A holistic approach to managing migraine The objective of a holistic approach is to quieten the mind, reduce inappropriate energy expenditure and reduce the impact of persistent inflammation. There are seven pillars of a holistic approach: Support your brain’s energy production Magnesium, Vitamin B2, and Coenzyme Q10 are naturally occurring substances that are thought to improve the functioning of the mitochondria that are responsible for energy production. Sleep is also important to recharge our batteries.  Insomnia is common in people who live with migraine and there is now a range of evidence-based approaches that can help this. Look after your psychological and emotional well-being. Unhelpful thoughts and emotions can consume unnecessary energy and contribute towards the brain being in a higher state of alert. We may be consciously aware of this activity, but often unresolved emotions can be suppressed in our subconscious. These are of importance if there is a history of trauma, particularly events that have occurred in childhood. Psychological practises can help these problems when they are impactful. Pain reprocessing therapy is based on the idea that for some people the brain becomes stuck in a habit of expecting migraine. Over time the brain becomes even more alert. Pain reprocessing therapy helps to retrain the brain to recognise that the body is safe and to reduce migraine predictions. Create a migraine-friendly lifestyle Identification of triggers and keeping internal and external environments as constant as possible is important. This reduces the processing demands on the brain. Exercise, a healthy diet and addressing excess weight have been shown to reduce inflammation. Holistic mind-body practices These practices mobilise the ability of the body to heal itself. The focus is on quieting the mind and improving interactions between mind, body, and the external environment. They include practices derived from Indian and Chinese traditions such as mindfulness meditation, breathing exercises, yoga, tai chi, relaxation techniques and spending time in nature. While none of these is a cure for migraine, there is growing evidence that they can reduce stress, improve wellbeing and help some people better manage their condition. Many of these practices are now becoming established in medical practice supported by evidence of benefit. Holistic practices see the mind, body, and environment as one broader network of interacting elements. The focus is on harmony between the elements rather than trying to identify a simple fix. Source link

Research begins with questions, and often those questions arise from observing the world around us. But some of the most important questions emerge when we step outside the laboratory and listen to the people whose lives our research aims to improve. Meeting people with different experiences and perspectives can challenge our assumption and encourage us to look more deeply at the questions we ask as researchers. The Migraine Trust International Symposium (MTIS), the world’s longest established headache conference, and adjacent patient day provided an invaluable opportunity for these conversations by bringing together researchers and people living with migraine in a patient-focused environment. A reminder of the ‘why’ behind my research As a PhD student still relatively new to the field, attending MTIS was an exciting opportunity to broaden my understanding and reflect on my place within a community of people living with migraine, their families, advocates and fellow researchers. It was also lovely to be able to visit Scotland for the first time. The conference was hosted in Glasgow where I got to experience some of the infamous Scottish rain (which certainly lived up to its reputation), do some sightseeing at the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, and, unexpectedly, stumble upon filming for the upcoming Batman movie. I also managed a detour via Edinburgh on the way back to London where I (just about!) made the climb up to Arthur’s seat on my supervisor’s recommendation. He did, however, neglect to mention the strong Scottish winds, so consider this your warning! The three-day conference brought together researchers from across the globe to share their work. The conference also hosted teaching courses focused on educating participants on headache disorder diagnosis and migraine management in primary healthcare.  It was encouraging to see research addressing questions that matter to people living with migraine, from improving quality of life and reducing the burden of attacks to raising awareness and helping others better understand the realities of living with the condition. It was a reminder of the breadth of work being undertaken and the different ways research can contribute to improving people’s lives. ‘Looking beyond the science and remembering the people that give our research its purpose.’ The patient day was particularly impactful. Dr Philip Holland and I were thankful to be among the presenters speaking at the event, where we had the opportunity to share some of our research focuses. But hearing first-hand accounts of living with migraine from the attendees highlighted the varied ways the condition can affect everyday life, not only for those experiencing it but also for their families. Listening to these experiences offered a perspective that research papers alone cannot fully capture. It reinforced the importance of looking beyond the science and remembering the people, experiences and unanswered questions that give our research its purpose. I left the conference and patient day feeling inspired and motivated to continue pursuing research that can make a meaningful difference. As researchers, we have a responsibility to ensure that the voices of people living with migraine are heard and