

For people using Excedrin to relieve recurring migraine attacks, this news may be concerning. But what sounds scary, could actually be the ticket to reducing the frequency of your migraine attacks.

Why? Because taking over-the-counter or prescription medications too frequently can actually cause Medication Overuse Headache. Overstimulating the brain pathways involved in reducing pain can create a dependence on medication. Not only does overuse make the medication less effective over time, it also causes pain between attacks and may trigger more frequent attacks. Overuse may even have a hand in progressing the disease from episodic to chronic.

The warning signs of medication overuse include taking acute medications more than two to three days per week or having an acute medicate wear off before the pain has subsided.  People who reach this stage should contact their physician to schedule an evaluation.

If you rely on these Excedrin products for relief from migraine, the American Migraine Foundation recommends you schedule an appointment with your headache specialist to determine an alternate course of treatment.

Not working with a headache specialist? Use our Find a Doctor Tool to locate an expert in your area.  

Together, we are as relentless as migraine.

The American Migraine Foundation

Your contribution matters. Donate to the American Migraine Foundation today.

Follow the American Migraine Foundation on social media for facts, research and access to a growing community where all patients of migraine can share their story.

Thanks for reading!

The American Migraine Foundation was founded by the American Headache Society. All of our content is verified by board-certified neurologists and sourced from members of the American Headache Society.

January 2020

Hello Friend,

As we reflect on the year behind us and set goals for the future, here's a reminder that New Year's resolutions are often achieved with small steps. We wish it was as simple as "New Year, New Me," but starting new habits takes patience and practice.

To help you on your migraine journey, we wanted to give you a few tips on behaviors that, when practiced and continued, can make a huge difference. We also provided a few resources to guide you and recommend finding support through our Move Against Migraine Facebook group. 

• Reduce stress through mindfulness. Take a few minutes each day to practice the C.A.R.E. process for mindfulness to help clear your mind. 
• Begin keeping a migraine journal. All you need is a notebook, pen and a couple moments each day to learn more about your migraine.
• Establish a bedtime routine. Improving your sleep each night has a great impact on the intensity and frequency of your migraine attacks. 
• Open up about your migraine. By explaining your migraine to those around you, you are advocating for yourself and the entire migraine community.

We hope that these resources help you make 2020 your best year yet. 

Together, we are as relentless as migraine.

The AMF Team

Ice Pick Headache: A Guide

Often confused with migraine, ice pick headaches are short, stabbing, extremely intense headaches that generally last only seconds. Dr. Juliana VanderPluym walks us through how this disease is diagnosed and treated.

What to Know About Occipital Neuralgia

Occipital neuralgia typically causes a sharp, shooting pain that can be triggered by head-turning or pushing on the nerve in the back of the head. Dr. Rashmi Halker-Singh explains the condition’s symptoms and diagnosis.

Move Against Migraine 2019: A Look Back

As we begin 2020, we wanted to celebrate all that community members have accomplished this year. Read on to find out what members of our #MoveAgainstMigraine group were most proud of in 2019.

Your contribution matters. Donate to the American Migraine Foundation today.

Follow the American Migraine Foundation on social media for facts, research and access to a growing community where all patients of migraine can share their story.

Thanks for reading!

The American Migraine Foundation was founded by the American Headache Society. All of our content is verified by board-certified neurologists and sourced from members of the American Headache Society.

Hello Friend,

The 5th Annual Migraine Moment Short Film Contest is now open for submissions!

The contest, sponsored by the American Headache Society and the American Migraine Foundation, is an outlet for people to share their migraine stories. We invite you to use video to help us convey the complex realities of migraine and the people living with it.

The winner will receive $2,500 and travel/hotel accommodations to present their video at the American Headache Society’s 62nd Annual Scientific Meeting in San Diego, CA. Second place and third place winners will receive $1,000 and $500, respectively.

We are thrilled to continue this initiative into its fifth year. Please help us spread the word about the contest. And remember, submit your video by Monday, April 20th, 2020 for consideration. 

