In this episode of Talking Head Pain, Joe sits down with neurology experts Dr. Saikali and Dr. Blumenfeld. They explore the significant advances from past therapies to today's targeted treatments that offer new hope for migraine patients. Discover how the integration of new medical strategies and patient education is reshaping the way the condition is managed, aiming for what Dr. Blumenfeld calls “crystal clear days” of no pain and optimal life quality.

Among the highlights in this episode:

01:50: Dr. Blumenfeld explains the shift in migraine management toward specific and effective medications with fewer side effects

02:12: Dr. Saikali emphasizes the importance of patients bringing comprehensive medical histories to consultations to ensure effective and efficient treatment planning

04:42: Dr. Blumenfeld describes the patient-provider partnership as a journey toward migraine freedom, stressing the goal of achieving “crystal clear days”

06:44: Dr. Saikali discusses the critical role of addressing comorbid conditions to improve the effectiveness of migraine medications

09:02: Joe and Dr. Blumenfeld discuss the importance of breaking the cycle of frequent migraine with newer treatments

14:19: Dr. Saikali and Dr. Blumenfeld explore the stigma around migraine

19:31: Joe discusses how proper migraine treatment has enabled him to address other health issues, highlighting the holistic impact of effective migraine management

23:03: Dr. Saikali advocates for patients to keep a health journal or find personal ways to monitor their progress, stressing the individualized nature of treatment

25:28: Dr. Blumenfeld encourages patients to be proactive in seeking early treatment

Contact Our Hosts:

Joe Coe, Chief Value, Growth, and Therapeutic Solutions Officer, Country Manager, Canada at GHLF: jcoe@ghlf.org

Sarah Shaw, Associate Director, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at GHLF: sshaw@ghlf.org

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 podcasts@ghlf.org

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 Shelby, a singer-songwriter navigating life with migraine and dysautonomia. Together, they delve into how chronic pain influences both personal and artistic endeavors. Shelby shares insights on how her condition has shaped her music career and the comfort she finds in her creative expression, offering listeners a window into the everyday triumphs and struggles faced by those living with chronic conditions.

Among the highlights in this episode:

01:09: Shelby discusses how migraine has been both a destructive and constructive force in her life, emphasizing the dual nature of her experiences

02:47: The discussion turns to how migraine influenced Shelby's early life and how music became a therapeutic outlet for her

06:13: Shelby describes how she manages sound sensitivity around her performances, highlighting adjustments she makes to cope with migraine

09:30: Shelby speaks on the frustrations of navigating health insurance, expressing the challenges of securing treatment for chronic migraine

12:07: Sarah and Shelby discuss the importance of community support and understanding, particularly in managing chronic illness

14:15: Sarah and Shelby talk about the broader impact of migraine on public perception and personal identity

16:03: Shelby shares her approach to self-care, including therapy and maintaining social connections despite her chronic conditions

Contact Our Hosts:

Joe Coe, Chief Value, Growth, and Therapeutic Solutions Officer, Country Manager, Canada at GHLF: jcoe@ghlf.org

Sarah Shaw, Associate Director, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at GHLF: sshaw@ghlf.org

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 podcasts@ghlf.org

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 Chandler, a chronic pain recovery coach and migraine patient, to explore the realities of living with chronic migraine and cluster headaches. Chandler shares her experience with hemiplegic migraine and how it propelled her into a life dedicated to helping others manage their pain. The episode dives into the impact of chronic pain on mental health, the importance of recognizing the mind-body connection, and practical strategies for managing daily life with chronic pain.

Among the highlights in this episode:

01:54: Chandler recounts her worst migraine attack, describing its sudden and severe impact

03:19: Sarah and Chandler discuss the variety and types of migraine attacks, including hemiplegic and vestibular migraines

07:52: Chandler explains how focusing on the mind-body connection radically improved her health

12:44: Sarah and Chandler explore the relationship between mental health and chronic pain, emphasizing the need for comprehensive treatment approaches

15:45: Chandler and Sarah discuss effective self-care strategies for managing chronic pain and migraine attacks

17:02: Sarah emphasizes the cultural pressures that often discourage taking breaks and how she learned to prioritize self-care to manage her chronic conditions effectively

19:05: Chandler reflects on the journey of embracing the mind-body connection as a transformative tool in her battle against chronic pain

Contact Our Hosts:

Joe Coe, Chief Value, Growth, and Therapeutic Solutions Officer, Country Manager, Canada at GHLF: jcoe@ghlf.org

Sarah Shaw, Associate Director, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at GHLF: sshaw@ghlf.org

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 podcasts@ghlf.org

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special episode of Talking Head Pain, Joe is joined by renowned headache specialists Dr. Tepper and Dr. Ailani to discuss a groundbreaking shift in migraine treatment accessibility. They delve into the recent endorsement by the American Headache Society of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) blockers as the primary preventive treatment for migraines, a move that promises to simplify the patient's journey toward relief.

This discussion explores the implications for insurance and pharmacy benefit managers practices and patient care, providing hope and actionable advice for those living with migraine.

