Introducing: The Headache Diaries
By Jesse Brown VAMC Public Affairs Office
A podcast dedicated to support those living with headaches
The light in your room has started to look too bright, maybe those little light flashes have started in the corner of your eyes. You know a headache, or worse, a migraine is inevitable. This can derail your plans for the next several hours or the next few days. This can be worse if those around you misunderstand this condition. A condition that affects more than half a million veterans.
While a headache or migraine can ruin your day, it does not have to. A support system and good tools can help you and your loved ones manage life with chronic headaches. Research shows reducing stigma around migraines and the SEEDs for success can help patients experiencing headaches and migraines manage this condition. These are the kind of tools and topics discussed on The Headache Diaries, a podcast dedicated to helping those living with headaches thrive.
The Headache Diaries is the latest addition to VA’s toolbox for Veterans who experience frequent headaches or migraines. This podcast produced through VHA Headache Centers of Excellence aims to provide relevant information that Veterans and caregivers can access at any time.
“Education and outreach serve as foundational pillars of the Headache Centers of Excellence,” said Director for VHA Headache Center of Excellence, Dr. Jason Sico. “We continue to add to the tools we offer Veterans because we know Veterans are disproportionally impacted by headache and migraine.”
The VHA Headache Centers of Excellence highlights VA’s unique ability to deliver high-quality care to Veterans as the largest integrated health network in the nation. Currently 27 VA health systems are part of the Centers of Excellence which delivered specialized care to over 20,000 Veterans in 23 states and the District of Columbia in fiscal year 2024.
The Headache Diaries episodes can be accessed on Facebook.
The production team:
Elena Crisan. Dr. Crisan is a VA neurologist at the Jesse Brown VA Health Care System. She is the podcast co-producer.
Krista Brooks-Horrar. Dr. Brooks-Horrar is a VA neurologist at the Tennessee Valley VA Health Care System. She is the podcast co-producer and co-host.
Salam Zughayer. Dr. Zughayer is a VA neurologist at the Washington DC VA Health Care System. She is the podcast co-producer and co-host.
Dorilis (Dori) Camacho Torres provides communication and marketing support to this effort.