reflected in the work we do. By listening to lived experiences and allowing them to inform our research, we can ask more relevant questions and work towards outcomes that matter to the people our research aims to support. Bringing the community together: building connections, challenging perspectives and finding inspiration Events like MTIS and the patient day are vital in bringing this community together. For people living with migraine and their families, I hope the patient day offered a sense of connection and reassurance that their experiences matter and that their questions are an important part of the research conversation. And for researchers, I hope the conference provided opportunities to build connections, challenge perspectives and find inspiration for future work. Sharing experiences helps keep patient voices at the forefront of research. It reminds us why our work matters and strengthens our shared commitment to a future where research makes a meaningful difference to the lives of people living with migraine.   Source link

i). An energy demanding more sensitive brain A useful starting point is to think about the brain’s energy demands. Although the brain accounts for only around two per cent of total body weight, it uses approximately 20 per cent of the body’s energy. In people living with migraine, the brain is more sensitive to sensory information and environmental change. This heightened sensitivity is largely determined by genetics and means the brain works harder to process everyday experiences consuming more energy. From an evolutionary perspective, this increased alertness may once have offered important survival advantages. Being more sensitive to changes in the environment could have helped our ancestors detect danger more quickly. In today’s world of constant exposure to stimulation, it places additional energy demands on a brain that is already working harder than average. When energy demands become too great, a migraine attack may develop. It may help to think of it as a protective response when the brain’s energy demands are not being met adequately, inducing a period of forced rest. ii). Problems with energy production Each cell in the body has its own energy generator found in a specific part of the cell called mitochondria. Research suggests that the mitochondria in people with migraine may be less efficient at generating energy adding to  the energy problem. iii). Problems with chronic or persistent inflammation Inflammation is the body’s way of protecting itself after injury or infection, triggering complex defensive and repair mechanisms. However, this system can be activated by a wide range of stressors that would not have been experienced when the inflammatory mechanisms were developed during our early evolution (see Figure 2). Source link

Nine in ten people with migraine (90%) have not felt believed about the severity or impact of their condition with more than three quarters (77%) saying that disbelief has damaged their mental health. That’s according to our new report, Unbelievable: the mental health toll of not being believed about the severity and impact of migraine, which combines new polling of people with migraine with a review of existing research and support service data from the charity. Migraine affects around one in seven people in the UK and can cause debilitating symptoms, from severe head pain and dizziness to sensory sensitivity, nausea and vomiting. Yet many people still face disbelief about its impact in healthcare settings, at work and among friends and family. Nearly a third (31%) of people with migraine said they had not felt believed by a colleague or manager at work and almost one in four (24%) said they had not felt believed by their family or someone they live with. One in five (20%) said they did not feel believed by a healthcare professional. Worryingly, The Migraine Trust’s helpline data suggests worsening mental health more broadly among people with migraine. Callers mentioning suicidal thoughts rose by 54% in the last six months and almost trebled year-on-year, up 270%. People reporting isolation and wellbeing struggles also increased, up 15% and 26% respectively. Rob Music, Chief Executive, The Migraine Trust, said: “A common perception of migraine is that it is ‘just a headache’ and ‘it can’t be that bad’, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. This new report sets out the compounding effect that not being believed about migraine has on mental health and paints an incredibly concerning picture. “Many living with the condition are facing disbelief and downplaying of their symptoms in all parts of their lives, from healthcare settings to workplaces, and even, sadly, among loved ones. The impact of this for those living with migraine can be devastating. “We need to urgently tackle the stigma associated with migraine. This Migraine Awareness Week, we are calling for greater public understanding of the condition, especially among employers and healthcare professionals. This simple act can have a profound impact on the quality of care and support that people with migraine so desperately need.” These latest figures add to existing evidence that paints a concerning picture of the mental health impact of migraine. Previous research conducted by The Migraine Trust has examined the different ways that the condition can affect mental health and wellbeing. The Migraine Trust’s 2024 report, Migraine Hurts, found that almost nine in 10 (89%) people with migraine said the condition had affected their mental health, with over half (55%) describing the impact as significant. Its latest survey found that more than three-quarters (77%) said not being believed about migraine had negatively affected their mental health. Despite this, research published earlier this year found that only one in 10 (10%) had been offered NHS mental health support. Hollyoaks star Jessica Fox said: “I’ve lived with migraine for most of my life and the impact is huge. There are times an attack will leave me in a dark room, physically unable to carry on with normal life. There is also that concern about being believed by others about how migraine affects me, that it is not ‘just a headache’ or something that simply drinking more water can ‘fix’. “I’ve been lucky that there’s been understanding from those I work with on Hollyoaks and other productions that I might need a break, or even production knowing that LED lights are a nightmare for me and using gel coverings. Not everyone has that understanding in the workplace though, and that really needs to change.” Claudia, who lives with migraine, said: “At one point, after calling in sick with migraine three times in six months, senior management called me into a meeting and said, ‘We don’t believe you. You’re using migraine as an excuse’. Shortly afterwards, I was violently sick in front of them and blacked out. Even despite this, my employer continued to distrust me.” Migraine Awareness Week starts today (21 September) and runs until 27 September. The theme of this year’s annual awareness campaign is ‘Believe Me’. To find out how to get involved, visit migrainetrust.org. -ENDS- Data based on a survey of 594 people with migraine conducted by The Migraine Trust between 31 July 2026 and 17 August 2026. Migraine Awareness Week runs from 21-27 September. This year focusing on the importance of being believed about the severity and impact of the condition, and the devastating effects of facing disbelief and dismissal. More information and ways to get involved can be found here. Source link

Why your body clock matters for migraine We all have a natural preference for when we feel most awake and when we prefer to sleep. Some of us, known as “morning larks”, prefer to rise early and feel most productive in the morning, while “night owls” prefer a later start and later evening. This preference is called your chronotype. Research suggests that people living with migraine are . However, work, school or social commitments do not always fit well with these preferences. When people are forced to follow a sleep-wake schedule that differs from their natural rhythm, they can experience what is known as . Like jetlag, where your biological clock is misaligned with your new time zone, social jetlag is where your biological clock is misaligned from your social schedule. This misalignment between the body clock and daily life may increase the likelihood of a migraine attack. So, understanding your natural sleep pattern may help you identify changes that could help with your migraine. Interestingly, there is growing evidence that migraine itself may be influenced by the body’s internal clock. While migraine attacks can occur at any time of the day or night, many people report that their attacks occur at a particular time of day, for example, in the early morning. There is also some evidence that melatonin rhythms may be altered in some people with migraine. Consequently, there has been some interest as to whether taking melatonin may be beneficial in helping to treat migraine. Some of the evidence to date indicates that melatonin may help to reduce monthly headache days when used as a preventative, however further research is required to determine its efficacy in larger samples, and in comparison, to existing . As with any treatment approach for migraine, every medication has potential benefits, side effects or risk of interacting with other medications, so it’s important to speak to your GP about what is right for you when considering new treatments. The complex link between sleep and migraine is slowly being unravelled, although it is clear that maintaining healthy sleep habits can form a valuable part of a broader migraine management plan. Source link

The Migraine Trust, like over 1,000 other charities, use a cloud-based customer relationship management platform called Beacon CRM. We use this platform to store information about our service users, fundraisers and other supporters. On 3 August, Beacon informed all charities it had experienced a cyber-security incident that involved unauthorised access to its systems. Beacon has engaged specialist cyber security experts and is investigating the incident. While Beacon’s investigation is still ongoing, Beacon has advised all organisations that information stored within its systems may have been downloaded by an unauthorised third party. At present, there is no evidence that information relating to The Migraine Trust has been published, shared publicly or misused, but we wanted to inform you so that you are aware of the situation. What information might be affected? The information we store within Beacon may include your name, postal address, email address, telephone number, records of your interactions with The Migraine Trust, donation history, and information you have shared with us in connection with our services and activities. Importantly, the data does not include usable payment card details or bank account information. No bank account details, sort codes, card numbers or card security details were stored in our Beacon database. What steps has The Migraine Trust taken? At The Migraine Trust, we immediately took steps to protect our systems from further risk. We have also reported the incident to relevant government authorities. We are working with Beacon to understand the full impact of the incident and the risk to individuals affected. How does this affect me and what should I do? You do not need to take any action, but you might receive emails, calls or texts claiming to be from The Migraine Trust when they are not, so do be vigilant. Remember that we will never contact you to request financial information, like credit card details. We understand that this may be worrying and sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused. While there is currently no evidence that data about you has been shared or misused, we will keep you informed of updates as we receive them. For more information, including about how to get in touch with us, please see the FAQs below. Thank you so much for your valued support for The Migraine Trust. Rob Music, CEO, The Migraine Trust FAQs Source link

