National Headache Foundation

National Headache Foundation Our story: We support headache & migraine awareness, deliver education, fund research, and inspire advocacy. Non-profit Headaches.org

For over 50 years, our mission at the National Headache Foundation has been to further awareness of migraine and headache disorders as legitimate neurobiological diseases. Much has changed during this time, and with the aid of advanced technology and clinical innovation, there are more treatment options than ever before. However, we understand that these diseases are still largely misunderstood and that finding the right treatment options for you requires nuanced and adaptable insight.

01/16/2026

Could a blood test one day help diagnose migraine?

In this clip, Dr. Tim Smith andLindsay Weitzel, PhD, discuss new research examining potential blood biomarkers associated with migraine. While several markers were studied, one showed changes during migraine attacks—offering early insight into how migraine might be identified biologically in the future.

This research is still in early stages, but it highlights ongoing efforts to better understand migraine and improve diagnosis and care.

01/14/2026

In this episode of HeadWise™, host Lindsay Weitzel, PhD, is joined by Dr. Tim Smith to review recent research and clinical updates that are shaping migraine care.

They discuss the American Headache Society’s updated guidelines for treating migraine in the emergency department, the first update since 2016, including what the new evidence-based recommendations mean for people living with migraine who need emergency care.

The episode also explores new research on potential blood biomarkers for migraine, how cognitive function changes during and between migraine attacks, sleep disturbances in adolescents with chronic and continuous headache, and the relationship between adverse childhood experiences and chronic migraine severity.

The conversation concludes with a discussion of emerging data on GLP-1 medications and their potential impact on migraine frequency, offering insight into how treatments developed for other conditions may influence migraine care.

This episode provides a comprehensive, research-driven overview of where migraine care is headed and why these findings matter for treatment, access, and quality of life.

Study 1: https://headachejournal.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/head.70016
Study 2: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40454710/
Study 3: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40391826/
Study 4: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40525592/
Study 5: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40542535/
Study 6: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40525593/

01/12/2026

The American Headache Society has updated its emergency department guidelines for migraine care for the first time since 2016.

In this clip, Lindsay Weitzel, PhD and Tim Smith, MD, discuss what’s changed—and why the addition of nerve blocks as a recommended option matters for people living with migraine who need emergency care.

01/02/2026

In this clip from HeadWise™, Katy Oakley, CEO of the National Headache Foundation, explains how her lived experience with chronic headache and migraine shapes her approach to leadership and advocacy.

Watch the full episode of HeadWise™ to learn more about Katy’s journey and her vision for the future of the National Headache Foundation. You can find previous episodes on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Make sure to follow so you never miss an episode!

12/31/2025

In this episode of HeadWise™, host Lindsay Weitzel, PhD, welcomes Katy Oakley, the new Chief Executive Officer of the National Headache Foundation (NHF).

Katy shares her personal journey living with post-traumatic headache and chronic migraine following a traumatic brain injury in her twenties and how years of daily head pain, delayed diagnosis, and difficulty accessing care shaped her path to leadership within the headache community.

Drawing from both her lived experience and professional background in marketing and mission-driven organizations, Katy discusses how she plans to expand NHF’s reach, empower people living with headache and migraine, and strengthen education and certification for healthcare providers—especially in primary care.

In this conversation, they explore:
- Living with post-traumatic headache and chronic migraine
- The emotional and practical toll of daily head pain
- Barriers to care, step therapy, and treatment access
- Why patient-centered leadership matters
- Katy’s vision for the future of the National Headache Foundation
- How HeadWise listeners can help shape future episode topics

This episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the leadership guiding NHF forward—and a reminder that people living with headache and migraine are not alone.

12/30/2025

Migraine and headache insurance denials are frustratingly common—but they’re often predictable.

Some of the most common reasons include:
• “Not medically necessary” → the insurer wants more clinical justification
• Step therapy → being required to try lower-cost options first
• Off-formulary medications → not on your plan’s preferred drug list
• Out-of-network providers → based on your insurance rules

Here’s the key thing to know: each denial reason requires a different response.

