Talking Head Pain

In this episode of Talking Head Pain, Joe Coe welcomes Dr. Andrew Blumenfeld, Director of The Los Angeles Headache Center and a world-renowned headache specialist who helped develop the Botox injection protocol used in the pivotal migraine trials.

They delve into the complexities of migraine management, discussing recently introduced concepts like "migraine freedom" and the multimodal approach to treatment. Dr. Blumenfeld addresses the challenges in navigating patient care within the constraints of insurance companies. The conversation also sheds light on the critical role of caffeine in migraine control and explores the often-overlooked symptoms experienced between migraine attacks.

Join Joe and Dr. Blumenfeld in an informative conversation that offers new perspectives and hope for migraineurs.

Among the highlights in this episode:

02:16: Dr. Blumenfeld and Joe discuss the term "migraine freedom," its origins, and patient experiences related to it

04:21: Joe and Dr. Blumenfeld expand on controlling migraine versus curing it, and how each patient's control needs can be different

05:11: Dr. Blumenfeld explains the multimodal approach to migraine treatment, emphasizing the importance of combining treatments for better control

07:28: Dr. Blumenfeld discusses his recently published paper on the Multimodal Approach to Migraine Freedom and its significance

09:27: Dr. Blumenfeld talks about the long-term journey of migraine treatment and the shared decision-making process between doctors and patients

12:26: Joe and Dr. Blumenfeld discuss managing treatment expectations with patients, highlighting the challenges with insurance companies and the importance of shared decision-making

16:05: Joe shares his personal experience with insurance challenges in accessing effective migraine treatment

18:50: Dr. Blumenfeld talks about comorbidities and coexisting diseases that can drive headache disorders, like sleep apnea and its impact

21:15: Joe and Dr. Blumenfeld discuss caffeine's role in migraine management, its misconceptions, and guidance on its usage

26:57: Dr. Blumenfeld highlights the importance of understanding the process that providers undergo to achieve a higher level of control over migraine, including dealing with insurance companies

29:31: Dr. Blumenfeld brings up the concept of the interictal period in migraine, focusing on symptoms that persist between migraine attacks and their impact on patients

Contact Our Hosts:

Joe Coe, Director, Therapeutic Area Growth and Integration at GHLF: [email protected]

Sarah Shaw, Senior Manager of BIPOC Community Outreach at GHLF: [email protected]

A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, Associate Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF.

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments, or a video or audio clip of yourself, to [email protected]  

Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special episode, Joe speaks with Dr. Anne Luebke at the European Headache Congress in Barcelona. Dr. Luebke, a researcher and Associate Professor at the University of Rochester in New York, shares insights into her work and research on vestibular migraine. She explains the challenges in treating this condition, particularly the ineffectiveness of older migraine medications in addressing vertigo symptoms.

Dr. Luebke offers hope, citing ongoing research into new therapies and emphasizes the potential need for a multi-therapy approach to effectively manage vestibular migraine.

Contact Our Hosts:

Joe Coe, Director, Therapeutic Area Growth and Integration at GHLF: [email protected]

Sarah Shaw, Senior Manager of BIPOC Community Outreach at GHLF: [email protected]

A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, Associate Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF.

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments, or a video or audio clip of yourself, to [email protected]  

Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special episode, Joe speaks with Dr. Franchesca Fiorito, Board Certified Neurologist & Headache Subspecialist in Puerto Rico, at the European Headache Congress in Barcelona.

Dr. Fiorito shares her extensive work in advancing headache medicine, and details her efforts in establishing headache medicine education, clinics, and a specialized headache center tailored for patient comfort. The conversation touches upon the challenges of patient education, accessing specialized care, and dealing with local insurance companies. Dr. Fiorito also discusses her efforts in fostering collaboration between neurology and rheumatology to better understand and treat pain disorders.

Contact Our Hosts:

Joe Coe, Director, Therapeutic Area Growth and Integration at GHLF: [email protected]

Sarah Shaw, Senior Manager of BIPOC Community Outreach at GHLF: [email protected]

A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, Associate Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF.

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments, or a video or audio clip of yourself, to [email protected]  

Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special episode of Talking Head Pain, Joe speaks with Dr. Miguel Lainez, Chairman of the Department of Neurology at the Hospital Clínico Universitario, and Professor of Neurology at the Catholic University of Valencia, at the European Headache Congress in Barcelona.

Dr. Miguel Lainez shares his valuable insights on key topics at this year’s congress, including medication overuse headaches and vestibular migraine. He underscores the significance of new treatments like monoclonal antibodies and highlights the importance of patient education and reducing stigma associated with migraine.

