Headache and Migraine Day

September 12, 2025 – Review

September 12, 2025, marked European Headache and Migraine Day. To mark this international awareness day, the Hirslanden Headache Center and the Swiss Migraine Research Association hosted a public information event for the ninth time. The aim was to raise awareness of headaches and migraines and to promote dialogue between sufferers, experts, and interested parties.

Headaches are one of the most common health problems: around one billion people worldwide suffer from migraines—around 14% of the global population. Around 1.2 million people in Switzerland are affected, many of whom are in the midst of their professional and family lives. Sleep, nutrition, stress, and professional pressure play a decisive role in this, which is why we have dedicated Migraine Day 2025 to these aspects.

Expert input and everyday tips
Our experts Dr. Judith Brunn, Dr. Anamaria Ungureanu, Dr. Julia Hennemann, and Dr. Verena Bongartz shed light on how sleep quality, food choices, and stress management influence headaches—and what practical measures can help in everyday life. From conventional medicine to complementary approaches, a wide range of options for better managing migraines was presented. The personal accounts of those affected, who gave open and honest insights into their lives with migraines, were particularly moving.

Great response
Migraine Day at Glockenhof offered patients, relatives, and interested parties a valuable opportunity to learn the latest information, ask questions, and network. With almost 400 registrations on site and online, interest was overwhelming—a clear sign of the high demand for education, understanding, and support.

Outlook
We would like to thank all speakers, sufferers, and participants for their commitment and are already looking forward to the next Migraine Day on Friday, September 11, 2026.

Key messages from the presentations
Flyer Migraine Research Association Switzerland

We look forward to your participation!

Participation is free of charge.

Due to the limited number of participants, registration is binding.

    Date: Friday, September 11, 2026
    Time: 6pm to 9 pm
    Place: Glockenhof, Sihlstrasse 33, 8001 Zurich & online

    Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/wYcBRadZ2TdSBGWKA

    We will publish all information about the Migraine Day 2026 program on this page in due course.

    We will publish all information about the speakers on this page in due course.

    “War sehr spannend und wertvoll” (L.S.)

    “Vielen herzlichen Dank für die interessanten Infos” (L.S.)

    “Herzlichen Dank für die bereichernde und fachlich hervorragend gestaltete Veranstaltung!” (A.K.)

    “Die Inhalte waren nicht nur informativ, sondern auch praxisnah vermittelt – mit spürbarem Engagement für das Thema, die Betroffenen und die Teilnehmenden. Besonders die Erfahrungsberichte von Betroffenen, die fundierten fachlichen Impulse und der offene Austausch am Ende haben mich inspiriert und bereichern meine Arbeit nachhaltig.” (A.K.)

    “Vielen Dank für die umfassenden Themenbereiche in Bezug auf das Thema” (A.L.)

    “Der Vortrag war sehr informativ. Deshalb melde ich mich auch für 2026 an.” (E.B.)

    “Die Vorträge waren sehr interessant und auch der Austausch ist für mich als Betroffene wichtig und essenziell. ” (M.O.)

    “Es tut gut zu wissen, dass so viele Experten sowohl in der Forschung als auch in der Praxis sich dem Thema Migräne widmen. Man fühlt sich dadurch besser aufgehoben und weniger alleingelassen. ” (M.O.)

    September 12, 2025 marked European Headache and Migraine Day. To mark this international awareness day, the Hirslanden Headache Center and the Swiss Migraine Research Association hosted a public information event for the ninth time. The aim was to raise awareness of headaches and migraines and to promote dialogue between sufferers, experts, and interested parties.

    Headaches – an underestimated widespread disease
    Headaches are one of the most common diseases: around one billion people worldwide are affected by migraine – around 14% of the global population. Around 1.2 million people in Switzerland suffer from headaches, many of whom are in the midst of their professional and family lives. Sleep, nutrition, stress, and professional pressure play a decisive role in this, which is why we have dedicated Migraine Day 2025 to these aspects.

    Practical input and everyday tips
    Our experts Dr. Judith Brunn, Dr. Anamaria Ungureanu, Dr. Julia Hennemann, and Dr. Verena Bongartz shed light on how sleep quality, food choices, and stress management influence headaches—and what practical measures can help in everyday life. From conventional medicine to complementary approaches, a wide range of options for better managing migraines was presented. The personal accounts of those affected, who gave open and honest insights into their lives with migraines, were particularly moving.

    Great response
    Migraine Day at Glockenhof offered patients, relatives, and interested parties a valuable opportunity to learn the latest information, ask questions, and network. With almost 400 registrations on site and online, interest was overwhelming—a clear sign of the high demand for education, understanding, and support.

    Outlook
    We would like to thank all the speakers, those affected and participants for their commitment and are already looking forward to the next Migraine Day on September 12, 2026.

