Join us for a conversation with renowned headache specialist, Dr. Larry Charleston, who treats these disorders, and several patient advocates diagnosed with migraine disease or headache disorder.
Learning about proper diagnosis and current treatment options for migraine disease or headache disorder can lead to appropriate treatment and an effective management plan.
African Americans, Hispanics, and People of Color are less likely to receive a thorough evaluation of symptoms involving migraine, affecting an individual’s understanding of how to manage the disease.
This is an interactive session, and questions are encouraged by those attending.
Here is a summary of the YouTube video "Migraine + The African American Community" by Miles for Migraine in 10 bullet points:
- Migraine Misdiagnosis and Stigma in the Black Community: The video highlights the challenges of misdiagnosis and misunderstanding of migraines, especially in African American communities, compounded by racism and historical mistreatment.
- Personal Stories: Patient advocates Grace Chappelle and Deborah Turk share their experiences with chronic migraines, hemiplegic migraines, and the barriers they faced in diagnosis and treatment, including feeling dismissed by healthcare providers.
- Cultural and Historical Influences: Deborah Turk discusses the deep-rooted societal conditioning in the Black community to “push through” pain, stemming from historical mistreatment and labor exploitation during and after slavery.
- Medical Mistrust: The speakers address "medical mistrust" in the Black community due to a history of unethical medical practices and lack of culturally competent care.
- Importance of Advocacy and Education: Both patients and the physician emphasize the need for advocacy, self-education, and community support in empowering individuals to seek proper treatment.
- Role of Miles for Migraine: The organization provides support groups and resources, helping patients connect with others who understand their experiences, reducing isolation, and promoting a sense of community.
- Migraine Basics and Diagnosis: Dr. Larry Charleston IV explains migraines as a brain disorder with multiple phases and shares diagnostic criteria, including the use of the "PIN" tool (Photophobia, Impaired function, Nausea).
- Barriers to Care: The discussion identifies barriers such as socioeconomic factors, lack of access to headache specialists, implicit biases in healthcare, and limited education on migraines among primary care providers.
- Impact of Implicit Bias: Studies show healthcare providers often have unconscious biases that lead to inadequate pain management and fewer referrals for African American patients, perpetuating disparities in care.
- Call to Action: The panel urges awareness, education, and systemic change in healthcare to address disparities and ensure equitable treatment for migraine patients, especially within marginalized communities.
Read more about how migraine affects the black community differently
and join Miles for Migraine African American support group
Anikah Salim
Anikah has had migraine since childhood but was diagnosed with Chronic Migraine with Aura in 2015 after experiencing a severe migraine for nearly a year. She was just starting her PhD in Epidemiology when her migraine attacks became daily episodes. Trying to manage her condition amidst full-time work and school, Anikah felt alone and as if no one understood the gravity of what she was suffering through. Learning more about her condition and connecting with others in the migraine community, Anikah felt the strong urge to join the movement and advocate for herself and others.
She joined her first Miles for Migraine Walk/Run in the fall of 2018 and increased her involvement in the Migraine Patient Education Days and Retreat Migraine as well as other events. In 2019, she trained with the US Pain Foundation to become a support group leader. Personally understanding the challenges associated with traveling for in-person meetings, in January 2020 Anikah worked with Miles for Migraine to host and lead the first ever weekly Miles for Migraine national virtual support group. There are over 85 registered participants and it continues to grow daily. Anikah now manages the Miles for Migraine six city Meet Up initiative
Anikah continues to share her journey and experience in an effort to increase migraine awareness and provide support to those suffering from migraine and their families. Whether it is migraine or another chronic condition, she wants everyone to know, "You are not alone."
Larry Charleston, MD, MSc, FAHS
Dr. Charleston is Director of the Headache & Facial Pain Division, Director of Faculty Development and Professor of Neurology in Michigan State University Human College of Medicine Department of Neurology and Ophthalmology and Adjunct faculty at the Jefferson Headache Center.
LaQuinda McCoy
LaQuinda McCoy suffered from migraine attacks since junior high school. In 2007 her migraine transitioned from chronic to intractable. Having to leave her job as a liver transplant nurse of 10 years in 2018 led her into a spiral of depression.
Frustrated with the lack of support from her neurologist, she realized the best way to help herself and others was to emerge in knowledge. Advocacy became her haven after attending Retreat Migraine. In 2019, she began sharing her story to local businesses to help improve workplace conditions for those living with migraine. She returned to Retreat Migraine in 2021 as a guest speaker to share her journey with migraine disease.
LaQuinda is featured in the Invisible Project: Migraine & Headache 4th Edition and 2nd Edition of My Chronic Brain Magazine. She is a member of the U.S. Pain Foundation Disparities Solutions Advisory Council and The Disparities in Headache Advisory Council.
LaQuinda’s mission is to empower, educate and bring awareness regarding migraine disease and disparities in the BIPOC community. She is currently working as a freelance Content Writer, part time Home Health/Hospice nurse and contributor/moderator for Migraine.com. You can find her on Instagram & Twitter at @AdvocacywithQ.