Contact Our Hosts:

Joe Coe, Director, Therapeutic Area Growth and Integration at GHLF: [email protected]

Sarah Shaw, Senior Manager of BIPOC Community Outreach at GHLF: [email protected]

A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, Associate Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF.

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments, or a video or audio clip of yourself, to [email protected]  

Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special episode of Talking Head Pain, Joe speaks with Dr. Jana-Isabel Huhn-Doll at the European Headache Congress in Barcelona. Dr. Huhn-Doll, a neurologist and pain specialist from Germany, shares insights into the use of Botox for chronic migraine treatment.

Together they discuss the PHASE III Research Evaluating Migraine Prophylaxis Therapy (PREEMPT) protocol and the 'follow the pain' approach, which offers a more individualized treatment plan by targeting specific pain areas as identified by patients.

Contact Our Hosts:

Joe Coe, Director, Therapeutic Area Growth and Integration at GHLF: [email protected]

Sarah Shaw, Senior Manager of BIPOC Community Outreach at GHLF: [email protected]

A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, Associate Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF.

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments, or a video or audio clip of yourself, to [email protected]  

Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special episode of Talking Head Pain, Joe speaks with Dr. Eyal Maoz Halevy, a Frontiers Award recipient at the American Headache Society’s Scottsdale Headache Symposium.

Dr. Eyal Maoz Halevy shares what he has found most impactful at the Symposium, and discusses his research on the role of physical activity as a vital sign (PAVS), revealing surprising insights about physical activity levels in migraine patients.

Contact Our Hosts:

Joe Coe, Director, Therapeutic Area Growth and Integration at GHLF: [email protected]

Sarah Shaw, Senior Manager of BIPOC Community Outreach at GHLF: [email protected]

A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, Associate Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF.

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments, or a video or audio clip of yourself, to [email protected]  

Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Talking Head Pain, Joe Coe is joined by Kelly Gavigan Lorant, Director of Data Management and Analytics at GHLF, as they explore the findings from a recent patient-centered survey on migraine. Kelly also explains how GHLF's research registry, originally focused on rheumatic and musculoskeletal conditions, has expanded to include a broader spectrum of chronic diseases, including migraine. Discover the insights gained about migraine patients, their treatment paths, and how these can intersect with other chronic conditions. This episode provides a unique look into the evolving understanding and management of migraine within the chronic illness community.

Among the highlights in this episode:

01:46: Kelly explains her position at GHLF and her work with various teams

02:49: “Our research registry is a place for people to engage in research and provide information about themselves, about their condition, about their disease activity, and disease journey. And all that information contributes to research,” says Kelly

03:02: Originally focused on rheumatic and musculoskeletal conditions, GHLF’s research registry, formerly known as ArthritisPower, has now become PatientSpot, and has expanded to encompass a wider range of chronic diseases, including migraine. This expansion will allow GHLF to gather a more comprehensive understanding of how chronic conditions intersect and affect individuals

04:26: Kelly discusses the response rate of the survey and the intent to start migraine research within GHLF’s research registry, PatientSpot

05:27: Kelly discusses the types of health care providers seen by survey respondents (migraine patients) and highlights the lack of care a significant portion of the respondents received for  their migraine attacks

06:39: Kelly shares more on the medications used by the survey participants, including over-the-counter medications and ice therapy

08:20: Joe and Kelly discuss potential future patient-centered research questions, exploring the intersection between chronic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and migraine

09:17: Joe discusses the new initiative “PatientSpot” and its inclusive approach for patients with various chronic diseases, inviting research questions and participation

You can send your questions to Joe Coe at [email protected]

For more information, visit https://patientspot.org/ or download the PatientSpot app from your app store

Contact Our Hosts:

Joe Coe, Director, Therapeutic Area Growth and Integration at GHLF: [email protected]

Sarah Shaw, Senior Manager of BIPOC Community Outreach at GHLF: [email protected]

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments, or a video or audio clip of yourself, to [email protected]  

Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Talking Head Pain, Sarah is joined by Kellie, a staunch advocate for migraine and traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Kellie walks us through her journey of living with a TBI from when she was in college to now with the critical work she is doing to provide migraine educational resources to employers and employees via Migraine at Work.

Listen in as Kellie bravely opens up about her struggles with depression and migraine and her battle of overcoming the stigma attached to seeking help for mental health issues. Kellie also shares the significance of having a supportive network and the role of education and advocacy in reshaping the narrative about migraine attacks.