Together, we are as relentless as migraine. 

The AMF Team

Thanks for reading!

The American Migraine Foundation was founded by the American Headache Society. All of our content is verified by board-certified neurologists and sourced from members of the American Headache Society.

February 2020

Hello Friend,

It's been a busy and rewarding time for migraine advocacy.

We were honored to represent the migraine community at Headache on the Hill, the annual advocacy event hosted by the Alliance for Headache Disorders Advocacy. During the two-day event, patients, physicians and researchers went to Washington, D.C. to advocate for people living with migraine and other headache disorders.

We encourage you to check out the #HOH2020 hashtag and continue the momentum by writing in to or tweeting your representatives. Look up your representative here and use the following message to get started.

Representative [NAME], migraine is a disabling disease affecting 37 million Americans. There are not enough providers to effectively care for these patients. Help headache patients get the treatment they need by ammending H.R.3414/S.2892 to ensure federal funding of approved headache fellowships.

Additionally, Executive Director Nim Lalvani joined patients and advocates at the ICER community forum on Acute Migraine to provide testimony about the effectiveness of gepants and ditans. The goal of this forum was to fully demonstrate the impact that migraine has on those who live with it by reviewing ICER's assessment of treatments on the clinical and economic value of acute medications.

It is always inspiring to see so many advocates come together to improve the lives of those with migraine. We are so proud to be part of the conversation on the new class of medications and look forward to standing with the community as more treatments come to the market.

The American Headache Society, with help from AMF’s advisory board, worked to make the language in their bylaws more empowering and inclusive. After an overwhelming vote, the word “sufferers” was removed. The bylaws now read, “The core goal of AHS is to improve the lives of people impacted by migraine and other headache disorders.” We are proud that our founding organization and the voting members helped make the Society better for all.

Together, we are as relentless as migraine.

The AMF Team

Chiari Malformations in Children

For parents whose child has a Chiari malformation, you likely have many questions about this diagnosis and how it relates to migraine. We spoke with Dr. Meghan Candee to learn more about Chiari malformations and headache.

Understanding the American Registry for Migraine Research (ARMR)

How does a migraine registry help researchers and patients? Dr. Jessica Ailani joins us to explain how findings from a new study on the American Registry for Migraine Research (ARMR) can be used by patients with migraine.

Migraine and Kids: How Parents Can Help

It isn’t easy watching your child go through a migraine attack. That’s why we asked our Move Against Migraine community what they do to support their child with migraine. Check out what they had to say!

Your contribution matters. Donate to the American Migraine Foundation today.

Follow the American Migraine Foundation on social media for facts, research and access to a growing community where all patients of migraine can share their story.

Thanks for reading!

The American Migraine Foundation was founded by the American Headache Society. All of our content is verified by board-certified neurologists and sourced from members of the American Headache Society.

Hello Friend,

We urgently need your help with a specific advocacy request. Your Representative and/or Senator in Congress may be a member of a key committee that is just about to review a bill that could greatly increase the number of doctors trained to treat migraine and headache disorders. To make this happen, your Representative and/or Senator needs to vote in favor of an amendment to this bill.

You, or someone you care about, may have had trouble finding specialty care for migraine. Today, there are only 564 headache specialist doctors in the US to treat 47 million people with migraine - about 85,000 patients per doctor. Studies estimate that there should be 6 times more headache doctors to meet the need. 

Your migraine story matters and helps us put a face on an invisible illness. On behalf of our partner, the Alliance for Headache Disorders Advocacy, thank you for using your voice to effect change.

Together, we are as relentless as migraine.

The AMF Team

Thanks for reading!

The American Migraine Foundation was founded by the American Headache Society. All of our content is verified by board-certified neurologists and sourced from members of the American Headache Society.

April 2020

Hello Friend,

Welcome to the April Edition of Migraine Monthly, a selection of news and resources from our partners. We''re honored to be part of a community that stands together during uncertain times and works to positively impact the lives of people living with migraine and other headache disorders.

