

HeadWise
National Headache Foundation
A podcast about the latest news on migraine disease and headache disorders.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 23, 2025 • 20min
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 pillow choice, this episode offers practical insights to help you sleep better and reduce migraine frequency.

Apr 9, 2025 • 27min
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 2, 2025 • 16min
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.

4 snips
Mar 19, 2025 • 19min
Headache & Migraine News: FDA Approvals, Treatment Updates & More | March 2025
Tim Smith, CEO of Study Metrics Research and a renowned headache specialist, dives into the latest breakthroughs in migraine treatment. He discusses the new FDA-approved medication Simbravo, which combines risotriptan and meloxicam for rapid relief. The conversation also covers Jernovix, a promising non-opioid painkiller, and its innovative mechanism. Smith explores how statins might play a role in pain management and highlights the intriguing connection between proton pump inhibitors and increased migraine frequency, along with the link between chronic migraines and pelvic pain in women.

Mar 12, 2025 • 17min
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 5, 2025 • 36min
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.

Feb 26, 2025 • 23min
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 insights does the CaMEO study offer on these experiences? Tune in to find out.

Feb 19, 2025 • 14min
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 12, 2025 • 32min
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 5, 2025 • 15min
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.


