Rachel Koh
My name is Rachel Koh. I was first diagnosed with migraine in 1993 with what was thought to be influenza but later diagnosed as an intractable migraine. This was just after I started dating my future husband. From 1996-2008, my
Discover the incredible stories shared by members of our community. From perseverance and success to moments of inspiration and transformation, each story offers a glimpse into the diverse experiences that make us who we are.
We hope by sharing these stories others will find motivation, gain new perspectives, and connect with a shared human experience.
We invite you to explore, be inspired, and feel the power of storytelling in uniting us all.
Renee Russell
I was diagnosed with episodic migraine in 1994 and had the disease mostly under control until 2013 when the disease became intractable. I lost 7 months of my life to it that year until a medical leave helped restore some
Eileen Brewer
At the beginning of 2013 my migraine patient community was fairly small. It was me and my best friend. It was okay. I hadn’t thought too much about stigma or disease burden or anything, but these things were starting to
Bob Wold
A Cluster what? Picture yourself in a boat on a river, With tangerine trees and marmalade skies.
Elizabeth is Finding Community in Chronic Pain
Chronic pain and migraines are an isolating medical condition. One of the most important things that I have found to help me with this sense of isolation is connections within the migraine community and within advocacy groups. I know how
Julie Tazzia
THERE IS ALWAYS HOPE. Almost five decades. That’s how long I’ve had migraine disease.
Headache Poetry
In the fall of 2006 the NHF’s Headache Education and Support Group facilitators invited their attendees to submit headache-related poetry. Because interest in this project grew, it was opened up to all who visit the NHF’s web site, as well as those who read NHF HeadLines.
The NHF received a variety of headache-related submissions. We have selected poems, limericks and verse that are relatable to those who live with this disease.
We extend our sincere thanks to all who submitted their work.
Freight Train Coming, by Christopher Clauss
This is an original long-form poem about my experience with migraines: the onset, the symptoms, and the fog that comes
Jane Schapiro
I wrote this poem to try to put my migraine experience into language. Pain can erase one’s whole world. One
Headache Poetry: The Unknown Mystery Headache
“My body is weak and I almost fall.
I’m numb everywhere and can’t stand it at all”
Headache Poetry: The Pain Never Goes Away; I Call It My Friend
“I call you my Friend, you are always there, From dawn to dusk, every day.”
Submitted Poetry: The Noodle is Under Attack
“It starts in the front and moves to the back.
My noodle is under attack”
Headache Poetry: Status "Migrainosus"
“I struggle with the pain.
Nothing to do but wait,
I cannot see the light
screaming Inside
Share Your Own Story
More than 42 million Americans live with migraine disease and headache disorder. People living with invisible illness often feel isolated and alone.
We want to shine a light on the millions of Americans living with invisible illness! The National Headache Foundation invites all patients and their caregivers to share their unique journey
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