HeadWise

National Headache Foundation
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Sep 10, 2025 • 16min

Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension Explained

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
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Aug 13, 2025 • 13min

Cervicogenic Headache: Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment

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.
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Jul 31, 2025 • 37min

Headache-Specific Locus of Control: What You Can (and Can’t) Control

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
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Jul 23, 2025 • 9min

Can Jaw Pain Trigger Migraine? Understanding TMD

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.
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Jul 16, 2025 • 24min

Craniosacral Therapy for Migraine And Head Pain

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.
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Jul 9, 2025 • 16min

OnabotulinumtoxinA for Migraine: What You Need to Know

Fred Cohen, an assistant professor at the Icahn School of Medicine and founder of Headache Intervention, delves into the surprising benefits of OnabotulinumtoxinA for chronic migraines. He explains how Botox works beyond just muscle relaxation and discusses its effectiveness based on research and real-world data. The conversation highlights customized treatment protocols and whether Botox can be combined with CGRP monoclonal antibodies. Additionally, Cohen addresses common concerns about appearance, side effects, and insurance, making it a must-listen for anyone considering Botox for migraines.
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Jun 25, 2025 • 33min

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: What allodynia feels like How to tell if you have it (and why it matters) Which medications help—or hurt—when allodynia is present Why pain in other parts of the body often travels with migraine
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Jun 18, 2025 • 28min

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.
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Jun 11, 2025 • 19min

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.
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May 14, 2025 • 41min

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 Strategies to realign with our authentic self to reduce physical and emotional stress Tune in now to gain insights from Dr. Gokani’s decades of expertise in both Western and Eastern medicine.

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