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HeadWise

National Headache Foundationheadaches.org
A podcast about the latest news on migraine disease and headache disorders.
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Episodes

OnabotulinumtoxinA for Migraine: What You Need to Know

Is OnabotulinumtoxinA (Botox) effective for chronic 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 chronic 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 patien...

Jul 09, 202516 minEp. 226

Allodynia, Central Sensitization, and the Progression of Migraine

Why can something as simple as wearing earrings or taking a shower trigger pain when living with migraine? In this episode of HeadWise, Lindsay Weitzel, PhD, is joined by leading headache specialist Dr. Richard Lipton to explore the phenomenon of allodynia—when normally non-painful touch becomes painful. They break down how this symptom develops through central and peripheral sensitization, why it can signal migraine progression, and how early treatment may help reverse it. You’ll also learn: Wh...

Jun 25, 202533 minEp. 225

Misunderstood and Misdiagnosed: A New Look at ME/CFS

What do migraine, chronic fatigue, and connective tissue have in common? In this episode of HeadWise, Lindsay Weitzel, PhD talks with neurologist Ilene Ruhoy, MD, about the misunderstood world of ME/CFS. They explore how fatigue, headache, and pain overlap—and what doctors may be missing when symptoms go unexplained.

Jun 18, 202528 minEp. 224

The Autonomic Nervous System’s Role in Headache and Migraine

What do symptoms like fatigue, dizziness, nausea, and brain fog have in common? They may all be signs of autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunction—an often-overlooked factor in headache and migraine care. In this episode of HeadWise, Lindsay Weitzel, PhD, welcomes Lauren Natbony, MD, board-certified neurologist and founder of Integrative Headache Medicine of New York, for an in-depth conversation about how the ANS affects people living with headache and migraine disorders.

Jun 11, 202519 minEp. 223

Blending East & West for Mind-Body Alignment. Insights from Dr. Trupti Gokani

In this episode of HeadWise, Lindsay Weitzel, PhD, sits down with Trupti Gokani, MD, neurologist and Ayurvedic expert, to explore the profound impact of stress on the mind and body. Dr. Gokani shares her unique perspective on how disconnecting from our true self can manifest as physical symptoms and what we can do to restore balance. Discover insights on: Understanding the mind-body connection and its role in overall health Identifying the stress personality state and how it affects well-being S...

May 14, 202541 minEp. 221

Sleep and Its Impact on Migraine

In this episode of HeadWise, Lindsay Weitzel, PhD, is joined by headache specialist Lauren Natbony, MD, for an in-depth conversation on the complex relationship between sleep and migraine. They explore questions many people living with migraine ask: Can melatonin help? Are over-the-counter or prescription sleep aids effective, or potentially harmful? How does sleep stage quality impact migraine? And what can we do if we’re lying awake for hours despite being exhausted? From sleep routines to pil...

Apr 23, 202520 minEp. 220

Nutraceuticals for Headache and Migraine | What Works and What Doesn’t?

Are nutraceuticals and supplements effective for migraine and headache prevention? In this episode of HeadWise, Lindsay Weitzel, PhD, sits down with Stewart Tepper, MD, a leading expert in headache medicine, to discuss the evidence behind popular supplements like riboflavin (B2), magnesium, CoQ10, feverfew, butterbur, and more. Learn what works, what doesn’t, and what might even be harmful.

Apr 09, 202527 minEp. 219

Can Acupuncture Help Headache and Migraine?

Can acupuncture help people living with headache and migraine? Dr. Lindsay Weitzel sits down with neurologist and headache specialist Dr. Lauren Natbony to explore the science behind acupuncture for migraine and headache disorders. They discuss how it works, who it might help, and whether it can be part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Tune in to learn more about this integrative approach to migraine care.

Apr 02, 202516 minEp. 218

Headache & Migraine News: FDA Approvals, Treatment Updates & More | March 2025

The latest in migraine and headache news! In this episode, Lindsay Weitzel, PhD, and Tim Smith, MD, discuss new FDA-approved migraine and pain treatments, surprising research findings, and what it all means for people living with migraine. Learn about a newly approved acute migraine medication, a potential non-opioid painkiller, and studies linking cholesterol medications, proton pump inhibitors, and pelvic pain to migraine. Stay informed about the newest treatments and how they might impact mig...

Mar 19, 202519 minEp. 217

The Impact of Migraine Stigma & Why It Matters

Migraine is a legitimate neurological disease, yet many people hesitate to seek care due to stigma. In this episode, Lindsay Weitzel, PhD, talks with Susan Hutchinson, MD, about new data from the OVERCOME study, revealing how stigma affects migraine care, mental health, and quality of life. Learn why people delay treatment, the risks of chronification, and how we can work to change perceptions of migraine.

