HeadWise

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 Ce...

When a migraine attack strikes, finding the right acute treatment can make all the difference. In this episode of HeadWise, Lindsay Weitzel, PhD, talks with Dr. Robert Kaniecki, Director of the UPMC Headache Center, about today’s full range of acute migraine medications — what they are, how they work, and who they help most. Together they review everything from over-the-counter pain relievers to a...

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...

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 m...

In this special HeadWise News episode, Lindsay Weitzel, PhD and Tim Smith, MD, break down some of the most talked-about new studies in headache and migraine research. Topics include: GLP-1 medications and their potential to reduce migraine days Reassuring data on ubrogepant use while breastfeeding How memantine may help adolescents with migraine The link between Ajovy and improved outcomes for pat...

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: Fa...

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...

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...

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 th...

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 insig...

Is OnabotulinumtoxinA (Botox) effective for chronic migraine and how does it really work? In this episode of HeadWise™, Lindsay Weitzel, PhD, sits down with headache specialist Fred Cohen, MD, to explore the science, real-world impact, and practical considerations of OnabotulinumtoxinA treatment for chronic migraine. Dr. Cohen breaks down: Why Botox works beyond muscle relaxation What the research...

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...

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.

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...

Why do we have so few FDA approved migraine medications for children? Should parents be concerned when their children are prescribed one or more medications that are "off-label" for pediatric patients? What does "off-label" really mean? Does it affect whether insurance will cover medications? Tune in to this episode of HeadWise as host, Lindsay Weitzel, PhD addresses these questions and more with...

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...

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? A...

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.

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 mig...

The latest in migraine and headache news! In this episode, Lindsay Weitzel, PhD, and Tim Smith, MD, discuss new FDA-approved migraine and pain treatments, surprising research findings, and what it all means for people living with migraine. Learn about a newly approved acute migraine medication, a potential non-opioid painkiller, and studies linking cholesterol medications, proton pump inhibitors,...

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 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 s...

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...

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.

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 co...