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June 2025: Shining a Light on Migraine and Other Headaches – It's More Than Just a Headache

June 2025: Shining a Light on Migraine and Other Headaches – It's More Than Just a Headache
Photo by Allen Cai / Unsplash

As June 2025 dawns, so does a crucial month for millions around the globe, including here in South Africa. June is Migraine and Headache Awareness Month (MHAM) – a dedicated time to illuminate the often-invisible burden of headache disorders and advocate for better understanding, diagnosis, and treatment. At NervousDoc.com, informed awareness is the first step towards empowerment and improved quality of life.

You might think, "Oh, it's just about headaches." But if you've ever experienced a debilitating migraine, a tension headache that steals your day, or the agonising intensity of a cluster headache, you know it's profoundly more. It’s about lost productivity, missed moments with loved ones, and the constant battle against an unseen adversary.

Why an Awareness Month? The Hidden Epidemic

Headache disorders, particularly migraines, are among the most prevalent and disabling conditions worldwide. The World Health Organisation (WHO) reports that headache disorders affect approximately 40% of the global population. In South Africa, studies on university students have shown that a significant majority experience primary headaches, with migraines and tension-type headaches being the most common (DURBAN University of Technology, 2024; PMC, 2016).

Despite these staggering numbers, headache disorders are often stigmatised, misunderstood, and underdiagnosed. Many people living with migraines are told, "It's just a headache," or "You're overreacting," leading to feelings of isolation and delayed access to adequate care. MHAM aims to:

  • Educate the Public: Dispel myths and highlight that migraine is a complex neurological disease, not just a severe headache.
  • Reduce Stigma: Encourage open conversations and foster a more supportive environment for those affected.
  • Promote Early Diagnosis and Effective Treatment: Encourage individuals to seek professional help and ensure healthcare providers are equipped to diagnose and manage these conditions effectively.
  • Advocate for Research and Funding: Drive greater investment in understanding the causes of headaches and developing new, better treatments.

Beyond Migraine: A Spectrum of Headaches

While migraines are often the focus of awareness campaigns due to their severe impact, it's important to remember that they are just one type of headache. MHAM encompasses all headache disorders, including:

  1. Tension-Type Headaches (TTH): The most common type of headache.
  • Symptoms: Often described as a constant, dull ache or pressure, like a tight band around the head. Usually affects both sides of the head and is mild to moderate in intensity.
  • Triggers: Stress, fatigue, poor posture, jaw clenching.
  • Impact: While less severe than migraines, chronic TTH can significantly impact daily functioning and productivity.
  1. Cluster Headaches: Though rare, these are incredibly severe.
  • Symptoms: These are characterised by excruciating, piercing, or burning pain, typically focused behind one eye or temple. They occur in "clusters" or cycles, with multiple daily attacks for weeks or months and remission periods.
  • Associated Symptoms: Often accompanied by a watery eye, redness, drooping eyelid, nasal congestion, or runny nose on the affected side.
  • Impact: Considered one of the most painful conditions known to humankind, causing immense disability.
  1. Medication Overuse Headaches (MOH): "rebound headaches."
  • Symptoms: Occur when acute pain relievers (like OTC medications or triptans) are taken too frequently, paradoxically causing more headaches. The headache often feels like a constant dull ache or migraine-like pain.
  • Cause: The brain becomes accustomed to the medication, and when its effect wears off, a headache returns as a withdrawal symptom.
  • Impact: A significant challenge in headache management, perpetuating a cycle of pain and medication use.
  1. Sinus Headaches:
  • Symptoms: Pain and pressure around the forehead, cheekbones, and nose, often accompanied by cold-like symptoms such as nasal congestion and discharge.
  • Cause: Inflammation or infection of the sinus cavities. It’s important to note that many self-diagnosed “sinus headaches” are migraines.

Understanding the differences is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. We've previously delved into these distinctions and explored potential treatments for various headache types.