Advocacy is one of the most useful methods to educate others about migraine and to end the stigma. Through advocacy, every action counts in improving the lives of those with migraine. "If you show up to your appointment, that's advocacy. If you have the conversation with your provider, that's advocacy," says AMF Executive Director Nim Lalvani. 

Migraine advocacy can take many shapes, and it is not limited to patients alone. Leaders from the American Migraine Foundation and our partner the American Headache Society all recognize the importance of patients and physicians advocating for those with migraine.

We firmly believe that taking care of yourself is a form of advocacy. When you are able to help yourself, you will be in a better position to help others. To help you take care of yourself, we put together a Weekly Wellness series of Facebook Lives! Keep up with the weekly sessions on our Facebook Events page. Here are some of our favorites so far:

• Relaxation for Wellness
• The SEEDS for Success in Migraine Management
• Stretching Routine: How to Stretch with Migraine 

In this spirit of advocacy, we put together some of our partners'' resources on advocating for those with migraine. Scroll down to check them out! We''re honored to stand with the migraine community through the good, the bad and the migraine.

Together, we are as relentless as migraine.

The AMF Team

Retreat Migraine 2020 Virtual Experience 

Our partner Coalition for Headache and Migraine Patients recently hosted their Retreat Migraine Virtual Experience. Check out their collection of educational events to learn more about medical devices for migraine, new treatment options and more

How to Stay Hopeful with Your Migraine Care

One of the most unfortunate things about migraine is that you can do everything right and still get attacks. Our partner Migraine Again put together 6 ways to stay motivated on your migraine journey to help you find hope in the fight against migraine.

Migraine is a Spectrum

Migraine symptoms vary from person to person and attack to attack. Our partner the Headache and Migraine Policy Forum put together an easy-to-share infographic explaining how migraine differs for each person. This is a great piece to utilize when explaining your migraine to the people in your life.

5 Things I Wish Others Knew About Life with Vestibular Migraine

Our partner the Dizzy Cook lives with vestibular migraine. She put together a list of what she wishes others knew about living with a vestibular disorder to help friends and family better understand what she and so many others go through. 

Thanks for reading!

The American Migraine Foundation was founded by the American Headache Society. All of our content is verified by board-certified neurologists and sourced from members of the American Headache Society.

Hello Friend,

In such uncertain times, the American Migraine Foundation remains dedicated to providing support, education and comfort to those with migraine. To answer your most pressing questions, we are hosting a Facebook Live with leaders in headache and migraine to better understand COVID-19 and migraine.

Join us on Wednesday, March 25 at 8pm EST to get your questions answered by AMF Chair Dr. David Dodick, Executive Director Nim Lalvani, and American Headache Society President Dr. Kathleen Digre. Submit your questions by commenting on our Facebook post before the video begins. 

We hope you will join us to learn more about how COVID-19 may affect your migraine treatment and how you can help reduce the spread of the virus. While we are socially distancing, we are still a supportive community, remaining there for each other during the good, the bad and the migraine. Together, we are as relentless as migraine.

Sincerely,

The American Migraine Foundation team

Thanks for reading!

The American Migraine Foundation was founded by the American Headache Society. All of our content is verified by board-certified neurologists and sourced from members of the American Headache Society.

June 2020

Hello Friend,

Every June, the American Migraine Foundation joins the community in recognizing Migraine and Headache Awareness Month (MHAM). This year''s theme is "You Need Community," which underscores the importance of working together and leaning on each other through the good, the bad and the migraine. 

While the COVID-19 pandemic has changed life as we know it, we are energized by the unwavering strength of the community and the shared commitment to move against migraine. MHAM 2020 may be celebrated from a distance this year, but we look forward to working with our partners and the community to champion advocacy, build community and raise awareness for this disabling disease. 

