Taking from her vast experience in support groups, patient advocate Maya Carvalho covers with Dr. Leroux various struggles people living with migraines face when it comes to relationships and family life.As they review studies on this topic, Dr.Leroux and Maya Carvalho will give some helpful advice to build thriving relationships despite what migraines may imply in daily life.Nb. If you’re looking for information regarding children and teens experiencing migraines, check episode n.11. Mental health is more thoroughly discussed in episode n.8.

Pediatric neurologist Alexandra Faber joins Dr. Leroux to break down the topic of migraines in children, as main symptoms sometimes vary from those of adults, children may have trouble communicating their experiences.Dr. Faber shares her lifestyle advice to parents caring for a child who has migraines and demystifies the use of medication to manage attacks. She also gives a few tips to build a supportive school environment, which is crucial for children to overcome the stigma that often comes with migraines.Nb. For further information, check the Migraine Tree on our website. Parents caring for children who have migraines will also find resources such as letter templates for schools, or summaries of recommended medication.

Even though the World Health Organization recognizes the disabling impact of migraines, there is still work to do in order to change perceptions and shape adapted work environments. Reviewing some studies on the consequences of migraines in one’s professional life, Dr. Leroux discusses challenges and solutions with patient advocate Maya Carvalho.As they share ways to improve migraineurs’ well-being in the workplace, from managing common triggers to diversifying insurance plans, they also discuss the uttermost importance of education and awareness among employers and coworkers.Nb. If you need resources to better communicate with your colleagues about migraines, check our website migrainecanada.org.

If you live with with frequent or chronic migraines and are curious to know more about preventive treatments but do not know where to start, this podcast is for you. Dr. Leroux offers a clear summary of the available options in Canada, detailing different categories of pills, and explaining what Botox and CGRP antibodies are.Beyond a review of the benefits or side effects of these options, Dr. Leroux gives an accessible explanation on how each of them work, why they can help, and how accessible they are through health insurance.Nb. For further information on preventive treatments, have a look at our Migraine Tree! You will also find a template for a migraine diary on our website migrainecanada.org.LINK: https://migrainecanada.org/the-migraine-tree/preventive-treatments/

As our social environment often reinforces inaccurate perceptions of migraines, it can be a very isolating condition which sometimes engulfs those living it in a vicious circle of anxiety and depression. Social worker and support group leader Susan Cape offers valuable insights from her ongoing research on access to care and shares valuable advice on self-care.We’ll explore the challenges of communication within clinical settings and their many ramifications, especially when lesser-known symptoms such as vestibular symptoms are experienced.Nb. If you’d like to hear more on vestibular migraine or other kinds of lesser-known headache categories, let us know in the comments.LINK: https://migrainecanada.org/posts/the-migraine-tree/roots/migraine-categories/vestibular-migraine/LINK: https://migrainecanada.org/posts/the-migraine-tree/branches/self-care-lifestyle/relaxation-why-should-people-with-migraine-use-it/LINK: https://migrainecanada.org/posts/the-migraine-tree/branches/self-care-lifestyle/cognitive-behavioural-therapy-is-it-a-good-option-to-improve-migraine/

Maya Carvalho, founder of the Chronic Migraine Support Group Canada, outlines with Dr. Leroux the challenges patients face in Canada and what is available or ongoing to improve the situation. Finding proper care can take a long time within the healthcare system: meanwhile, support groups offer a resourceful community to rely on and learn from.Listening to this analysis, rooted in real-life, gives hope for many of us living with migraines- a podcast healthcare professionals and politicians alike could definitely benefit from!Nb. If you live in Canada, you can find the “Chronic Migraine Support Group Canada” on Facebook.

When it comes to diet, finding the right balance while living with migraines can be overwhelming. Dr. Leroux breaks down myths and popular advice with Nadine Khoury, a dietitian with over 20 years of experience and a special interest in migraines.We’ll go over some basic eating habits before addressing elimination diets, nutritional deficiencies, hydration, and some specific foods. The episode is also an opportunity to dive into Nadine Khoury’s general approach.Nb. When it comes to food, there is so much to talk about, and we’re already working on future podcasts on the topic. Stay tuned and feel free to tell us in the comments what diets you would be interested to hear more about!LINK: https://migrainecanada.org/posts/the-migraine-tree/branches/self-care-lifestyle/migraine-triggers/

Today, patient-advocate Kelly Hayes-Crook joins Dr. Leroux to share her experience with refractory headaches. Everyone is different and you will have to try a few things to find your own balance: yet it can be valuable to hear someone else’s story to keep hope and find some tips that may change your life. From medication to behavioral approaches, daily routines, and lifestyle habits, we’ll go through what Kelly found helpful to cope with her condition. Knowledge is power: her work with the Migraine World Summit helped her to be empowered and resilient.Nb. For further information regarding the Migraine World Summit which Kelly engages in, check www.migraineworldsummit.com

Inspired by life stories she heard throughout her career, Dr. Leroux illustrates how misconceptions about migraines often lead to inappropriate care or suboptimal treatments; and what can be done to avoid such unfortunate outcomes.A good line of communication with health care providers is key… so physicians might learn as well from this podcast! Nb. If you’re interested in advocacy regarding the improvement of migraine-related healthcare, listen to episode n.7. You can also find educational resources on our website migrainecanada.org.LINK: https://migrainecanada.org/petition/

If you’re living with migraines, you’ve probably been told at least once that exercising regularly might help. It may be easy to understand, but not so much to carry out in our daily lives, especially if it tends to trigger attacks.Sharing her personal story on this topic, Dr. Leroux offers some tips to demystify exercise, get started, stay motivated and even enjoy it! We’ll discuss some popular sports, main triggers, and how preventive treatment can impact physical activity.Nb. For further information, have a look at our Migraine Tree; and feel free to tell us in the comments what you would be interested to hear more about regarding physical activity!LINK: https://migrainecanada.org/posts/the-migraine-tree/branches/self-care-lifestyle/how-to-exercise-if-you-live-with-migraine/LINK: https://migrainecanada.org/posts/the-migraine-tree/branches/self-care-lifestyle/can-physiotherapy-improve-migraine/