National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month (#MHAM) is observed in June. The month observes, recognizes, and honors the headache and migraine communities that are continuously working together for headache disorders be recognized as legitimate neurobiological diseases. It also encourages people with migraines or chronic headaches to consult a medical professional for proper diagnosis and treatment. It aims to enlighten individuals with headache disorders about the various treatments available.
History of National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month
In 1962, the publication of “Classification of Headache” by the National Institute of Neurological Diseases and Blindness was a major advancement in the establishment of the criteria for headaches.
Specialized headache clinics were extremely rare during the beginning of the 20th century. Arnold Friedman, H. Houston Merritt, and Charles Brenner founded the first Montefiore Headache Unit in New York, in 1945. In 1964, Dr. Seymour Diamond established the Diamond Headache Clinic in Chicago.
The National Headache Foundation was established in 1970, also by Dr. Diamond. The organization has since then been a force in the field of headaches and is known all around the country for its wide network of patient support groups. The 1990s saw the advent of triptans, which were used as abortive medication for treating migraines.
In 2007, the Alliance for Headache Disorders Advocacy was formed. This was because, at the time, there wasn’t enough funding for headache research in the U.S.
With time, the speed of scientific research and progress increased. The development, certification, and accreditation of medicines for migraines and other headaches have further added to the research as well as the academic reputation of the field.
National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month timeline
National Headache Week is initiated by the National Headache Foundation.
Purple becomes the official color of National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month, although it was first used in 2004 in an awareness campaign.
The headache observance month, changed from National Headache Week in 2011, is renamed National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month.
The U.S. Government gives National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month the recognition of a National Health Observance.
National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month FAQs
What is National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month?
June is National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month (#MHAM). Dedicated organizations work together to promote awareness of headache disorder as a recognized neurobiological disease.
Is there a National Headache Day?
Migraine Solidarity Day is observed on June 21.
What color is the migraine ribbon?
Migraine and Headache Awareness Month is represented by the colors purple and red.
How To Observe National Migraine & Headache Awareness Month
Take part in community walks
Take part in community walks and runs to support the cause. Presently, there are even virtual runs and walks where people can individually walk, run, or use a treadmill to raise funds for the cause.
Volunteer for campaigns
Many associations carry out campaigns for which they need volunteers. Volunteer and play your part. You can also participate in fundraisers.
Share your story
If you suffer from migraines or any other kind of headaches, share your story and how it feels to live with this. Help others with these conditions realize that they aren’t alone.
5 Facts About Migraines That You Didn’t Know
Migraines in children
Migraines affect men, women, as well as children, and an estimated 10% of American children suffer from them.
High rate of headaches
According to the National Headache Foundation, 47% of adults in the United States experience some form of a headache each year.
Many different headaches
There are 150 different types of headaches, with the most common being tension-, migraine-, and cluster headaches.
Migraine prevalence in America
More than 36 million people experience migraine headaches in America, which is 12% of the entire population.
Migraines worldwide
According to the World Health Organization, one in seven people suffer from migraines worldwide.
Why National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month is Important
It spreads the word
National Migraine & Headache Awareness Month spreads awareness and legitimizes the harsh truths of these conditions. It brings the concerns of the patients to the forefront.
It promotes research efforts
Throughout National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month, the International Headache Academy and other organizations carry out different kinds of campaigns to get young minds interested in the issue.
It encourages people
National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month encourages people who face the issue and reach out to a healthcare provider. There are new treatments available that can help a lot.
National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | June 1 | Saturday |
| 2025 | June 1 | Sunday |
| 2026 | June 1 | Monday |
| 2027 | June 1 | Tuesday |
| 2028 | June 1 | Thursday |
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