Spotlight on Migraine®

Association of Migraine Disorders®

Migraine from many perspectives

  • 23 minutes 8 seconds
    Breaking Down Your Migraine Preventive Options: Medications, Vitamins & Devices
    What are your options for migraine prevention, and how do you choose the right one? In Part 2 of this two-part Spotlight on Migraine series, host Molly O'Brien and headache specialist Dr. Jessica Ailani dive into the full range of migraine prevention treatments available today. Dr. Ailani breaks down lifestyle modifications, neuromodulation, CGRP-targeted treatments, onabotulinumtoxinA, supplements, and more. She discusses combination treatment and options for menstrual migraine. With good migraine prevention, you can stop chasing attacks and gain back some control over attack frequency. Be sure to listen to Part 1 for a discussion on when to start prevention and how to measure success: https://www.migrainedisorders.org/pod... Read the transcript at: https://www.migrainedisorders.org/podcast/s8e4-migraine-preventive-options/ *The contents of this podcast are intended for general informational purposes only and do not constitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. AMD and the speaker do not recommend or endorse any specific course of treatment, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned. Reliance on any information provided by this content is solely at your own risk.
    2 April 2026, 12:00 pm
  • 20 minutes 14 seconds
    Migraine Prevention Explained: When to Start, Why It Matters & What Success Looks Like

    You've probably heard about migraine prevention, but what does it actually mean? In Part 1 of this two-part Spotlight on Migraine series, host Molly O'Brien sits down with neurologist and headache specialist Dr. Jessica Ailani to break down the basics of migraine prevention. They discuss types of prevention, who should consider preventive treatment, why reducing migraine frequency matters, and how to set realistic goals focused on improving quality of life—not just lowering headache days. Read the transcript at https://www.migrainedisorders.org/pod...

    Dr. Ailani explains:

    • When migraine prevention is recommended (often around 5–6 migraine days per month)
    • How to reshape our thoughts around prevention. It's not all about fewer headache days; it's about reducing disability, improving independence, and bettering quality of life.
    • The full range of prevention options
    • What to consider if you're hesitant to start due to side effects, cost, or insurance barriers

    This is the first part of the Association of Migraine Disorders' two-part series on migraine prevention. In Part 2, we'll dive into specific treatment options and how to tailor a prevention plan to work best for you.

    *The contents of this video are intended for general informational purposes only and do not constitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. AMD does not recommend or endorse any treatment, products, or procedures mentioned. Reliance on any information provided by this content is solely at your own risk.

    4 March 2026, 2:00 pm
  • 18 minutes 59 seconds
    Ice and Heat for Migraine: How Temperature Therapy Works

    Many people living with migraine know ice and heat can offer relief, but why do these simple tools help? In this episode of Spotlight on Migraine, host Molly O'Brien speaks with Alicia Duyvejonck, DNP, AGNP-C, AQH, about the science behind temperature therapy and shares best practices for safely using ice and heat to manage migraine pain.

    Read the transcript at: https://www.migrainedisorders.org/podcast/s7ep9-ice-and-heat-for-migraine-how-temperature-therapy-works

    *The contents of this video are intended for general informational purposes only and do not constitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. AMD does not recommend or endorse any treatment, products, or procedures mentioned. Reliance on any information provided by this content is solely at your own risk.

    29 January 2026, 9:27 pm
  • 18 minutes 31 seconds
    The Let Down Effect: Why You Get Migraine Attacks on Weekends & Vacations

    Do you always seem to get a migraine attack on the weekend or vacation? In this episode of Spotlight on Migraine, host Molly O'Brien talks with neurologist Dr. Hope O'Brien about the let-down effect. This common but lesser-known migraine phenomenon can occur when the body shifts from high stress to relaxation. Dr. O'Brien discusses why so many people with migraine experience let-down headaches and what you can do about it. If you've ever wondered why a migraine attack hits right when you slow down, this episode has answers, validation, and guidance.

    Read the transcript at: https://www.migrainedisorders.org/podcast/s7ep8-the-let-down-effect

    *The contents of this video are intended for general informational purposes only and do not constitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. AMD does not recommend or endorse any treatment, products, or procedures mentioned. Reliance on any information provided by this content is solely at your own risk.

    7 January 2026, 3:57 pm
  • 32 minutes 54 seconds
    Working With Migraine: Managing Your Career, Health, and Hard Decisions

    Living with migraine can affect every part of your professional life — from productivity and job performance to long-term career goals. In this episode of Spotlight on Migraine, host Molly O'Brien speaks with clinical psychologist and researcher Dr. Dawn Buse to explore how migraine can impact work, identity, and ambition.

    Together, they discuss when and how to disclose migraine in the workplace, what accommodations may help you keep your job, and how to navigate the complex emotions that arise when migraine forces a change in your career path. This conversation goes beyond managing attacks and focuses on communication, self-advocacy, emotional resilience, and redefining success while living with migraine.

    Read the transcript at migrainedisorders.org/podcast/s7ep7-migraine-and-work/

    *The contents of this video are intended for general informational purposes only and do not constitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. AMD does not recommend or endorse any treatment, products, or procedures mentioned. Reliance on any information provided by this content is solely at your own risk.

    12 November 2025, 2:00 pm
  • 42 minutes 33 seconds
    How Nervous System Regulation Can Help Migraine & Dizziness

    Ever feel irritable, agitated, or restless? Or, on the flip side, exhausted, drained, or shut down? These symptoms may be signs your nervous system is out of balance and they're more connected to migraine, dizziness, and overall well-being than you might think.

