STRENGTH IN STORIES™
From Childhood Struggles to Finding Hope
Kimberly’s Story, February 2025
*As told by Katy Oakley
Diagnosis received: Cluster headache, migraine with aura, vestibular migraine, refractory migraine, depression, anxiety
Symptoms: Severe head pain, sensitivities to sounds/light/smells, vomiting, hallucinations, brain fog, vertigo
Kimberly has been battling headache disease since she was just 4 years old. As a young child, she vividly remembers the debilitating pain and sensitivity to light that would leave her curled up in her room, comforted by her mother.
“I remember my mom giving me a lot of comfort, rubbing my neck and trying to help me through the pain,” Kimberly recalls.
The migraine attacks continued into Kimberly’s teenage years, becoming more frequent and severe. “By the time I was 16, they became chronic,” she says. This was an incredibly challenging time, as Kimberly was already navigating difficult life circumstances – living on her own, working multiple jobs, and attending high school.
“I remember working and having severe migraine and it was very difficult that I was [barely] pushing through,” she explains.
In her 20s, Kimberly tried various medications like beta blockers, which would provide some relief for a few days a week. But the attacks persisted, and she was also caring for her young children, including a son with special needs.
“It was extremely stressful and very difficult, but as a mom, you put your child’s needs first,” Kimberly says. “I didn’t realize how important self-care was back then as I do now… Caring for my children, I did not fill my vessel at all – it was all for my children.”
Over the years, Kimberly’s headache disease evolved, with the addition of cluster headache and vestibular migraine. “It’s been life-changing,” she shares. “The vestibular migraine was the worst – I literally could not get up and move.”
Despite the challenges, Kimberly has found ways to cope and advocate for herself. She emphasizes the importance of therapy and mental health support, as well as techniques like guided imagery. “I was taught that by one of my psychotherapists… always be open to therapy. That has helped me with a lot of healing.”
Kimberly has also become involved in the headache disease community, speaking at events like Global Healthy Living Foundation and Headache on the Hill. “It was so empowering,” she says.
“[Both] beautiful experiences. I was so nervous, but it was amazing… [to] keep on speaking out. That’s so important because [only] you know personally how you feel and how it’s affecting your life.”
Today, Kimberly continues to navigate the ups and downs of her headache disease, but she remains hopeful.
“It’s not always easy. We do have our moments where we want to give in because the pain is so horrible, especially when you have other comorbidities… but you have others to live for and you can’t give up… I want to live my best life despite having this pain.”
Kimberly’s story is a testament to the strength and resilience of those living with headache disease. Through her perseverance and determination, she has found ways to manage her condition and support others on similar journeys. Her message of hope and self-care is an inspiration to all.
Disclaimer: This real story was drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy by the National Headache Foundation.