Headed to the Future - An IHS Documentary Series - Episode 4 - Rising Expectations

The pursuit of new migraine treatments continues, but several fundamental questions remain unanswered by the scientific community: What distinguishes a migraine brain from a “normal” one? Why is there such a pronounced gender difference in migraine prevalence?

In this episode, leading scientists emphasize the urgent need to intensify research on migraine and other primary headache disorders, to which Lina (Sweden) is a living testament. For more than 15 years she fought her way through studies, two pregnancies and a demanding job as an ER-nurse, while suffering from up to four migraine attacks per week. Experts such as Professor Rami Burstein (USA), Professor Messoud Ashina (Denmark), and Professor Antoinette Maassen van den Brink (the Netherlands) underscore the vast unmet needs and the unprecedented opportunities for significant scientific breakthroughs. However, realizing these opportunities will require substantial funding and the recruitment of a new generation of scientists. One primary headache disorder that has historically received limited attention is cluster headache, often referred to as the "suicide headache" due to its extreme severity. This is beginning to change.

Thanks to a generous donation from Swedish philanthropist Rune Andersson, the world’s foremost research centre for cluster headache has been established at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm. Under the leadership of Andrea Carmine Belin, a multidisciplinary team of scientists and physicians is working to unravel the genetic and circadian influences on cluster headaches, aiming to develop improved treatments for this debilitating condition. To address the need for fresh talent in the field, the International Headache Society (IHS) is running several programmes to attract young scientists to the study of migraine and other primary headache disorders, e.g. International Headache Academy (iHEAD). iHEAD was established to provide a platform for developing the next generation of headache specialists. A separate example is the International Conference on Advances in Migraine Sciences, initiated by Professor Messoud Ashina and launched in Copenhagen in 2022 under the auspices of IHS. This conference, with a faculty composed almost entirely of young scientists and clinicians, showcased innovative research and fostered collaboration between emerging and experienced researchers. These efforts provide hope for the future. With more researchers dedicated to the field and greater investment in migraine science, we can anticipate better treatments that will benefit billions of people worldwide and the societies they live in.