Contact Our Hosts:

Joe Coe, Chief Value, Growth, and Therapeutic Solutions Officer, Country Manager, Canada at GHLF: jcoe@ghlf.org

Sarah Shaw, Associate Director, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at GHLF: sshaw@ghlf.org

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 podcasts@ghlf.org

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 Christa, a death doula and community care facilitator navigating the complex intersections of chronic illness and queer identity for Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) individuals. Together, they explore Christa's journey through the debilitating impacts of migraine and endometriosis, highlighting the profound role of community care and self-advocacy in managing chronic conditions. This conversation sheds light on the resilience required to live authentically while coping with chronic pain, offering insights and solidarity to those on similar paths.

Among the highlights in this episode:

01:16: Christa highlights the significance of Pride Month and discusses the pain associated with queer history, emphasizing that existence as queer people of color with disabilities is an act of resistance

03:01: Christa describes how migraine attacks have been a longstanding issue since high school, often overlooked due to other health challenges, and particularly exacerbated by hormonal changes

06:14: Christa talks about the professional challenges posed by migraine, affecting their ability to work on screens and requiring time off, which impacted her past employment

07:01: Sarah and Christa discuss the complexities of managing multiple chronic illnesses, including the crucial timing of medication to handle migraine symptoms effectively

08:36: Christa explains how transitioning to self-employment has allowed them to manage their health better, accommodating their migraines and other chronic conditions more effectively

10:22: Christa reflects on the cultural and familial challenges of addressing chronic conditions within immigrant families, highlighting the gap between generational approaches to health and wellness

13:46: Christa discusses the evolution of their support systems and the challenges of initiating conversations about needs and support with loved ones, especially during significant life transitions

18:07: Christa discusses the importance of creating care plans, especially within the context of chronic illness and disability

22:20: Christa emphasizes the importance of workplace accommodations for chronic illnesses and advocates for better understanding and support from employers

27:36: Christa shares personal strategies for dealing with bad days due to chronic conditions, emphasizing the importance of resting and listening to one’s body

Contact Our Hosts:

Joe Coe, Chief Value, Growth, and Therapeutic Solutions Officer, Country Manager, Canada at GHLF: jcoe@ghlf.org

Sarah Shaw, Associate Director, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at GHLF: sshaw@ghlf.org

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 podcasts@ghlf.org

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. Christopher Gottschalk, Director of Headache Medicine and the Headache Medicine Training Program at Yale University, Connecticut, live from the American Headache Society's scientific meeting. Dr. Gottschalk shares insights from a new study revealing how prolonged use of anti-CGRP drugs can reduce prodromal symptoms and the occurrence of headaches. He discusses the evolving understanding of migraine phases and the broader impacts of treatment on quality of life and cognitive function.

Join Joe and Dr. Gottschalk as they discuss these significant advancements in migraine treatment and education.

Contact Our Hosts:

Joe Coe, Chief Value, Growth, and Therapeutic Solutions Officer, Country Manager, Canada at GHLF: jcoe@ghlf.org

Sarah Shaw, Associate Director, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at GHLF: sshaw@ghlf.org

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 podcasts@ghlf.org

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 is live from the American Headache Society's scientific meeting with Alicia Duyvejonck, a nurse practitioner at Genesis Headache Clinic in Davenport, Iowa. Together they discuss a research poster to which they both contributed titled "Person-Centric Communications in Migraine: Delphi-Like Consensus on Best Practice." This study, conducted using the Delphi consensus model, involved headache neurologists, nurse practitioners, psychologists, and advocacy community representatives, focusing on enhancing communication between patients and health care professionals in migraine care. They emphasize the importance of person-centric communication and individualizing treatment, highlighting key recommendations for both providers and patients to improve understanding and reduce migraine stigma.

Join Joe and Alicia as they explore how effective communication is essential in managing this heterogeneous condition and fostering shared decision-making.

Contact Our Hosts:

Joe Coe, Chief Value, Growth, and Therapeutic Solutions Officer, Country Manager, Canada at GHLF: jcoe@ghlf.org

Sarah Shaw, Associate Director, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at GHLF: sshaw@ghlf.org

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 podcasts@ghlf.org

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 is live from the American Headache Society's scientific meeting with Dr. Mario Peres, President-Elect of the International Headache Society. Dr. Peres, hailing from São Paulo, Brazil, discusses the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in migraine diagnosis and management. They discuss how AI tools are being developed to improve diagnostic accuracy, which is crucial for effective treatment. Dr. Peres emphasizes the importance of validating these AI models to ensure they provide reliable and useful outcomes.

Join Joe and Dr. Peres as they delve into the future of migraine care, emphasizing technology's role in enhancing patient self-management and care strategies.

Contact Our Hosts:

Joe Coe, Chief Value, Growth, and Therapeutic Solutions Officer, Country Manager, Canada at GHLF: jcoe@ghlf.org

Sarah Shaw, Associate Director, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at GHLF: sshaw@ghlf.org

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 podcasts@ghlf.org

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.