Living with migraine can be challenging. Finding information to help you better manage migraine so you can get on living your life shouldn’t have to be.
I created this resources page to share with you, in my opinion, where all the most informative, well-researched and evidence-based migraine information is on the web. I continuously update this page, so check back regularly to see what’s new. And if you think a website, podcast, book or something else migraine-related deserves a mention, please email me: sarah@sayline.co.nz so I can check it out and add it here.
Websites
Migraine Again is a comprehensive US website that provides a wealth of information related to all aspects of migraine. It has loads of resources about food triggers, supplements, managing stress, complementary treatments, preventative options and so much more. The website is continually updated and it’s worth spending time browsing the articles. You can also subscribe to their regular newsletter. Many of the speakers and others involved in the annual Migraine World Summit contribute articles to the website.
Migraine Strong is another US website that has a wealth of information about migraine. The team regularly reviews migraine products, although some are harder to access in New Zealand. Definitely worth spending some time browsing the content.
MigrainePal is a website founded by Australian Carl Cincinnato, who also founded the Migraine World Summit and is involved in other migraine organisations. It has a lot of thoroughly researched and referenced articles. It doesn’t seem to be updated quite so regularly as it used to be but is well worth checking out.
The Migraine World Summit is the largest online event for migraine and headache. Each year in March, top neurologists from around the world discuss a wide range of topics related to migraine and headache. The event is free during the Summit and there is an option to purchase all the video and other features once the Summit has finished.
Migraine and Headache Australia
Our cousins across the ditch have a great website with many relevant resources for New Zealanders. Last year I joined in on the Migraine and Headache week event – these videos are available to watch on the website. A particularly good website for Kiwis to check out.
Health Navigator is the most comprehensive New Zealand health website and pulls together relevant and specific information about a range of health conditions and medications. The migraine topics section is worth a visit.
The National Migraine Centre is the only UK charity that offers treatment and support for people with migraine in the UK. For us Kiwis, there are a few factsheets I like, plus I enjoy their Heads Up podcast and I use the Migraine and Headache diary to track my migraine attacks
I first heard about the Westport Headache Institute and Dr Deena Kuruvilla at the 2021 Migraine World Summit. I really enjoy her integrative approach to migraine disease and the blog posts are a great read.
Support Groups
New Zealand headache and migraine support group
Join a supportive New Zealand group to share ideas about managing migraine and headache and connect with other people who understand.
Medications for migraine - relevant for New Zealanders
Medicines for migraine, Health Navigator
A general list of migraine medications. It doesn’t yet include information about the newer Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide antibody medications such as Aimovig, Emgality, Ajovy and Vyepti and gepants and ditans (Aimovig is available in NZ).
Blog #9: Migraine medications for New Zealand adults
My own blog post builds on the information from Health Navigator and the Auckland Regional Health Pathways that health professionals use when managing people with migraine. The blog post was reviewed by Auckland Neurologist, Dr Rosamund Hill. It provides a detailed list of most migraine medications used in New Zealand.
Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide Antibodies (CGRP) for migraine
CGRP medications are the first medications developed specifically for migraine prevention. I think anyone affected by migraine would benefit from knowing what these medications are, as they offer hope to many people who have tried other preventative options. At the moment, Aimovig is available in New Zealand unfunded and Medsafe has approved Emgality and Ajovy but are not available here yet (both are in the process of being available).
Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide Antibodies (CGRP) for Migraine, Migraine and Headache Australia
CGRP for Migraine: What is it, why it matters, and how to get it, Migraine Again
13 Things you need to know about Aimovig, Migraine Again
Ajovy for migraine prevention: what to know and how to get it, Migraine Again
Worthy mention: Migraine Treatments, Association of Migraine Disorders
This is a great one-stop-shop that explains medications, neuromodulators, supplements and more used to treat migraine. It is a US resource so we don’t have access to all that are listed, and the prices mentioned aren’t relevant for Kiwis. However, it’s quite a comprehensive overview that is worth checking out to learn about other treatment options.
Migraine patient guides
Migraine Patient Guidelines, Global Healthy Living Foundation
Migraine Caregiver Guidelines, Global Healthy Living Foundation
Supplements
There is a lot of content available online about supplements for migraine. International websites such as Migraine Again and Migraine Strong contain great articles about supplements; these are a few top highlights
Magnesium for Migraine – Everything you need to know, Migraine Strong
Supplements and herbs, The Migraine Trust
Best Migraine Supplements Recommended by an Expert, Migraine Again
How to Find the Right Magnesium Supplements for Migraine, Migraine Again
Migraine and headache podcasts
Podcasts I particularly enjoy:
Heads Up podcast, National Migraine Centre
Spotlight on Migraine, Association of Migraine Disorders
Talking Head Pain, Global Healthy Living Foundation
Non-medication options for migraine
Mind-Body section, Migraine Again
Non-medication tools, Migraine World Summit
Evidence-based integrative treatments for headache, American Headache Society
Migraine tracking
Tracking my migraine attacks has been fundamental to feeling more in control of my migraine disease. Find what tracker works best for you.
Migraine and headache diary, National Migraine Centre
Migraine Buddy, Migraine and headache tracking app
Blog #10: Tracking migraine attacks
Botox
Botox in New Zealand is approved by PHARMAC for migraine, but is difficult for people to access through the public health system. Botox has been approved for use in chronic migraine since 2010. It’s important to know that Botox isn’t a quick-fix treatment option and can take 6–9 months to see an improvement.
Botox for Migraine, Migraine and Headache Australia
7 Things You Need to Know Before Getting Botox for Migraine, Migraine Again
Migraine and work
Migraine at Work is a US website that aims to educate workplaces about migraine disease. Although the resources are for people in America, they can be a good place to start a conversation with your workplace (and unfortunately New Zealand doesn’t have an equivalent set of resources).
Migraine and School
Migraine at School is another US website, focusing on resources for students, parents and teachers. Some of the content is relevant for Kiwis, and like workplace resources, unfortunately we don’t have a New Zealand equivalent.
Migraine and children
Paediatric migraine, American Migraine Foundation