Will you join us? Here''s how you can get involved:

• Share your story to help raise funds. Ask your loved ones to join you in making a difference for the migraine community by setting up a campaign for AMF on Facebook or by creating a unique crowdfunding page here.
• Tell us how you #MoveAgainstMigraine. Use the hashtag to tell us how you #MoveAgainstMigraine on any social media channel to raise your voice for advocacy.
• Frame your awareness. June is the perfect time to share your personal migraine experience with your network. Use a Facebook profile frame as a way to raise awareness.
• Participate in our educational events virtually. From Facebook Lives with migraine advocates to a Reddit Ask Me Anything with leading headache specialists, the Foundation is hosting events throughout June to connect the community to helpful resources. Follow us on social to learn more about these opportunities. 

We cannot wait to see how our community comes together during this month of advocacy. Thank you for being part of the #MoveAgainstMigraine!

- The AMF Team

Your contribution matters. Donate to the American Migraine Foundation today.

Follow the American Migraine Foundation on social media for facts, research and access to a growing community where all patients of migraine can share their story.

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The American Migraine Foundation was founded by the American Headache Society. All of our content is verified by board-certified neurologists and sourced from members of the American Headache Society.

Hello Friend,

The American Migraine Foundation is excited to partner with the 2020 Migraine World Summit (MWS), the largest global patient event dedicated to migraine and headache disorders. 

MWS is a free online event intended to reduce the global burden of migraine through education and fundraising. The 5th annual Migraine World Summit brings together 32 experts, including leading doctors and specialists, to share new treatments, research and strategies to help you manage your migraine.

The 2020 Summit will feature inspiring stories from real headache heroes, including Olympic Gold Medalist Amanda Beard, and esteemed headache specialists from all around the world. Attendees will learn how concussion and head injuries lead to migraine, how pain works in the migraine brain and how to navigate insurance and access issues. There's an entire day dedicated to cutting-edge treatments and another dedicated to alternative options such as supplements, mindfulness-based stress reduction and more.    

The American Migraine Foundation believes that access to information is crucial for patients to get the best care and advocate for themselves. We are proud to support educational initiatives like MWS and encourage you to register for this year's event. 

Together, we are as relentless as migraine.

The AMF Team

Thanks for reading!

The American Migraine Foundation was founded by the American Headache Society. All of our content is verified by board-certified neurologists and sourced from members of the American Headache Society.

March 2020

Hello Friend,

Welcome to the March Edition of Migraine Monthly, a selection of news and resources from our partners. We''re honored to be part of a community that stands together during uncertain times and pulls together to positively impact the lives of people living with migraine and other headache disorders.

The American Migraine Foundation remains dedicated to providing support, education and comfort to those living with migraine. Recently, we collaborated with the American Headache Society to answer some of your most pressing questions about COVID-19 and migraine. Watch as AMF Chair Dr. David Dodick, Executive Director Nim Lalvani, and AHS President Dr. Kathleen Digre share their expertise and answer community questions.

This webcast speaks to the importance of joining together in migraine advocacy. It also reminds us that standing together means no one stands alone. Visit our website to hear about how patients and physicians can work side-by-side to break down barriers in migraine in a video featuring patient advocates from our community and doctors from AHS.

Together, we are as relentless as migraine.

The AMF Team

7 COVID-19 Considerations Those With Migraine

While we don't expect people living with migraine to be at elevated risk for novel coronavirus (COVID-19), there might be several migraine-specific considerations that apply to your life. Dr. Mia Minen shares 7 ways you can reduce your risk of exposure and limit the potential for migraine attacks.

Navigating Migraine & Headache Treatment During COVID-19 

To help you navigate treatment options during this global pandemic, we assembled guidance from some of the nation''s leading healthcare institutions to help patients safely access resources, while minimizing the spread of the virus. 

Our Call to the Migraine Community

While our mission now and always is to advocate for migraine research, education and treatment, the health care providers on the front lines of the global COVID-19 pandemic need our support. Learn how you can join us and help make a difference.

Thanks for reading!

The American Migraine Foundation was founded by the American Headache Society. All of our content is verified by board-certified neurologists and sourced from members of the American Headache Society.