The National Headache Foundation (NHF) is committed to advancing research for headache disorders, such as migraine, cluster headache, orofacial pain disorders, spinal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, and New Daily Persistent Headache (NDPH).

These conditions affect millions of Americans and are among the leading causes of disability worldwide. Despite their immense public health and economic burden, research funding for migraine and other headache disorders remains disproportionately low compared to other neurological diseases.

The Need for Increased NIH Funding

Migraine alone costs the U.S. economy over $78 billion annually in healthcare expenses and lost productivity, highlighting the urgent need for robust National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding. This investment is critical for developing new non-opioid treatments, improving patient care, and advancing our understanding of these complex disorders.

However, in FY2024, NIH funding decreased for the first time since 2013, with the BRAIN Initiative suffering a devastating 40% cut—a major setback for headache research.

Headache disorders are a significant public health issue, and sustained NIH investment is essential to improving treatments, reducing disability and economic costs, and driving scientific breakthroughs. Given the immense burden of migraine and other headache disorders, continued funding is necessary to expand non-opioid treatment options and enhance public health.

Federal Engagement

At the 2025 Headache on the Hill, NHF and our advocacy partners are calling on policymakers to:

  • Support robust NIH funding and oppose budget cuts that could slow critical research advancements in headache disorders.

  • Safeguard the HEAL and BRAIN Initiatives, ensuring continued progress in migraine and headache disorder research through FY26 appropriations.

  • Expand women’s health research funding to include headache disorders across all life stages, from childhood through menopause and aging.

The Role of the HEAL and BRAIN Initiatives

  • NIH HEAL Initiative: The Helping to End Addiction Long-term® (HEAL) Initiative funds over 1,800 research projects nationwide, driving advancements in pain management and non-addictive treatments—essential for addressing headache disorders without reliance on opioids.

  • NIH BRAIN Initiative: The Brain Research Through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies® (BRAIN) Initiative is transforming our understanding of neural circuits involved in chronic pain, paving the way for non-opioid therapeutic breakthroughs for headache conditions.

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