Mar 12, 202517 minEp. 216

Understanding the Phases of a Migraine Attack

Migraine is more than just head pain, it comes with a range of symptoms before, during, and after the headache phase. In this episode, Lindsay Weitzel, PhD talks with Dawn Buse, PhD, about the MiCOAS study, which explores how people experience symptoms in different phases of a migraine attack. Learn about the pre-headache (prodrome), headache, and post-headache (postdrome) phases, as well as the symptoms that can linger between attacks.

Mar 05, 202536 minEp. 215

Changes for Women with Migraine | Midlife

Change is challenging for everyone, but for people living with migraine, navigating life’s transitions can be especially complex. In this episode of #HeadWise, host Lindsay Weitzel, PhD, sits down with headache psychologist Dawn Buse, PhD, to explore the unique challenges women in midlife face while managing migraine. From perimenopause and parenting to raising children with migraine and adjusting to an empty nest, they discuss how these changes impact migraine and overall well-being. Plus, what...

Feb 26, 202523 minEp. 214

Weather, Headache, and Migraine: What is the Connection?

How do weather changes affect headache and migraine? Lindsay Weitzel, PhD, talks with Fred Cohen, MD, about the latest research on barometric pressure, temperature shifts, and other weather-related factors. Learn how these changes impact headache and migraine, and what treatments may help.

Feb 19, 202514 minEp. 213

Setting SMART Goals for Headache and Migraine Management

In this episode of HeadWise, Dr. Lindsay Weitzel speaks with Dr. Dawn Buse about how people living with migraine can set SMART Goals to create sustainable lifestyle changes. The discussion focuses on practical strategies for improving health and well-being while managing migraine. Developing consistent habits can be challenging, but small, achievable steps can lead to lasting improvements. This conversation provides guidance on setting realistic goals and maintaining progress over time.

Feb 12, 202532 minEp. 212

Navigating Migraine While Breastfeeding | Medications, Myths & More

Can you treat migraine while breastfeeding? What medications are safe? In this episode of HeadWise, Lindsay Weitzel, PhD, talks with headache specialist Susan Hutchinson, MD, to break down safe treatment options, when migraine might return postpartum, and whether “pump and dump” is really necessary.

Feb 05, 202515 minEp. 211

Menstrual Migraine | Causes, Prevention, and Treatment

Lindsay Weitzel, PhD and headache specialist Susan Hutchinson, MD explore everything you need to know about menstrual migraine. From understanding hormonal triggers to affordable treatment strategies like anti-inflammatories and magnesium, they share expert insights to help you take control. Whether you experience migraine attacks only during your period or throughout the month, this episode offers advice to manage and prevent them.

Jan 29, 202529 minEp. 210

What You Need to Know About Migraine During Pregnancy

In this episode of HeadWise, Lindsay Weitzel, PhD, sits down with headache specialist Susan Hutchinson, MD, to discuss managing migraine during pregnancy. Learn about safe treatments, medication options, and strategies to ensure both you and your baby stay healthy.

Jan 22, 202522 minEp. 209

Parenting and Supporting Children with Migraine

Raising a child with migraine can be challenging, but you’re not alone. In this episode of HeadWise, Lindsay Weitzel,PhD sits down with Dr. Maya Marzouk, a psychologist specializing in headache care, to discuss practical strategies for supporting children living with migraine. Learn how to balance school, social activities, and self-care while addressing your child’s emotional needs. Dr. Marzouk also shares: How anxiety and depression intersect with migraine in children. The importance of buildi...

Dec 18, 202417 minEp. 207

Natural Alternatives to Hormones for Hormonally-Triggered Migraine

Are your migraine attacks triggered by hormonal changes like your menstrual cycle or menopause? In this episode of HeadWise, Dr. Lindsay Weitzel sits down with Dr. Amelia Barrett, a board-certified neurologist and creator of the Migraine Relief Code, to explore non-hormonal strategies for managing hormonally-triggered migraine. Learn about: ✅ Dietary solutions, including soy ✅ How stress and DHEA levels impact hormonal migraines ✅ How using adaptogens like ashwagandha and rhodiola may combat str...

Dec 11, 202417 minEp. 206

What Are Trigeminal Autonomic Cephalalgias? The Rare Headache Disorders You Should Know

The Trigeminal Autonomic Cephalalgias are a subgroup of rare headaches that involve severe unilateral head pain and other symptoms related to the autonomic nervous system. What is different about this rare group of headaches? What do they have in common? How are they treated? In our latest episode of HeadWise host Lindsay Weitzel, PhD asks headache specialist Deena Kuruvilla, MD to explain this mysterious group of headaches to us. You can find Dr. Kuruvilla at: Westport Headache institute Www.we...

