The Next Big Idea Daily Have a Head? Then You Should Understand Headaches.
Aug 6, 2025
Tom Zeller Jr., a journalist and author focused on the interplay of science and daily life, dives into the world of headaches, which affect more people than diabetes or depression. He highlights the under-researched nature of headaches and how emerging science is changing our understanding of these conditions. Zeller discusses the historical context of headaches, the challenges of research funding, and recent breakthroughs in treatment, including innovative medications. This engaging conversation sheds light on the complexities of living with severe headaches.
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Headaches Are Diseases Themselves
- Primary headache disorders like migraine and cluster headaches are actual diseases, not just symptoms.
- These conditions have persisted for millennia but remain scientifically underexplored and misunderstood.
Ancient Origins of Headaches
- Headache disorders have existed throughout history, appearing in ancient Egyptian and Greek writings.
- They were often seen as spiritual punishments, highlighting their long cultural and medical mystery.
Underfunded, Mysterious Headache Science
- Despite its prevalence, headache science remains limited due to complexity and lack of funding.
- The condition has been understudied and often relegated to symptom management rather than deep neuroscience.
