Let's take on
Migraine
The Invisible Pain of Migraine
Many people with migraine are suffering in silence. At the same time, they’re also facing complex barriers to getting the prescribed treatment they need. As a result, a staggering 89% of people surveyed* say that the inability to access treatments they need has impacted their ability to manage their migraine.
In another survey of 1,000 people living with migraine in the U.S.:
- of people with migraine have experienced challenges in their job because of migraine
- push through their migraine pain and symptoms while at their jobs rather than taking the time to recover
- have experienced mental and/or emotional burdens associated with migraine
- feel or have felt disrespected by friends or family who underestimate the severity of migraine
In an online survey conducted from July 16 – 31, 2024 among n=1,000 U.S. adults 18 years of age and older who are living with migraine, all qualified respondents were screened to ensure they experience a migraine attack at least 2 days per month. All respondents in the sample are currently employed, and an oversample of women (n=693) and chronic migraine sufferers (n=299 who experience a migraine attack at least 15 days per month) was included in this survey sample.
* In 2023, The Headache & Migraine Policy Forum completed an online survey of 498 U.S. respondents to determine how people with migraine are experiencing delays in accessing migraine therapies due to insurance denials and non-medical switching.
Overcoming Barriers to Migraine Treatment
Right now, people with migraine often face a complicated process to access the treatments they’re prescribed. These resources may be able to help you navigate towards better care.
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Helpful Support
Get personalized support and useful information to help guide you through your migraine journey.
About Migraine Treatment Options
There are a number of pharmacologic options for acute and preventive therapies for migraine.
Note: Not all options are FDA approved for migraine.
Acute Medication Treatments for Migraine
Acute treatments aim to stop the progression of a migraine once it has started. They typically work best when taken as soon as symptoms of a migraine attack start. Treatment options include:
CGRP Antagonists (Gepants)
Learn about an FDA-approved oral disintegrating CGRP
Learn about an FDA-approved nasal spray CGRP
Pain Relievers
Triptans
Dihydroergotamines
Ditans
Preventive Medication Treatments for Migraine
Preventive treatments aim to reduce the frequency, severity, and duration of migraine attacks. They are typically prescribed for frequent, long-lasting or severe headaches that don’t respond well to acute treatment. Treatment options often used for migraine include:
CGRP Antagonists (Gepants)
Learn about an FDA-approved oral disintegrating CGRP
Blood Pressure-Lowering Medications
Antidepressants
Anti-Seizure Drugs
Neuromuscular Blockers
CGRP Monoclonal Antibodies
The Power of Going Dark
Many people with migraine are used to pushing through their pain, but when they do, no one notices. We're partnering with prominent women, like Kat Dennings, to highlight migraine's stigma and debilitating impact through a 5-day social media blackout.
From starring in hit tv shows to gracing the silver screen in blockbuster films, Kat Dennings’ time in the spotlight has solidified the importance of being present. But pushing through migraine pain has taken its toll.
Now, she’s pushing back against the disease that has kept her from living in the moment by leading the Migraine Blackout. By going dark on social media and exposing the true reality of migraine, she’s advocating for change and encouraging the rest of the migraine community to join her so more people can access the care they need.
A Group Effort
Our partners all share the same goal. Together we’re working to make it easier for people with migraine to access the care and treatments they need. Visit their sites to get more helpful resources.
