Helping Loved Ones Understand Migraine: Your Discussion Guide
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Key Questions
- How can we best describe migraine to someone who has never had an attack?
- What are the different stages of a migraine attack?
- What are some common misconceptions about migraine disease?
- How can we communicate the true impact of migraine on daily activities and overall quality of life?
- How should we talk about our migraine triggers in both personal and professional settings?
- How can we respond when people blame us or suggest we’re not managing our triggers well enough?
- What are some practical ways to ask for help during a migraine attack?
- How can we respond constructively when others offer unsolicited advice that minimizes our experience?
- How can people who don’t experience migraine advocate for their loved ones who do?
- What challenges do migraine patients face when they feel misunderstood or not taken seriously, and how can they address them?
Interview Notes
- Headache Center of Hope
- Linkedin: Hope O’Brien, MD, MBA
- American Headache Society
- United Council for Neurologic Subspecialties (UCNS)
Treatments Mentioned
- Sleep hygiene
- Stay hydrated
- Limit caffeine intake
- Work accommodation tips & tricks
Please note: The Migraine World Summit’s aim is to bring you a variety of perspectives and expertise, independent of bias or judgment. Alternative theories presented in this video have not been medically reviewed. Views expressed in this interview do not necessarily represent the views of the Migraine World Summit. Please always consult your health care professional and do your own research before making changes to your treatment plan.
Hope O’Brien, MD, MBA, FAAN, FAHS
Founder & CEO
Headache Center of Hope
Dr. Hope O’Brien is a distinguished neurologist and expert in headache medicine, recognized for her significant contributions to the field of neurology and her innovative approach to patient care. She earned her Bachelor of Science in neuroscience with Honors Distinction for Research from the University of Rochester in New York. Building on this strong foundation, Dr. O’Brien pursued her medical degree at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, where she also completed her residency in adult general neurology.
Following her residency, Dr. O’Brien advanced her expertise through a fellowship in headache medicine at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. Her dedication and expertise in this area led her to a faculty position at the same institution, where she created and directed the Young Adult Headache Program and the Headache Medicine Fellowship. Her work has had a profound impact on the management and treatment of headache disorders.
In June 2021, Dr. O’Brien founded the Headache Center of Hope, a pioneering direct-to-consumer and concierge neurology practice dedicated to addressing the needs of patients of all ages who experience recurrent headaches. This practice reflects her commitment to providing personalized and accessible care.
Dr. O’Brien is board certified in both neurology and headache medicine, and she holds an Executive MBA degree, which complements her clinical expertise with strong business acumen. Her research is particularly focused on late adolescents and young adults with headaches, and she has authored over 75 peer-reviewed publications, abstracts, and book chapters.
Her leadership extends to several expert committees of prestigious organizations, including the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) and the American Headache Society (AHS). Dr. O’Brien serves as the vice chair of the Meeting Management Committee of the AAN and the Accreditation Council of the United Council of Neurologic Subspecialties. She is also a valued member of the Medscape/AHS Migraine Center of Excellence advisory board.
In addition to her clinical and administrative roles, Dr. O’Brien is an associate professor volunteer faculty member in neurology at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, where she contributes to the education and training of future neurologists.
Dr. O’Brien’s career reflects a dedication to advancing the field of neurology and improving patient outcomes through innovative research, leadership, and direct patient care.
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Migraine Buddy is the #1 headache and migraine tracking application. Recommended by the best neurologists in the world, we empower our users to learn and communicate about their condition. Our community of 2.8 million contribute to migraine awareness and research.
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