Headache and Migraine Day

The European Headache and Migraine Day took place on September 12, 2024. The Hirslanden Headache Center and the Migraine Research Switzerland Association hosted a public information event for the seventh time in a row to mark this important awareness day. The aim of the event is to raise awareness of headaches and migraines and to promote the exchange of information between sufferers, specialists and interested parties. After all, migraines are more than just a headache. When a person suffers an attack, it means stagnation, 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 was held at a new location in the Glockenhof in Zurich. This gave even more interested people the opportunity to take part live on site, which was used by around 250 people. Around 130 people also took part online.

Expert presentations: findings and challenges
The event began with an opening speech by Dr. Reto Agosti, founder and head 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 further development of the Hirslanden Headache Center and emphasized the importance of information events such as the Migraine Day and participation in studies in order to raise awareness of headache disorders on the one hand and to further develop treatment options for sufferers on the other. The doctors Dr. med. Janna Scharfenberg, Dr. med. Bettina von Seefried and PD Dr. med. Dr. med. dent. Astrid Kruse Gujer gave informative presentations on the latest research findings, treatment options and strategies for coping with migraines. In addition to innovative drug treatment methods, complementary medical therapy approaches such as relaxation techniques and nutrition tips were presented. The headache experts also discussed the role of hormones in migraines and explained the influence of chewing dysfunctions on headaches.

Patient story: understanding and courage
The personal account of a sufferer who shared her story was particularly moving and encouraging. Her story illustrated the emotional and physical stress associated with the condition and addressed the impact of migraines on daily life.

Panel discussion and exchange: community and sharing experiences
During the panel discussion, the experts discussed questions from the audience and the online chat. Some of the questions submitted in advance by email were also answered. At the subsequent drinks reception, 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 actively used and appreciated.

We will continue!
The Headache and Migraine Day at the Glockenhof provided a valuable opportunity for patients, relatives and interested parties to gain an insight into the possibilities of headache and migraine treatment, ask questions and exchange ideas with other sufferers. We were deeply touched by the fact that the number of participants increased significantly compared to the previous year: over 300 people attended the event both physically and online. The high number of participants and the many questions (over 100 questions) submitted in advance showed that the need for education, networking and understanding in connection with migraine is unbroken.

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