The Local Context: Headaches in South Africa

While specific national prevalence data for migraines and other headaches in South Africa can be challenging to pinpoint comprehensively, existing research highlights their significant impact. A study on university students in Durban found that headaches negatively impacted their study and sleep patterns, attention levels during lectures, and their social and emotional life. A substantial percentage reported limited concentration due to increased headache intensity during tests and examinations (PMC, 2016). This resonates deeply with the global understanding of headache disorders as a significant cause of disability, affecting academic performance and work productivity.

A recent publication in Prof Nurs Today (2025) highlights that globally, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, the USA, India, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Kenya have some of the highest prevalences of regular (weekly) head pain (31% or higher). This underscores the urgency of awareness and improved management strategies in our local context.

Participating in MHAM 2025: Make a Difference

Migraine and Headache Awareness Month is about collective effort. Here's how you can get involved and make a difference this June:

  • Educate Yourself: Learn more about different headache types, their symptoms, and treatment options. NervousDoc.com is a great place to start! Dive into our articles on Migraine Diaries/Tracking to understand your patterns, or read about Decoding the Impact of Migraines with MIDAS and Measuring the Impact: How HIT-6 Sheds Light on Living with Migraines to quantify your disability.
  • Share Your Story (If Comfortable): Personal stories are powerful. Sharing your experience can help others feel less alone and contribute to reducing stigma. Use hashtags like #MHAM2025, #MigraineAwareness, #HeadacheAwareness, and #EndMigraineStigma on social media.
  • Support Advocacy Groups: Organisations like the National Headache Foundation and the American Migraine Foundation (which spearheads MHAM initiatives) offer resources and advocacy opportunities. While specific South African organisations focused solely on headache awareness may be emerging, supporting global efforts benefits everyone.
  • Talk to Your Doctor: If you or a loved one is struggling with frequent or severe headaches, use this month as a prompt to schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider. Be prepared with a migraine diary and a list of your symptoms and concerns.
  • Promote a Supportive Environment: At work, school, or home, advocate for accommodations for those with headache disorders. Simple things like flexible work hours, access to quiet spaces, or colleague understanding can make a huge difference.

The "I Am (In)visible" Theme for MHAM 2025

This year, the American Migraine Foundation's theme for MHAM 2025 is "I AM (IN)VISIBLE." This powerful theme reminds us that while the pain and other symptoms of migraine are often invisible to the naked eye, the individuals living with this debilitating disease are not. It emphasises making every part of the migraine experience visible – from the neurological roots to the emotional toll – so that no one feels isolated in their journey.

This month will highlight various themes, including:

  • Migraine and Mental Health: Exploring the deep connection between migraine and conditions like depression and anxiety. (Refer back to our post: Unravelling the Link Between Depression and Migraines).
  • Migraine and Life in Motion: Discussing the invisible weight of living with a chronic disease and its impact on daily activities.
  • Migraine and Stigma: Directly confronting the dismissal and disbelief that many migraine sufferers face.
  • Migraine, Science, and the Future: Spotlighting the ongoing research and innovations that offer hope for better diagnosis, treatment, and ultimately, a cure.

Your Journey to Understanding and Relief

Migraine and Headache Awareness Month is more than just a calendar observance; it's a call to action. It's an opportunity to educate ourselves, support others, and push for a future where headache disorders are fully understood, effectively treated, and no longer carry the burden of stigma.

At Nervous Doc, we are here to walk alongside you on this journey. We are committed to providing you with the most current, evidence-based information and practical strategies to help you navigate the complexities of neurological health, improve your productivity, and enhance your overall well-being.

Ready to join a community dedicated to empowering you with knowledge about headaches and boosting your productivity? Subscribe to NervousDoc.com today!

Stay informed, get practical tips, and become part of a movement to shine a brighter light on these often-invisible conditions. Your path to relief and a more fulfilling life starts now.

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