The Association of Migraine Disorders has created a number of programs to help fulfill its mission to expand the understanding of migraine through research, education and awareness. These programs benefit the overall migraine community by reaching patients, advocates, medical professionals and researchers.
RESEARCH
Migraine Research Initiative
The Association of Migraine Disorders is devoted to accelerating the most promising area of neuroscience research: migraine. AMD’s Migraine Research Initiative is led by A research committee consisting of brilliant, leading researchers who help identify knowledge gaps in migraine to influence future research projects. AMD also provides funding for some of the research projects that are a result of the committee.
Migraine Science Collaborative
The Migraine Science Collaborative (MSC) is a news website and resource hub for the global community of migraine and headache basic scientists, clinical researchers and clinicians. The MSC strives for a better understanding of migraine, improved treatments and a greater social recognition of migraine.
EDUCATION
Migraine Resource Kit for Healthcare Providers
To help healthcare professionals better serve their migraine patients, we have created a number of educational resources to be used in an exam setting. These resources aim to assist healthcare providers in explaining migraine to their patients and help them educate patients on possible treatments that can help. Included within the kit are patient brochures (in English and Spanish), an anatomical exam room poster, treatment guides, and a medication dosage card. These resources are available as free downloads and free printed materials can also be ordered. Another focus of this program is to enable clinicians in underserved communities to be able to diagnose, treat and manage migraine disease. We have a plan to distribute these resources in inner cities, rural communities and Native American reservations.
Spotlight on Migraine
Spotlight on Migraine is a podcast that features interviews and presentations with patients, researchers, advocates and medical professionals from various specialties, each sharing their unique perspective on migraine. Podcasts are available in audio, video, and transcripts.
A Migraine Toolbox CME Course
The Migraine Toolbox is a free, comprehensive “how-to” course in managing migraine. It covers the diagnosis and treatment of this disease. It includes downloadable practical tools – including questionnaires, medication guidelines for clinicians, a patient brochure and other resources. Those with migraine have many symptoms and therefore are seen by a wide range of medical professionals. This educational program will enable primary care physicians, nurses, pharmacists, gastroenterologists, and other non-headache specialists to care for these patients.
This program explores the relationship between migraine and more than 75 comorbid diseases. Our goal is to bring awareness and education to new audiences, help patients recognize that they may be living with comorbid conditions and strengthen resources through collaboration with other leading organizations. Each comorbidity is briefly explained in a comprehensive library and select conditions will be further explained in thorough blog posts. The blog post will share in-depth information about the disease, its relation to migraine, treatments and patient resources from our allied partners. All content is medically reviewed by clinicians.
Migraine Explainer Videos
Migraine is a complex neurological condition. We are learning more about this disease every month. Dive into topics in migraine with these quick, educational videos that break down migraine types, treatments, pathophysiology and other headache types.
Medical Animation Videos
This series includes high-quality, 3-D medical animations to educate people about what migraine is and how the current medications work in the body to alleviate symptoms.
AWARENESS
Shades For Migraine
Shades for Migraine is an international social media awareness campaign created in 2017 by the Association of Migraine Disorders. Annually, on and around June 21, people living with migraine, their friends, families, and coworkers, post pictures on social media wearing sunglasses. Participants use the hashtag #ShadesForMigraine to help the campaign go viral.
Sunglasses are a visual representation of an invisible symptom of migraine called phonophobia or extreme sensitivity to light. This program is an opportunity to share or “disclose” their connection to migraine disease, in the hopes of spurring more conversation.