    In this episode of Spotlight on Migraine, clinical health psychologist Dr. Emily Kostelnik explains what nervous system dysregulation is, how it impacts migraine and dizziness, practical strategies to help regulate your system, and when it might be time to seek professional support.

    For more ways to view, visit: https://www.migrainedisorders.org/podcast/s7ep6-nervous-system-regulation/

    *The contents of this podcast are intended for general informational purposes only and do not constitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. AMD and the speaker do not recommend or endorse any specific course of treatment, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned. Reliance on any information provided by this content is solely at your own risk.

    7 October 2025, 4:51 pm
  • 27 minutes 46 seconds
    The Science of Hypnosis: Managing Pain, Stress, and Migraine

    Can hypnosis really help with migraine? In this episode of Spotlight on Migraine, we explore what hypnosis really is (and isn't) with leading expert Dr. David Spiegel, Associate Chair of Psychiatry at Stanford and founder of the Reveri app. With more than 400 research papers published on hypnosis, Dr. Spiegel breaks down the myths and shares how this drug-free tool may help people living with migraine disease.

    Interested in trying hypnosis? The Reveri app offers a 7-day free trial, plus 20% off with code SPOTLIGHT. Learn more about Reveri: https://reverihealth.app.link/spotlight-on-migraine

    For more ways to view, visit: https://www.migrainedisorders.org/podcast/s7ep5-hypnosis/

    *This podcast is sponsored in part by Reveri. However, it does not constitute an endorsement by the Association of Migraine Disorders for Tonix's products. The contents of this podcast are intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. AMD and the speaker do not recommend or endorse any specific course of treatment, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned. Reliance on any information provided by this content is solely at your own risk.

    27 August 2025, 1:03 pm
  • 27 minutes 56 seconds
    Waking Up With a Migraine Attack: What You Need to Know

    Ever wake up with a full-blown migraine attack? Do you find that it is more severe or harder to treat? In this episode of Spotlight on Migraine, Dr. Christopher Gottschalk explains why morning attacks can occur, why some treatments sometimes fail to abort the attack, and what treatment options work best. If you've ever opened your eyes to pounding pain, this episode is for you.

    For more ways to view, visit: https://www.migrainedisorders.org/podcast/s7ep4-waking-up-with-migraine/

    *This independent podcast is sponsored in part by Tonix Pharmaceuticals. However, it does not constitute an endorsement by the Association of Migraine Disorders for Tonix's products. The contents of this podcast are intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. AMD and the speaker do not recommend or endorse any specific course of treatment, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned. Reliance on any information provided by this content is solely at your own risk.

    13 August 2025, 12:00 pm
  • 26 minutes 12 seconds
    Migraine and Disability: Navigating Private and Social Security Long-Term Benefit Options

    In this episode of Spotlight on Migraine, we talk with nationally recognized disability attorney, Edward Dabdoub, about the legal options available to individuals seeking long-term disability benefits in the U.S for chronic migraine, vestibular migraine and other headache disorders. He breaks down the differences between disability benefits, including long-term disability (LTD), and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Dabdoub also shares expert tips on filing a migraine-related disability claim, handling denials, gathering supportive medical evidence, and navigating the process.

    For more ways to view, visit: https://www.migrainedisorders.org/podcast/s7ep3-migraine-disability-benefits/

    Consider donating to support the podcast: https://give.migrainedisorders.org/

    *The contents of this podcast are intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. AMD and the speaker do not recommend or endorse any specific course of treatment, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned. Reliance on any information provided by this content is solely at your own risk.

    8 July 2025, 6:43 pm
  • 21 minutes 49 seconds
    Left vs. Right Side Migraine Attacks - Does the Side Matter?

    Do you always feel migraine pain on the same side of your head? In this episode, we learn what it could mean when migraine attacks occur on the left vs. the right side and why that difference matters. Dr. Adam Sprouse-Blum breaks down the science behind migraine laterality and how it can affect your symptoms.

    Read the transcript: https://www.migrainedisorders.org/podcast/s7ep2-left-vs-right-migraine-attacks/

    Consider donating to support the podcast: https://give.migrainedisorders.org/

    *The contents of this podcast are intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. AMD and the speaker do not recommend or endorse any specific course of treatment, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned. Reliance on any information provided by this content is solely at your own risk.

    12 May 2025, 11:38 am
  • 20 minutes 15 seconds
    Migraine and Neck Pain: A Symptom or a Cause?

    If you experience both neck pain and migraine, you're not alone! Research shows that up to 60% of people with migraine also have neck pain. But is it a trigger or a symptom?

    Dr. Richard Lipton from the Montefiore Headache Center talks about the link between migraine and neck pain, shares effective treatment options, and discusses the latest research on early attack management. Plus, learn about other treatments that may help relieve neck pain.

    Read the transcript: https://www.migrainedisorders.org/podcast/s7ep1-migraine-and-neck-pain/

    Consider making a donation to help support the podcast: https://give.migrainedisorders.org/

    *The contents of this podcast are intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. AMD and the speaker do not recommend or endorse any specific course of treatment, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned. Reliance on any information provided by this content is solely at your own risk.

    15 April 2025, 12:11 pm
  • More Episodes? Get the App