Overview of the World Migraine Summit
The World Migraine Summit is an annual event that brings together top neurologists, headache specialists, health experts, and leading patient advocates. It aims to raise awareness, drive progress in research and treatment, and provide practical education to support the global migraine community.
Each year features a live summit with presentations and panel discussions focused on the latest scientific breakthroughs, treatment innovations, disease management strategies, and pathways to improving quality of life. Talks are led by world-renowned clinicians and researchers in the migraine space.
The summit also includes an advocacy day focused on critical health policy issues that impact access and care for migraine patients. And patients have opportunities to share their powerful stories and perspectives.
Goals of the World Migraine Summit
- Accelerate research and therapeutic developments
- Remove barriers to access for migraine treatments
- Develop resources, education and support for patients
- Raise public understanding and compassion about this painful, debilitating neurologic disease
World Migraine Summit History & Growth
The first World Migraine Summit was held in London in 2018. It focused on "Migraine: A Brain Disease" highlighting the latest neuroscience and research around underlying mechanisms.
Building off positive momentum, the 2nd summit took place in Copenhagen, Denmark in 2019. An emphasis was placed on clinical management and multi-disciplinary care models given inadequate treatment rates.
In 2020, the summit moved online allowing expanded reach and accessibility during the pandemic. Over 5,000 global attendees tuned in to presentations on emerging therapies, COVID-19 impacts, migraine best practices, and patient journey themes.
The fully virtual 2021 summit attracted over 7,000 registrants to hear migraine thought leaders explore Precision Medicine and ending inequities in care.
Most recently in 2022, the World Migraine Summit convened experts across 80 countries with nearly 10,000 registered attendees. Discussions focused on the future of migraine in the era of advanced therapeutics.
Who Attends & Participates?
Each World Migraine Summit brings together leading clinicians, researchers, specialists, patient advocates, caregivers, journalists, government agency representatives, and industry partners. Most importantly, thousands of migraine patients attend to learn about innovations that may improve their health.
Renowned institutions like Yale University, Kings College London School of Medicine, Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic have experts present. And large non-profits like the European Migraine & Headache Alliance and the Coalition for Headache and Migraine Patients participate.
World Migraine Summit Presentation Topics & Themes
The World Migraine Summit explores wide-ranging themes across science, medicine, public policy, and patient experience. Every year introduces new topics driving progress and improvements for the migraine community. Some themes include:
Emerging & Future Treatments
Sessions highlight newly approved therapeutics along with highly promising medications in the pipeline such as small molecule oral CGRP inhibitors and neuromodulation devices.
Access Barriers & Health Equity Issues
Talks examine difficulties patients face accessing care including inadequate insurance coverage, geographic availability, discrimination and stigma concerns, anddemographic disparities.
Special Populations
Experts discuss unique needs and considerations for groups like pediatric and adolescent migraine patients, women and hormonal influences, seniors and aging, plus conditions like vestibular migraine.
Integrative Approaches
Complementary areas like behavioral health, stress reduction, nutraceuticals, movement therapies, and tech-enabled solutions are discussed as part of comprehensive migraine disease management.
World Migraine Summit Initiatives & Accomplishments
In addition to raising awareness and convening experts annually, the World Migraine Summit actively works to drive progress between events. Some key initiatives and achievements include:
Advocating Health Agencies for Change
Petitioning groups like the WHO to recognize migraine as a chronic neurologic disease instead of just a headache disorder to unlock research funding and therapeutic developments.
Migraine Patient Registry
Developing a registry that tracks 10,000+ migraineurs long term. This real world evidence aids research, identifies best practices, guides treatment innovations, and helps industry partners.
Travel Grants for Scientists
Providing young researchers and clinicians travel grants to attend and present migraine work at the summit. This amplifies new voices and ideas in the field.
Through events, community building, resources, advocacy projects, and more, the World Migraine Summit accelerates global understanding, compassion and problem-solving around migraine disease.
FAQs
When and where is the next World Migraine Summit?
The 6th Annual World Migraine Summit will take place as a global virtual event on October 5-7, 2023. Registration and agenda details will be posted on the World Migraine Summit website.
Who should attend the World Migraine Summit?
The summit provides tremendous value for migraine doctors, health providers, researchers, patients, caregivers, advocates, industry partners, media and any stakeholders dedicated to advancing migraine science, care and reducing patient burdens.
What is discussed at the World Migraine Summit?
Presentations spotlight the latest research around migraine disease mechanisms, explore emerging treatment innovations in the pipeline, examine barriers to patient access and care, and strategize ways to improve overall quality of life for those living with migraines.
Is there a cost to attend the summit?
Yes, registration fees are charged for the World Migraine Summit, but discounts and scholarships are available. Portions of proceeds fund migraine advocacy projects, research grants, patient resources and future events.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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