Tips for using AI to find migraine information AI can be a useful tool to find and condense information. Equipped with some knowledge on how best to use AI tools, you can feel more confident in navigating information online! Check out our top tips: When using AI tools (like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Microsoft Copilot, Claude AI) Consider the wording of the prompts you use in searches: AI models are trained to please the user, and the language that you use in prompts can affect the response you receive. In the below example, using a symptom that isn’t associated with migraine, the AI search result essentially agrees with the user that chest pain is a rare symptom of migraine: Considering the phrasing you use in your search can help to ensure the information generated is more relevant to your needs. In the example above, using broader search terms such as ‘symptoms of migraine’ may help to reduce the likelihood of AI essentially agreeing with the user. In other situations, being more specific when searching for information can be helpful, for example searching for ‘migraine treatment options UK’ should avoid the information being pulled from sources in other countries which may not be as relevant. When looking at results from an internet search engine that produces an AI summary Check out the original sources As in the examples above, the sources that the AI summary has pulled information from should be visible. It’s often best to click through to the original source to better understand the context of the information and make sure you’re not missing anything. Avoid AI in Google search queries entirely by including ‘-AI’ If you’d rather avoid AI summaries in search results altogether, one tip is to add ‘-AI’ at the end of your search term. You can also navigate to the ‘more – web’ search option to bypass AI summaries in your search results. If in doubt, ask the experts! Health is always a very personal situation – your experience of migraine and the treatment approaches that are suitable for you will most likely be different to another person living with migraine. That’s why it’s important to always check health advice with a healthcare professional who is aware of your unique situation. For more general advice, The Migraine Trust’s information pages are reviewed by expert health professionals and people affected by migraine. Our information has also been awarded the PIF TICK quality mark so you can be confident that it is trustworthy health information. Our helpline team are also here to provide free, evidence-based information and support on all aspects of migraine, if you ever want to check that the information you have is accurate. Check out the ways you can get in touch.   Source link

New research from The Migraine Trust reveals the financial and mental health impact of long waits for migraine care and treatment. Two-thirds say it took more than five years before they were able to access a satisfactory treatment Almost a third of people with migraine report challenges accessing a GP appointment and almost three quarters on a neurology waiting list have been on it for 5+ months A third have turned to private healthcare for their migraine and a quarter reported that they had experienced financial difficulties as a result Three quarters of people with migraine report a negative impact on mental health but only 10% have been offered mental health support through the NHS Migraine is a complex neurological condition, characterised by migraine attacks, affecting 10 million – or one in seven – adults in the UK. Symptoms include headache, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, sound or smell, and fatigue. The report, The cost of waiting: how the migraine treatment gap is failing patients, is based on a survey of over 1,500 adults with migraine and highlights their challenges in navigating the healthcare system. Finding an effective treatment can take years Less than half of respondents (38%) are satisfied with their current migraine treatment, with delays in accessing support and finding an effective treatment a major reason. Almost a third (29%) report challenges accessing a GP appointment, and almost three quarters (69%) of those waiting to see a neurologist have been waiting more than five months, rising to one year for almost a third (29%). Finding an effective treatment can take years. Among respondents who had found a satisfactory migraine treatment, almost two thirds (62%) had spent more than five years trying. Just over a third (38%) had tried seven or more treatments before finding one they were satisfied with, while many surveyed had yet to find a treatment that helped. This is despite major treatment advances in recent years. Medications developed specifically for migraine, including Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and gepants, are now available in the UK. Studies indicate these treatments are more effective in reducing frequency of migraine days and associated with reduced risk of side effects, compared to other preventive migraine medications. Impacts on mental health and wellbeing Delays in accessing effective migraine treatment can have far-reaching consequences. A third (36%) have turned to private healthcare for migraine and a quarter (23%) reported financial difficulties as a result. Over two thirds (69%) said trying to find a satisfactory treatment made it harder to work or study, with many reporting reduced hours, job loss or being unable to work. People with migraine also reported a strain on their mental health and wellbeing. Three quarters (76%) said trying to find a satisfactory treatment had negatively affected their mental health or mood, yet only one in 10 (10%) had been offered mental health support through the NHS.   Source link

