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.

07/30/2025

What does it really mean to “take control” of your migraine or head pain? In this episode of HeadWise™, host Lindsay Weitzel, PhD, speaks with Elizabeth Seng, PhD, psychologist, researcher, and professor at Yeshiva University, about the psychological concept of locus of control and how it applies to people living with migraine and headache disease.

They explore:
- What “locus of control” and “self-efficacy” really mean
- Why believing you caused your own migraine can be harmful
- The link between self-blame, depression, and disability
- How shifting your mindset can support your treatment plan
- What a healthy balance of control looks like in headache care

At just 10 years old, JP was diagnosed with migraine with aura. Little did she know this would be the start of a lifelon...
07/27/2025

At just 10 years old, JP was diagnosed with migraine with aura. Little did she know this would be the start of a lifelong battle with chronic migraine disease.

🔗 Read JP's full story here: https://bit.ly/4ffhP9G

07/23/2025

Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is more than just jaw pain—it can play a surprising role in migraine and head pain. In this episode of HeadWise™, Lindsay Weitzel, PhD, sits down with headache specialist Fred Cohen, MD, to explore how structural jaw issues might contribute to migraine attacks.

They break down:
- The difference between TMJ and TMD
- How TMD can trigger or worsen migraine through the trigeminal nerve
- Common symptoms and warning signs to watch for
- Which providers treat TMD—and when surgery might be considered
- How treatments like mouth guards and Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) can help

If you’ve ever wondered whether jaw tension, grinding, or clenching could be affecting your migraine, this episode offers clarity and guidance from a clinical expert.

📌 Subscribe for more expert insights from the National Headache Foundation.

In her early 20s, Kori experienced her first severe migraine attack while working as a Special Education teacher’s aide....
07/20/2025

In her early 20s, Kori experienced her first severe migraine attack while working as a Special Education teacher’s aide. As the pain engulfed her head, Kori found herself unable to move, frozen in place from pain, and unable to walk her kids back to class.

🔗 Read Kori's full story here: https://bit.ly/4lEF8eO

07/16/2025

In this episode of HeadWise™, Lindsay Weitzel, PhD, sits down with certified craniosacral therapist Elizabeth Browning Jones, RMT, to explore how this gentle, hands-on therapy may help people living with migraine and head pain. They unpack the science and theory behind craniosacral therapy, how it supports the nervous system, and why a light touch can lead to deep relief.

This episode offers insight into a lesser-known therapy that may provide meaningful support on your headache and migraine journey.

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

07/14/2025

What exactly is craniosacral therapy and how can it help people living with migraine and head pain?

In this week’s episode of HeadWise™, Lindsay Weitzel, PhD talks with Elizabeth Browning Jones, RMT, about how this gentle, hands-on therapy can support the nervous system, relieve pressure, and promote deep relaxation.

🎥 Full episode releases 07/16, make sure to follow so you do not miss it!

While still basking in the joy of celebrating an incredible B’nai Mitzvah, Heather was experiencing lingering symptoms f...
07/13/2025

While still basking in the joy of celebrating an incredible B’nai Mitzvah, Heather was experiencing lingering symptoms from what would later be identified as a “thunderclap headache,” an intense and sudden pain that signaled it was far more serious than a typical headache.

🔗 Read Heather's full story here: https://bit.ly/4kSBBcP

07/09/2025

Is OnabotulinumtoxinA (Botox) effective for migraine and how does it really work?

In this episode of HeadWise™, Lindsay Weitzel, PhD, sits down with headache specialist Fred Cohen, MD, to explore the science, real-world impact, and practical considerations of OnabotulinumtoxinA treatment for migraine.

Dr. Cohen breaks down:

Why Botox works beyond muscle relaxation
What the research and real-world data show about effectiveness
How treatment protocols are customized for each patient
The difference between cosmetic and migraine-related injections
Whether Botox can be combined with CGRP monoclonal antibodies
Common concerns about appearance, side effects, and insurance

If you’re considering Botox for the first time or want to understand more about your current treatment, this episode is packed with insight from both a medical expert and a person living with migraine.

Ashley’s journey with cluster headache began at just 18 years old, right as she was starting college. What started as br...
07/06/2025

Ashley’s journey with cluster headache began at just 18 years old, right as she was starting college. What started as brief, stabbing pains in her head quickly morphed into debilitating cluster headache attacks that would last for hours at a time.

🔗 Read Ashley's full story here: https://bit.ly/4l8GDll

Kimberly has been battling headache disease since she was just 4 years old. As a young child, she vividly remembers the ...
06/29/2025

Kimberly has been battling headache disease since she was just 4 years old. As a young child, she vividly remembers the debilitating pain and sensitivity to light that would leave her curled up in her room, comforted by her mother.

🔗 Read her full story here: https://bit.ly/3Fkkph0

06/28/2025

🏳️‍🌈 Today, on International LGBT Pride Day, we stand in solidarity with the LGBTQIA2S+ community—and recognize that visibility and advocacy are just as vital in health care as they are in human rights.

The Stonewall Uprising on June 28, 1969, sparked a movement that continues to fight for dignity, equity, and inclusion. The first Pride march took place one year later, on this very day.

At this year’s Field of Flags installation, we were reminded of how stigma and bias continue to impact access to care.
📊 LGBTQIA2S+ people are more likely to live with headache—and more likely to have their pain dismissed.

Let’s work together to change that.

🎖️ Veterans, your health mission starts here. If you're navigating migraine, post-traumatic headache, or chronic pain an...
06/27/2025

🎖️ Veterans, your health mission starts here. If you're navigating migraine, post-traumatic headache, or chronic pain and trying to understand your VA, TRICARE, or CHAMPVA benefits—the Mission Ready Navigation Guide was designed by veterans, for veterans to help you take charge of your care.

🧭 Available now on our website, this free comprehensive, guide covers:
✔️ The most common headache types in the military community
✔️ What to expect from VA and TRICARE care teams
✔️ Appointment prep checklists and symptom tracking tips
✔️ Treatment options, wellness strategies, and real-world tools
✔️ How to advocate for yourself and others
✔️ How to prep a personal “Mission Ready” kit to bring to urgent care or the ER

Whether you're just starting your care journey or looking for better answers—you’re not alone.

📲 Explore the free guide now: https://bit.ly/440WRqX

Address

162 W Hubbard
Chicago, IL
60654

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

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+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.