National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month – Jun. 1, 2026

National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month
Submit your updates or photos
Categories:
Tags:
AwarenessDiseasesMental Health
Where:
United States
Date change rule:
Every June
Holiday emoji:
đź§ 

National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month is observed throughout June, recognizing the millions affected by these debilitating neurobiological diseases. Engage with advocacy groups, learn about new treatments, and help destigmatize chronic pain conditions. Consult a medical professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Want to sponsor National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month? Learn how

Expected National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month Deals

Throughout National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month, the focus shifts from commercial deals to crucial fundraising and advocacy efforts. Organizations like the American Migraine Foundation and the Headache & Migraine Policy Forum lead initiatives for research and policy change. Pharmaceutical companies such as Pfizer (Nurtec ODT) and AbbVie (Botox Therapeutic) often partner with patient advocacy groups to offer educational resources and support programs. Look for donation matching campaigns from corporate sponsors, virtual awareness walks, and branded merchandise sales where proceeds benefit research. We will update this page with confirmed live campaigns as June approaches.

Platform Guide for National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month

LinkedIn

Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #MHAM. Share professional insights, research findings, and workplace accommodation tips.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #MHAM. Engage in real-time discussions, share breaking news on treatments, and amplify patient stories.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #MHAM. Join community groups, share personal experiences, and support local awareness events.

Social Media Tips for National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month

Individuals

Share your personal story using #MHAM, participate in virtual walks, and educate your friends and family about the impact of migraine and headache disorders.

Creators

Produce educational content debunking myths about migraines, interview healthcare professionals, or create compelling visuals that raise awareness for invisible illnesses.

Brands

Launch a donation-matching campaign, host educational webinars with medical experts, or share resources for employees affected by migraine and headache disorders.

Organizations & Brands for National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month

  1. American Migraine Foundation

    Founded in 2010, the American Migraine Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing research and providing support to patients and their families. They offer comprehensive resources and advocate for improved access to care.

  2. Headache & Migraine Policy Forum

    The Headache & Migraine Policy Forum works to improve the lives of people with headache disorders through advocacy and education. They engage with policymakers to ensure appropriate access to diagnosis, treatment, and care.

  3. Migraine Research Foundation

    Established in 2006, the Migraine Research Foundation is a non-profit organization focused on funding innovative research to find a cure for migraine. They support scientists working on groundbreaking studies.

  4. Pfizer (Nurtec ODT)

    A global pharmaceutical and biotechnology corporation, Pfizer produces Nurtec ODT, an orally disintegrating tablet used for the acute treatment and preventive treatment of migraine. They often support patient education initiatives.

  5. AbbVie (Botox Therapeutic)

    AbbVie is a research-based global biopharmaceutical company. Their product, Botox Therapeutic, is approved for the prevention of chronic migraine in adults. AbbVie frequently partners with advocacy groups to raise awareness.

  6. Excedrin

    Produced by GSK, Excedrin is a popular over-the-counter pain reliever specifically formulated for headache and migraine relief. The brand has a long history of supporting headache awareness campaigns.

  7. Cefaly Technology

    Cefaly Technology develops innovative medical devices for migraine treatment. Their flagship product, Cefaly, is an external trigeminal nerve stimulator used for both acute and preventive migraine therapy.

National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month Hero

Dr. Peter Goadsby

Dr. Peter Goadsby is a renowned neurologist and professor who has dedicated his career to understanding and treating headache disorders. His groundbreaking research on calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) has revolutionized migraine treatment, leading to the development of new classes of drugs. Goadsby's work has significantly advanced the scientific community's understanding of migraine as a neurological disease, offering hope and relief to millions worldwide.

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

1989
National Headache Week

National Headache Week is initiated by the National Headache Foundation.

2012
Purple for Support

Purple becomes the official color of National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month, although it was first used in 2004 in an awareness campaign.

2013
Change in Observance

The headache observance month, changed from National Headache Week in 2011, is renamed National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month.

2018
National Health Observance

The U.S. Government gives National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month the recognition of a National Health Observance.

How Businesses Can Celebrate National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month

Local businesses can honor National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month by fostering a supportive work environment and raising awareness among their staff and customers. Consider hosting an educational lunch-and-learn session on migraine triggers and accommodations, or partner with a local advocacy group for a donation drive. Offering flexible work arrangements or quiet spaces can also significantly support employees living with chronic headache conditions. Use social media to share factual information and resources, helping to destigmatize these invisible illnesses.

National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month FAQs

When is National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month?

National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month runs throughout June 2026, offering a full 30 days dedicated to education and advocacy. This annual observance aims to bring attention to debilitating headache disorders.

How many people are affected by migraines and headaches?

Migraine affects approximately 1 in 7 Americans, making it one of the most common neurological diseases. Globally, it impacts over a billion people, highlighting its widespread prevalence and significant public health burden.

What is the economic impact of migraine disease?

The economic impact of migraine in the U.S. is substantial, estimated to be over $78 billion annually due to lost productivity, healthcare costs, and reduced quality of life. This figure underscores the need for effective treatments and support.

What is the difference between a migraine and a tension headache?

A migraine is a complex neurological disease often characterized by severe throbbing pain, sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, and visual disturbances. A tension headache typically causes mild to moderate pain, described as a tight band around the head, without associated neurological symptoms.

How To Observe National Migraine & Headache Awareness Month

  1. 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.

  2. Volunteer for campaigns

    Many associations carry out campaigns for which they need volunteers. Volunteer and play your part. You can also participate in fundraisers.

  3. 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

  1. Migraines in children

    Migraines affect men, women, as well as children, and an estimated 10% of American children suffer from them.

  2. 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.

  3. Many different headaches

    There are 150 different types of headaches, with the most common being tension-, migraine-, and cluster headaches.

  4. Migraine prevalence in America

    More than 36 million people experience migraine headaches in America, which is 12% of the entire population.

  5. 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

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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
2026 June 1 Monday
2027 June 1 Tuesday
2028 June 1 Thursday
2029 June 1 Friday
2030 June 1 Saturday