HeadWise

In this episode of HeadWise, host Lindsay Weitzel, PhD, talks with Elizabeth Seng, PhD, Associate Professor of Psychology at Yeshiva University, about cogniphobia—the fear and avoidance of cognitive exertion because of the belief that thinking too hard might trigger or worsen pain. Dr. Seng explains how this fear develops and how it can condition the brain to associate mental effort with danger. While some people do experience migraine symptoms during intense cognitive tasks, cogniphobia itself is about anticipatory fear—avoiding activities like reading, studying, or problem-solving out of worry they could lead to pain. They explore: - What cogniphobia is (and what it isn’t) - How fear and avoidance patterns develop - Ways cogniphobia can impact school, work, and daily life - Why avoiding mental effort can affect long-term brain health - How gradual re-engagement and self-awareness can reduce fear This episode sheds light on a rarely discussed aspect of migraine psychology—one that can limit people’s lives far beyond the attacks themselves—and offers insight on how to rebuild confidence in cognitive activity.

Moving from high school to college, or from your parents’ care to your own, can be a major life transition. For people living with migraine or other headache disorders, these changes can also mean adjusting how you access, organize, and maintain effective care. In this episode of HeadWise, Dr. Lindsay Weitzel talks with Dr. Hope O’Brien, neurologist, headache specialist, and CEO of the Headache Center of Hope in Cincinnati, Ohio. Together, they explore how young adults and their families can prepare for the transition from pediatric to adult headache care while keeping migraine management consistent. Dr. O’Brien shares expert advice on: - Recognizing when teens are ready to manage their own migraine medications - How and when to transition from pediatric to adult healthcare providers - Planning ahead for Botox and other in-office migraine treatments - Managing insurance changes, medication coverage, and medical records - Supporting students who live with migraine while maintaining their independence - How letters and campus accommodations can make college more migraine-friendly Filled with insight and empathy, this discussion helps families and young adults prepare for a smooth transition in migraine care.

Dr. Robert Kaniecki, a board-certified neurologist and director of the UPMC Headache Center, shares his expertise on acute migraine treatments. He delves into over-the-counter pain relievers and prescription NSAIDs, provided guidance on choosing triptans, and discusses newer options like gepants and modern DHE delivery systems. Listeners also learn about effective combination medications and non-drug strategies that aid recovery. This engaging conversation offers valuable insights for anyone looking to tackle migraine attacks.

In this episode of HeadWise, Lindsay Weitzel, PhD talks with Paula Dumas, founder of Migraine Again and co-host of the Migraine World Summit, about what happens when migraine forces you to rethink your career path. Paula shares her personal journey and the lessons she’s learned along the way. Together, Lindsay and Paula explore: - How to recognize when your job is no longer working for your health - The stigma people living with migraine often face in the workplace - What makes a job migraine-friendly (and what doesn’t) - Real stories of people who successfully transitioned to healthier, more flexible careers - Practical tools and resources like Migraine at Work, the Job Accommodation Network, and StrengthsFinder If you’re considering a career change or trying to make your current work more migraine-friendly, this conversation offers validation, insight, and hope.

What are the limits of mind-body approaches in managing migraine? In this episode of HeadWise, Lindsay Weitzel, PhD, talks with Elizabeth Seng, PhD, Associate Professor of Psychology and expert in headache psychology, about the promises and pitfalls of behavioral strategies for migraine. Together, they explore: - Why lifestyle and psychological techniques can help but don’t “cure” migraine - How misconceptions fuel stigma and self-blame for people living with migraine - The role of psychology in supporting effective treatment without dismissing migraine as “all in your head” - Practical insights for patients, caregivers, and clinicians to provide support without judgment Lindsay Weitzel and Elizabeth Seng discuss how stress, behavior, and biology intersect—and why it’s essential to move away from blame and toward understanding.

Dr. Tim Smith, CEO of Study Metrics Research and a leading expert in migraine studies, joins the show to discuss groundbreaking migraine research. He shares insights on GLP-1 medications potentially reducing migraine days without weight loss. The safety of ubrogepant during breastfeeding is highlighted, along with promising results for memantine in adolescents. Smith also delves into the connection between Ajovy, migraine relief, and depression. Interestingly, he notes why new daily persistent headaches differ in treatment response and reveals a lunar link to migraine attacks.

In this episode of HeadWise, Lindsay Weitzel, PhD, is joined by neurosurgeon Dr. Betsy Grunch to explore idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH)—also known as pseudotumor cerebri or high-pressure headache. Dr. Grunch explains what IIH is, why it can be difficult to diagnose, and how it differs from migraine and other headache disorders. Follow Dr. Betsy Grunch (Ladyspinedoc) on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ladyspinedoc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladyspinedoc/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ladyspinedoc YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ladyspinedoc

Cervicogenic headache is head pain caused by neck problems and can be misdiagnosed as migraine. Host Lindsay Weitzel, PhD, discusses causes, diagnosis, and treatments, from physical therapy to surgery, with guest neurosurgeon Betsy Grunch, MD. You’ll learn: ⬩ How cervicogenic headache differs from migraine ⬩ Why trauma isn’t the only cause—arthritis, degeneration, and hypermobility can play a role ⬩ Why imaging doesn’t always reveal the problem ⬩ Treatment approaches, including injections, nerve blocks, and surgery ⬩ How proper diagnosis can lead to success with the right treatment If you have persistent neck pain with headache, this could be the missing piece to your diagnosis.

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

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.