National Headache Foundation

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.

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.

12/24/2025

In this episode of Taking Charge of Headache™, hosts Melissa Farmer Hill and Diego Colon sit down with Nurse Practitioner, Dr. Karen Williams, and Army veteran Taisha Bates to explore alternative and non-medication treatments for headache and migraine, with a focus on veteran care through the VA.

Dr. Williams explains the science behind integrative and Whole Health approaches, including biofeedback, massage therapy, traditional acupuncture, and Battlefield Acupuncture, and how these treatments may support people living with migraine alongside traditional care.

Taisha Bates shares her personal journey navigating migraine as a veteran, including how she discovered that acupuncture for migraine was covered through her VA benefits and how it became an important part of her management plan.

This episode highlights drug-free migraine treatment options, self-advocacy within VA healthcare, and practical strategies veterans can discuss with their providers.

Episode 5: In this episode of Taking Charge of Headache™, hosts Melissa Farmer Hill and Diego Colon sit down with Dr. Karen Williams and Army veteran Taisha ...

12/22/2025

We’re pleased to share a preview of Episode 5 of Taking Charge of Headache™, focused on alternative treatments for headache and migraine.

This episode explores approaches such as biofeedback, massage therapy, traditional acupuncture, and Battlefield Acupuncture, and how they may be used as part of a comprehensive management plan.

In this clip, Taisha Bates shares her experience accessing acupuncture through VA benefits and the impact it had on her headache and migraine management.

Stay tuned for the full episode release 12/24.

12/19/2025

Can caffeine and salt actually help during a migraine attack? In this clip from HeadWise™, headache specialist Fred Cohen, MD, explains why some people living with migraine crave a Coke and salty fries during an attack — and what may actually be helping. From caffeine’s effect on blood vessels to the role of salt, electrolytes, and hydration, this popular “migraine hack” gets a science-based explanation.

Not every remedy works for everyone — but understanding why something helps can lead to better migraine care decisions.

Watch the full episode for more evidence-based insight on viral migraine remedies. Available now in YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Make sure to follow so you never miss an episode!