National Headache Awareness Week encourages research and understanding every first full week of June. This observance highlights the impact of headaches and migraines on millions of lives, promoting education and support. Learn about triggers, treatments, and how to advocate for better care.
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History of National Headache Awareness Week
National Headache Awareness Week takes place every year in the first full week of June with the aim of spreading awareness regarding one of the most common ailments in the world. The first week of its kind took place in 1993 and was sponsored by the National Headache Foundation (NHF).
The NHF dedicates a week to headaches since the sole purpose of the organization is to spread information regarding headaches as well other diseases that can cause them. Headaches are more common than you can imagine. In fact, a survey conducted by the NHF revealed that more than 45 million Americans suffer from severe headaches during different phases in their lives. Here’s another fact that you didn’t know — there are about 150 types of headaches. The most common types of headaches include tension-, migraine-, cluster-, and sinus headaches. Each headache has a different impact and varying levels of pain that can be countered with specific medication.
Apart from bringing different types of headaches to the forefront, the NHF also aims to identify triggers that cause headaches in different people. According to research, the most common headache triggers are lack of sleep, change of weather, noise, menstruation, stress, and too much computer usage. Once these triggers are identified, people can ensure they maintain a lifestyle to combat them. Keep reading to find out more interesting facts about headaches and why celebrating this week is so important for everyone.
National Headache Awareness Week timeline
An Egyptian papyrus document discusses rituals that relieve headaches.
The physician Hippocrates records headache symptoms.
Erasmus Darwin’s theory says spinning a patient around can reduce headaches.
Harold Wolff studies headaches in a lab.
National Headache Awareness Week FAQs
When is National Headache Awareness Week?
In 2026, National Headache Awareness Week runs from Sunday, June 7, through Saturday, June 13, encouraging widespread education and support.
How many people are affected by headaches and migraines?
Headaches are one of the most common pain conditions globally, affecting billions. Migraines specifically impact over 39 million Americans, with a significant majority being women.
What are the most common types of headaches?
The most common types include tension headaches, which feel like a tight band around the head, and migraine headaches, characterized by throbbing pain, nausea, and light sensitivity.
Is National Headache Awareness Week recognized globally?
While National Headache Awareness Week is primarily observed in the United States, similar awareness campaigns and observances for headache and migraine disorders exist internationally, often coordinated by global health organizations.
How to Celebrate National Headache Awareness Week
Research some herbal headache cures
Tired of taking medicines whenever a headache strikes? National Headache Awareness Week is the perfect time to look for herbal cures for headaches.
Teach a health class
Find out more about headaches and volunteer to speak about the issue at the nearest elementary school. Kids also experience headaches often but rarely understand what the causes and cures are.
Go medicine shopping
Find the perfect headache tablet by browsing through the medicine section and asking a doctor to help you determine which brand will work best for you.
5 Facts You Need To Know About Headaches
Money spent on medication
$3.5 billion is spent yearly on headache medication.
The common headache
Tension headaches are the most common.
A factor often ignored
Misalignment of the vertebrae also causes headaches.
The easiest cure
Sleeping can fix headaches.
Hereditary headaches
Headaches can be inherited from parents.
Why National Headache Awareness Week is Important
It increases awareness
The week aids in creating awareness regarding the ailment that affects everyone in the world.
It gives hope
The week reminds people that they aren’t alone and a cure to even the worst headaches is within their reach. The solution lies in research and effort.
It provides a solution
Since a lot of discussions regarding headaches take place during the week, many natural and medical ways to relieve headaches are brought to the forefront.
National Headache Awareness Week dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | June 7–13 | Sunday–Saturday |
| 2027 | June 6–12 | Sunday–Saturday |
| 2028 | June 4–10 | Sunday–Saturday |
| 2029 | June 3–9 | Sunday–Saturday |
| 2030 | June 2–8 | Sunday–Saturday |