    Key messages from the presentations

    Program 2025

    September 12, 2024, marked European Headache and Migraine Day. To mark this important awareness day, the Hirslanden Headache Center and the Swiss Migraine Research Association hosted a public information event for the seventh consecutive year. The aim of the event is to raise awareness of headaches and migraines and to promote dialogue between sufferers, experts, and interested parties. Migraines are more than just “a slight headache.” When a person suffers an attack, it means a standstill, unbearable pain, and isolation. Unfortunately, the topic still receives too little attention in Switzerland today: of the 1.2 million people affected, around a third do not receive an appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

    Due to the great interest in last year’s Migraine Day, this year’s event took place at a new location in Glockenhof in Zurich. This gave even more interested parties the opportunity to participate live on site, which was taken up by around 250 people. In addition, around 130 people participated online.

    Expert presentations: findings and challenges
    The event began with an opening speech by Dr. Reto Agosti, founder and chief physician of the Hirslanden Headache Center and president of the Swiss Migraine Research Association. In his speech, the renowned headache expert spoke about the founding and development of the Hirslanden Headache Center and emphasized the importance of information events such as Migraine Day and participation in studies in order to raise awareness of headache disorders on the one hand and further develop treatment options for those affected on the other. Afterwards, Dr. Janna Scharfenberg, Dr. Bettina von Seefried, and PD Dr. Astrid Kruse Gujer gave informative presentations on the latest research findings, treatment options, and strategies for managing migraine. In addition to innovative drug treatments, complementary medicine approaches such as relaxation techniques and nutritional tips were presented. The headache experts also discussed the role of hormones in migraine and explained the influence of masticatory dysfunction on headaches.

    Patient story: Understanding and courage
    The personal account of a sufferer who shared her story and offered words of encouragement was particularly moving. Her story highlighted the emotional and physical strain associated with the condition and addressed the impact of migraine on everyday life.

    Panel discussion and exchange: Community and sharing experiences
    During the panel discussion, the experts discussed questions from the audience and the online chat. They also answered some of the questions that had been submitted in advance by email. During the reception that followed, participants had the opportunity to talk to other sufferers and share their experiences. The team from the Hirslanden Headache Center was also on hand to answer questions and give individual advice, which was eagerly sought and greatly appreciated.

    We’re continuing!
    The Headache and Migraine Day at Glockenhof offered patients, relatives, and interested parties a valuable opportunity to gain insight into the possibilities of headache and migraine treatment, ask questions, and exchange ideas with other sufferers. We were deeply touched by the significant increase in attendance compared to last year: over 300 people followed the event in person and online. The high number of participants and the many questions (over 100) submitted in advance showed that there is still a great need for education, networking, and understanding in relation to migraine.

    We look forward to the next event on September 12, 2025, and to continuing to raise awareness for people with headache disorders. We will continue our efforts to educate and support people with migraine.

    September 12, 2023 marked the annual Headache and Migraine Day. European Headache and Migraine Day is an important opportunity to raise awareness of one of the most common yet often underestimated neurological disorders worldwide. The Swiss Migraine Research Association and the Hirslanden Headache Center therefore hosted a public information event at the Zunfthaus zur Waag in Zurich. For the first time, online participation was also possible. With exciting presentations by doctors and emotional patient stories, the information event aimed to educate and support both those who suffer from migraine and the general public.

    The doctors’ presentations: Current findings and treatment approaches
    The event began with informative presentations by headache experts Dr. Reto Agosti, Dr. Judith Brunn, and PD Dr. Antonella Palla. In addition to presenting the latest scientific findings and treatment methods, they addressed widespread myths and either confirmed or refuted them with facts. The experts also provided information about headaches following traumatic brain injury.

    Patient stories: courage and inspiration
    A particular highlight of the event was the inspiring patient stories. Two women who had experienced headaches and migraines themselves talked about their personal journeys to cope with and treat this condition. Their stories gave courage and hope and showed other sufferers that they are not alone.

    Emotions ran high when singer Ida-Lin Hübscher performed Johnny Cash’s song “Hurt” live. Afterwards, the singer wrote on social media: “Being able to sing Johnny Cash’s song Hurt in front of all these people who also suffer from migraines touched me deeply.”

    Ida-Lin Hübscher sings  “Hurt” from Johnny Cash

    Reception and discussion: community and exchange of experiences
    Following the presentations, participants were invited to engage in conversation during a reception. Here, they had the opportunity to share personal experiences and questions with experts and other affected individuals. The exchange of experiences and networking were the focus of this informal discussion.

    We are still a long way from our goal!
    The information event was an excellent opportunity for patients, relatives, and interested parties to gain valuable insights into the possibilities of headache and migraine treatment. We were deeply touched by the large number of participants: over 130 people attended the event in person. In addition, almost 90 people followed the event online. The high number of participants and the lively discussions showed that there is a great need for education, networking, and understanding in relation to migraine.

    Migraine is still often a taboo subject today. Awareness of people with headache disorders must therefore continue to be raised and those affected must be supported. We promise to continue and further expand our efforts to educate and support people with migraine.