Among the highlights in this episode:

01:58: Kellie recounts her worst migraine experience, highlighting the challenges of emergency care for migraine patients

03:28: Sarah and Kellie discuss the importance of having support from loved ones and their role in health care advocacy

04:24: Kellie describes her traumatic brain injury (TBI) and its impact, including her prior health history and the onset of her condition

07:03: Sarah addresses the reality of chronic illness and the need for accommodations to enable patients to achieve their goals

09:33: Kellie discusses the stigma associated with invisible illnesses and how it affects perceptions and treatment in society

10:10: Kellie shares about her involvement with the Migraine World Summit and Migraine at Work

12:56: Sarah relates her own migraine experiences at work and the commonality and benefits of openly discussing migraine issue

15:32: Kellie opens up about her struggle with depression after TBI, her resistance to acknowledging it, and the acceptance of treatment

18:54: Sarah and Kellie discuss the difficulty of seeking help for mental health, the stigma associated with it, and the importance of being gentle with oneself

Contact Our Hosts:

Joe Coe, Director, Therapeutic Area Growth and Integration at GHLF: [email protected]

Sarah Shaw, Senior Manager of BIPOC Community Outreach at GHLF: [email protected]

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments, or a video or audio clip of yourself, to [email protected]  

Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Talking Head Pain, Sarah is joined by Avi, who lives with migraine and other chronic illnesses. Through his migraine journey, Avi shares with us the difficulty he and his family encountered trying to get diagnosed. Avi also breaks down the challenges he faces navigating the health care system as a trans man and non-binary person. He shares his experiences of being misgendered and deadnamed (when a transgender person is referred by their birth name after transitioning) in doctors’ offices, highlighting the need for greater gender-affirming care.

Among the highlights in this episode:

01:17: Sarah kicks off the episode by asking Avi what word he would use to describe his migraine attacks

01:58: Avi discuses the symptoms he experiences such as photophobia, aura, and nausea which people often don't associate with migraine attacks

02:43: Avi expresses the challenges and hopelessness his family faced when seeking medical help

03:12: Sarah discusses the difficulties of getting care when living with an invisible illness, especially for marginalized communities

04:34: Avi talks about his experiences as a trans man and non-binary person living with migraine attacks, and the challenges of navigating the health care system

05:38: Avi and Sarah delve into how testosterone affected Avi's migraine and the intersections of health care, gender, and chronic illness

08:00: Avi emphasizes the need for proper representation and training in health care settings, sharing personal experiences of bias

10:54: Sarah and Avi discuss the importance of representation in health care settings and how clinics can better support LGBTQIA+ patients

16:31: Sarah addresses the mental health aspects of living with chronic illnesses, emphasizing the importance of community

19:34: Sarah stresses the importance of representation and expresses hope for breaking generational boundaries

Contact Our Hosts:

Joe Coe, Director, Therapeutic Area Growth and Integration at GHLF: [email protected]

Sarah Shaw, Senior Manager of BIPOC Community Outreach at GHLF: [email protected]

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments, or a video or audio clip of yourself, to [email protected] 

Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this week’s episode of Talking Head Pain, Sarah is joined by Amanda, a migraine patient, advocate, stay-at-home parent, and educator living with multiple chronic health conditions. Join Sarah and Amanda as they dig into the ebbs and flows of being a parent living with chronic migraine, things we’ve learned from the migraine community, getting the confidence to advocate and speak up for ourselves, the importance of normalizing talks about your chronic illnesses and mental health with your family unit and finding time through self-care of dopamine searching through bird watching and memes.

Among the highlights in this episode:

01:29: Sarah kicks off the episode by asking Amanda what word she would use to describe her migraine attacks

02:44: Amanda discusses the challenges of seeking care and advocating for herself, as well as the impact of normalization of pain in families

05:24: Amanda talks about the importance of self-care and seeking help for mental health and migraine

07:26: Amanda expresses her gratitude for the online migraine community and female doctors who educate and empower patients to advocate for themselves

10:25: Sarah and Amanda discuss the interconnectedness of anxiety, migraine, and mental health

16:24: Amanda shares the challenges of being a parent with chronic illness and mental health struggles, such as depression and anxiety, as well as the importance of having open and honest conversations with her child about her illnesses

18:39: Amanda and Sarah discuss the importance of self-care and finding pockets of joy and community, even when in pain

21:58: Amanda and Sarah discuss the importance of finding joy in the small things

Contact Our Hosts:

Joe Coe, Director, Therapeutic Area Growth and Integration at GHLF: [email protected]

Sarah Shaw, Senior Manager of BIPOC Community Outreach at GHLF: [email protected]

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments, or a video or audio clip of yourself, to [email protected].

Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.