Migraine is a complex neurological disease affecting over a billion people globally, yet it is often dismissed as a simple headache. The condition is debilitating, frequently involving severe pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound. To combat this lack of understanding, Migraine Awareness Month, observed every June, serves as a dedicated time for concentrated advocacy and public education on this prevalent disorder.
The Official Designation of Migraine Awareness Month
Migraine Awareness Month (MHAM) takes place annually throughout June. Its origins trace back to a smaller effort initiated by the National Headache Foundation (NHF) in 1989, which started as “National Headache Week.” This initial campaign sought public and political support for recognizing headache disorders as significant health conditions.
The campaign grew over two decades, officially transitioning to a full month in 2011. Patient advocates were instrumental in expanding the effort and popularizing purple as the official awareness color in 2012. The US Federal Government recognized National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month as a National Health Observance in June 2018, solidifying its place on the national health calendar. The month now encompasses all headache disorders, though migraine remains the central focus due to its high prevalence and disabling impact.
Core Goals and Significance
The primary mission of Migraine Awareness Month is to dismantle the pervasive social stigma associated with the disorder. Historically, migraine has been trivialized, often mistakenly believed to be “just a bad headache” rather than a serious neurological condition. The month aims to correct this misconception by highlighting that migraine is the second leading cause of global disability.
A major objective is promoting the understanding that migraine involves a complex collection of neurological symptoms, including visual disturbances, vomiting, and cognitive dysfunction, far beyond head pain. Awareness efforts emphasize the physical and emotional toll of the disease to foster empathy and support. This focused attention also drives advocacy for increased research funding and policy changes, such as eliminating barriers like “step therapy” that delay treatment access. An increased public profile encourages individuals experiencing recurrent, severe attacks to consult a doctor, as nearly half of all people with migraine remain undiagnosed or undertreated.
Ways the Public Can Participate
The annual observance provides numerous ways for the public, patients, and caregivers to actively engage and contribute. One accessible method is digital advocacy, utilizing official hashtags like #MHAM and sharing educational resources across social media platforms. Sharing accurate facts helps counter misinformation and educates personal networks about the disease’s neurological basis.
Individuals can also participate by sharing their personal experiences, if comfortable, to put a human face on the disorder and reduce the sense of isolation many patients feel. Many organizations host virtual and in-person fundraising events, such as “Walk, Run, or Relax” activities, which generate funds for research and support programs.
Another direct action involves contacting local or national legislators to advocate for policies that improve diagnosis, treatment access, and federal research investment. A simple act of participation is to wear the color purple during June, which serves as a visible sign of solidarity and support for the migraine and headache community.