National Headache Foundation

11/23/2025

After getting breast implants in 2014, Kim began experiencing daily headache attacks the next year, along with an autoimmune disease diagnosis. The attacks eased after 2016, coming and going for nearly eight years. But in May 2024, they returned.

🔗 Read Kim's full story here: https://bit.ly/4icuhIQ

11/21/2025

The National Headache Foundation is pleased to share that Hope O’Brien, MD, MBA, FAHS, FAAN, has been unanimously elected President of the NHF Board of Directors during the November 17 meeting.

Dr. O’Brien is a nationally recognized headache specialist and founder of the Headache Center of Hope. Her career has focused on improving outcomes for people living with migraine disease, reducing disparities in care, and empowering individuals to return to the life they love.

She succeeds Vincent Martin, MD, who has provided nearly a decade of steady and impactful leadership as Board President. NHF extends its deepest appreciation to Dr. Martin for his dedicated service and lasting contributions to the organization.

This leadership transition comes at a meaningful moment for NHF, as Katy Oakley, who began her tenure as CEO in September, continues to guide the Foundation into its next phase of growth, advocacy, and national engagement.

“I’m honored to serve as Board President,” said Dr. O’Brien. “The work of NHF is deeply meaningful, and I look forward to advancing our mission alongside this dedicated community.”

NHF looks forward to this new chapter of leadership and to expanding its impact for people living with headache disorders nationwide

Learn More: https://headaches.org/national-headache-foundation-elects-dr-hope-obrien-as-board-president/

11/17/2025

If you're struggling to communicate your migraine or headache symptoms during VA appointments, you don’t have to go it alone. In this clip, Veterans Benefits Educator Jane Babcock explains how signing a simple HIPAA release can allow your spouse to join the appointment and help you advocate for the care you need.

Watch the full episode for more guidance on navigating VA migraine and headache claims: https://bit.ly/4r30ohN

11/16/2025

Nekohl, a former U.S. Army 92B-10 E-4 Medical Laboratory Specialist, served for eight years in a role that marked the beginning of a remarkable career in clinical laboratory leadership. Shortly after being deployed, she would begin experiencing symptoms that would take years to understand.

🔗 Read Nekohl's full story here: https://bit.ly/3JUXvPy

11/14/2025

This Veterans Day week, we honor those who serve and reflect on the courage, sacrifice, and leadership that strengthen our country. At the National Headache Foundation, we’re proud to celebrate by participating in the Millennium Post 2017 American Legion Veterans Health Fair on November 14th.

We look forward to connecting with veterans, sharing resources, and showing our gratitude to those who give so much for our nation.

11/11/2025

Filing a VA disability claim for migraine or headache can feel confusing and frustrating—but you don’t have to figure it out alone.

In this episode of Taking Charge of Headache™, Army Veteran Melissa Farmer Hill and National Headache Foundation’s Diego Colón talk with Veterans Benefits Educator and Retired Sergeant First Class Jane Babcock about how veterans can successfully navigate the VA system to get the disability rating and care they deserve.

Jane, a veteran living with migraine herself, breaks down the key steps and insider advice every veteran should know:

✅ How to file a VA claim for migraine and headache disorders
✅ Understanding presumptive and secondary conditions and what qualifies
✅ What evidence helps—nexus letters, buddy statements, and symptom logs
✅ Avoiding claim sharks and finding accredited Veteran Service Officers (VSOs)
✅ What to do if your VA migraine claim was denied or rated 0%
✅ How the appeal process works and when to request a review

If you’re a veteran struggling to prove your service-connected migraine, or you’re not sure how to get your headache attacks recognized by the VA, this episode will walk you through every step of the process—with encouragement and clarity from people who’ve been there.

Operation Brainstorm
https://www.operationbrainstorm.org/
— Tools, guides, and the Mission Ready Navigation Guide to help veterans manage headache and migraine care

Shero Coffee Club
https://www.sherocoffee.com/
— Veteran-owned community for connection and support (Use promo code OPB2025 for a discount)

11/11/2025

On this Veteran’s Day, the American Medical Women’s Association (AMWA) and the National Headache Foundation (NHF) are teaming up to support women veterans who experience migraine and headache disorders at high rates.

The new AMWA Migraine and Headache Awareness Resource Page now features NHF tools, plus highlights Operation Brainstorm™—NHF's veteran- and military-specific program on migraine and headache disorders. Improving care for those who served!

Learn more: https://bit.ly/4nPiXU8

Migraine & Headache Awareness Clinical Education Hub Every day, millions of Americans live with migraine and headache disorders. These neurological diseases are often invisible, yet they affect work, school, family […]

11/10/2025

“Don’t fight it — get the care.”

Veterans benefits educator Jane Babcock reminds us that migraine doesn’t just affect the person living with it — it impacts everyone around them. Getting care means showing up for yourself and for the people who love you.

Watch the full episode of Taking Charge of Headache™ tomorrow, November 11, as we sit down with Jane to talk about how veterans can navigate the VA system for migraine and headache care and get the benefits they deserve.

11/09/2025

Elizabeth, a mom and healthcare worker, has struggled with headache attacks for most of her life. She experienced symptoms throughout high school and after pregnancy. In 2001, she was officially diagnosed with migraine with aura and later became chronic intractable migraine with and without aura.

🔗 Read Elizabeth's full story here: https://bit.ly/3JEbj0A

11/02/2025

Stacey has understood the seriousness of migraine disease since childhood. While she can’t pinpoint the exact date or trigger, she remembers the pain at only 16 years old and her parents rushing her to the emergency room, desperate for answers.

🔗 Read Stacey's full story here: https://bit.ly/4ogeZ7Y

10/31/2025

Ever feel like thinking too hard might trigger a migraine? Dr. Elizabeth Seng explains why that feeling might actually be an early sign of a migraine attack — not the cause of it.

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

10/29/2025

In this episode of HeadWise, host Lindsay Weitzel, PhD, talks with Elizabeth Seng, PhD, Associate Professor of Psychology at Yeshiva University, about cogniphobia—the fear and avoidance of cognitive exertion because of the belief that thinking too hard might trigger or worsen pain.

Dr. Seng explains how this fear develops and how it can condition the brain to associate mental effort with danger. While some people do experience migraine symptoms during intense cognitive tasks, cogniphobia itself is about anticipatory fear—avoiding activities like reading, studying, or problem-solving out of worry they could lead to pain.

They explore:
- What cogniphobia is (and what it isn’t)
- How fear and avoidance patterns develop
- Ways cogniphobia can impact school, work, and daily life
- Why avoiding mental effort can affect long-term brain health
- How gradual re-engagement and self-awareness can reduce fear

This episode sheds light on a rarely discussed aspect of migraine psychology—one that can limit people’s lives far beyond the attacks themselves—and offers insight on how to rebuild confidence in cognitive activity.