That’s why carefully reading your denial letter—and understanding why coverage was denied—is the first step toward a successful appeal.

Follow the National Headache Foundation for migraine and headache care guidance, insurance education, and patient advocacy tips.

12/29/2025

In this clip from HeadWise™, Katy Oakley, CEO of the National Headache Foundation, shares how a bike accident in her twenties changed her life and led to years of daily headache and migraine attacks.

Watch the full HeadWise™ episode, releasing 12/31, to learn more about Katy’s journey and her vision for the future of the National Headache Foundation.

12/28/2025

“Why do I need a prior authorization?”

Insurance companies use prior authorization across all disease areas to decide whether a treatment or service will be covered.

For headache and migraine medications, this means your provider must document:
• Your age and diagnosis
• Treatments you’ve already tried (and didn’t work)
• Why the requested medication is medically necessary

While your healthcare provider completes these forms, you play an important role too. Understanding what’s included helps you have more informed conversations with your care team—and give them exactly what they need to move the process along faster.

Our website -- headaches.org -- includes Prior Authorization Checklists to help you be prepared and informed. Follow us for migraine and headache care guidance and patient advocacy tips.

12/27/2025

If you’ve received a denial for a headache or migraine treatment, you’re not alone—and you still have options.

First: Identify the why. Many denials happen due to missing information, step-therapy requirements, or a medication needing prior authorization.

Second: You always have the right to appeal. Call your insurance company and ask questions about the reason listed in your Explanation of Benefits (EOB). That information can guide next steps with your healthcare provider.

Third: Document everything. Keep records, dates, and paperwork, and ask your provider if they can submit a supporting letter. A coordinated effort between you and your provider can make a big difference.

Follow the National Headache Foundation for migraine and headache care guidance, insurance education, and patient advocacy tips.

12/26/2025

In Episode 5 of Taking Charge of Headache™, Dr. Karen Williams explains why identifying what matters most to you is essential when building an effective headache or migraine treatment plan in the VA.

Her insight anchors the discussion on alternative and non-medication treatments, including biofeedback and acupuncture, and reinforces that successful migraine care begins by aligning treatment options with individual needs, goals, and life circumstances.

You can find the full episode on YouTube, Facebook, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Make sure to follow so you never miss an episode!

12/24/2025

What is a prior authorization? How does it work?

A prior authorization (also called pre-auth or pre-approval) is approval from your insurance company, not your healthcare provider, before a medication, test, or service is covered.

Here’s what to know:
• It starts with your provider, who submits details about your diagnosis, treatment history, and why it’s medically necessary
• There’s no standard timeline — approvals can take days or even weeks
• If care is urgent, your provider may be able to request an expedited review
• Complete paperwork and strong documentation help prevent delays

Navigating insurance shouldn’t slow down your care. Follow National Headache Foundation for migraine & headache care guidance and patient advocacy tips.

As the year comes to a close, we want to thank our community for your trust and support.We wish you a happy and healthy ...
12/24/2025

As the year comes to a close, we want to thank our community for your trust and support.

We wish you a happy and healthy holiday season. Please note that the National Headache Foundation office will be closed from December 24 through January 1, reopening on January 2.

We look forward to connecting again in the new year.

Address

162 W Hubbard
Chicago, IL
60654

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4pm
Tuesday 8am - 4pm
Wednesday 8am - 4pm
Thursday 8am - 4pm
Friday 8am - 4pm

Telephone

+13122742650

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Our Story

Founded in 1970, the National Headache Foundation is the oldest and largest foundation for patients with migraine disease and headache disorders. The Foundation is the premier educational and informational resource for those with headache, health care providers, and the public. The work of the Foundation is through education, raising awareness, advocacy, and research. At the national and state levels, we are informing policymakers and the general public of the need to help patients get access to safe and appropriate care. We are reaching out to employers throughout the US to provide education for their staff and support in their efforts to minimize the costs and the personal/social impact of chronic headaches. We also hope to educate and encourage the 40 million Americans with migraine and chronic headaches to become self-advocates with their healthcare practitioners, insurers, employers, and families.