Nov 27, 202416 minEp. 204

Break Free from Isolation: How to Manage Loneliness with Chronic Pain

Migraine and chronic illness can often lead to isolation and loneliness. Did you know that some people even experience feelings of shame and self-blame when isolated due to their illness? In this episode of HeadWise, host Lindsay Weitzel, PhD, talks with Clinical Health Psychologist Melissa Geraghty, PsyD, about how to avoid pain-related isolation and loneliness, and the negative effects they can have on mental health. Dr. Geraghty offers insights into how people living with migraine can stay co...

Oct 30, 202413 minEp. 203

Top 3 Non-Medication Strategies for Managing Migraine

Are you or someone you know looking for non-medication ways to manage migraine? Dr. Lindsay Weitzel and Dr. Amelia Barrett, discuss the effective alternatives to medication that can make a difference, including: Magnesium for migraine: Why this supplement is so effective for both prevention and acute treatment. Omega-3-rich diet: Learn how dietary changes can cut headache days in half. Better sleep tips: Simple sleep hacks to reduce migraine frequency.

Oct 23, 202425 minEp. 202

New Studies Reveal Surprising Facts About Migraine & Cluster Headache

Join Dr. Lindsay Weitzel and guest Dr. Susan Hutchinson as they discuss the latest research in headache and migraine care. From pediatric treatment preferences to the impact of migraine aura on daily life, and new insights into neck pain and cluster headache, this episode covers it all. Tune in! #MigraineAwareness #HeadacheNews #MigraineResearch #HeadWise #ClusterHeadache You can find previous episodes of our podcast HeadWise on our website headaches.org, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or whe...

Oct 16, 202419 minEp. 201

Top 3 Things Women Should Know About Migraine

We’ve hit 200 episodes! To celebrate this milestone, we’re thrilled to welcome the amazing Dr. Dawn Buse back to the podcast. In this special episode, Dr. Buse shares what she believes are the top three things all women living with migraine should know. From understanding that migraine is a genetic neurologic disease (and not your fault), to the importance of open communication with your doctor, and always thinking about prevention, this episode is full of invaluable advice. Tune in for an empow...

Oct 09, 202416 minEp. 200

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Explained: The Impact on Headache Disorders

Why are people with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and other connective tissue disorders at greater risk for migraine and other headaches disorders? In this episode, Dr. Lindsay Weitzel and Dr. Vincent Martin dive deep into the link between EDS and chronic headache, explaining how EDS affects the body and increases headache frequency and severity. Learn whether EDS is diagnosed clinically or through genetic testing and how healthcare providers that can help manage EDS and headache. Watch the full ...

Sep 25, 202426 minEp. 199

Migraine at Work

Approximately 40 million people or one in four households includes someone with migraine disease, and 85% of people with the disease are women. Despite the prevalence of the disease, lack of education and awareness often leads to stigma and bias, especially in the workplace. Dr. Lindsay Burgarello Weitzel is joined by Sarah Shepard, Executive Director of Migraine at Work to discuss the challenges of navigating #migraine disease in the workplace.

Sep 24, 202416 minEp. 74

Mastering Migraine Relief with Mindfulness Therapy

In this week's episode of HeadWise, Dr. Lindsay Weitzel, PhD, sits down with Dr. Elizabeth Seng, an expert in headache psychology, to explore Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Migraine (MBCT-M). Discover how mindfulness can significantly reduce migraine-related disability and improve your quality of life! Tune in to learn about: The basics of MBCT-M and how it differs from other therapies, real-world applications of mindfulness for chronic pain, and cognitive tools that can help your migra...

Sep 19, 202426 minEp. 198

Cluster Headache Community: Navigating Pain & Stigma

In this episode of Headwise host Lindsay Weitzel, PhD interviews author and Professor of Sociology Joanna Kempner, PhD about her newly released book: Psychedelic Outlaws: The Movement Revolutionizing Modern Medicine. Listen in as Dr. Kempner explains what people with all sorts of pain and invisible illness can learn from her account of a group of patients with cluster headache who became their own "heroes" by developing medicine from psilocybin mushrooms and testing clinical grade protocols to r...

Sep 13, 202426 minEp. 197

Botox, Migraine Disease, and Pregnancy

Botox is not indicated for use in pregnancy. This puts many women who are prescribed Botox for chronic migraine in a difficult position when it comes time for them to start a family. Data has just been reported from the Botox registry on women who were exposed to Botox during pregnancy and the maternal and fetal outcomes. Dr. Lindsay Weitzel and Dr. Tim Smith discuss the results and what it means to women of childbearing age.

Sep 11, 202411 minEp. 71
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