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How Repurposed Medications Work in Migraine Many older migraine medications, especially those used as preventives, were not originally developed to treat migraine. In reality, several commonly used migraine preventives were actually developed to treat a variety of conditions from high blood pressure to epilepsy. However, coincidentally, people taking these drugs started to report that their migraine attacks were getting better leading researchers to explore their use as migraine treatments. This might seem surprising, but when we look at the science, migraine and these conditions share some overlapping biology, including changes in the way our neurons (brain cells) communicate and the chemicals they release to do so. One example of this is a brain chemical called serotonin, which is involved in migraine and mood disorders, and therefore a medication that could stabilise serotonin has the potential to work in both. These repurposed medications aim to reduce attack frequency and severity (preventive medications) rather than treat an existing attack (acute medications). Examples of repurposed migraine medications include: Mignon Van der Watt, Canva 2026 Beta blockers (e.g. propranolol) What was it originally used for? Medications like propranolol were originally designed to treat heart conditions and high blood pressure. They primarily work by blocking the activity of stress hormones like adrenaline and noradrenaline that underlie the ‘fight or flight’ response, leading to a slower heart rate and lowered blood pressure. How might they work to help prevent migraine attacks? Although migraine biology is complex, researchers believe the beta blockers’ ability to calm down the body’s stress response may help it to reduce the sensitivity of migraine-related brain pathways and dampen some of the abnormal nerve signalling involved in attacks, potentially reducing their frequency. They may also influence chemicals involved in pain and inflammation, including CGRP. Beta blockers are considered a first-line preventive treatment for migraine and are often a first choice for people who also have conditions like high blood pressure or anxiety. Anti-epileptic medications (e.g. topiramate) What was it originally used for? Medications like topiramate were originally designed to treat epilepsy and seizures. These medications prevent seizures by rebalancing the excitability of neurons in the brain. How might it work to help prevent migraine attacks? Migraine and epilepsy both include changes in the electrical activity of neurons in the brain. Because both conditions share some of the same underlying mechanisms, anti-epileptic medications can be repurposed to help stabilise overactive brain activity in migraine. It is important to note that women who are considering planning a pregnancy should avoid taking anti-epileptic medications, like topiramate, as it may cause harm to an unborn baby. Antidepressants (e.g. amitriptyline) What was it originally used for? Medications like amitriptyline were originally designed to treat depression. Antidepressants work by altering brain chemicals such as serotonin and noradrenaline. How might it work to help prevent migraine attacks? Both serotonin and noradrenaline play a role in migraine biology by influencing pain pathways, mood changes and sleep. At lower doses, antidepressants may alter these chemicals to help the brain process pain differently and improve sleep, which can help reduce migraine frequency. Botox What was it originally used for? While we may now associate Botox with cosmetic procedures, it was originally used to treat eye muscle disorders. It works by temporarily preventing muscles from contracting through blocking the release of a brain chemical, acetylcholine, that signals muscles to move. How might it work to help prevent migraine attacks? Botox is a treatment that can be used in people living with chronic migraine. It works by calming overactive nerves and by blocking pain signals. In addition to reducing the frequency of migraine attacks, it can also reduce how severe a migraine attack is. How repurposed drugs expand migraine care We know that migraine treatment is highly individual. What works well for one person may not work well for another, which often leads people to try several options before finding the right fit. Drug repurposing helps expand the treatment options available. Using existing medications that have been shown to be effective for migraine can save time and cost, as researchers often already understand their safety profiles, allowing access to treatments to be accelerated. Although these medications are established, they can still cause side effects and should be prescribed and monitored appropriately. Not every medication works for every person, and treatment decisions should always be made with a healthcare professional. Not only can drug repurposing increase the number of medications available for migraine management, but they can also teach researchers more about migraine biology itself. While this approach has worked and we now also have targeted preventive therapies, it’s clear that a medication doesn’t need to be designed specifically for migraine to make a real difference to people living with it. You can learn more about these preventive medications for migraine here. Source link