Shades for Migraine Brings Visibility to the True Impact of Migraine

Providence, R.I. – Shades for Migraine (SFM) is reshaping the way we think and talk about migraine disease through its global awareness campaign and social media challenge.

Migraine is more than a bad headache, it’s a complex neurological disease that can affect the entire body. Migraine can impact vision, mood, balance, sleep – even the way
we think and talk can be disrupted. While migraine is very common, the disease is highly stigmatized.

“One of the biggest barriers for people with migraine disease is that symptoms are not outwardly visible, leading to skepticism, misunderstanding and judgment,” said Dr. Franchesca Fiorito, a neurologist and Shades for Migraine Medical Ambassador. “Intensity and frequency of pain, and related symptoms can vary widely for patients and attacks making it even more challenging for others to understand the full impact migraine can have on someone’s life.”

Spearheaded by the Rhode Island based non-profit Association of Migraine Disorders, SFM brings better visibility to migraine disease. In June, Migraine and Headache Awareness Month, SFM asks people to post a picture wearing sunglasses on social media with #ShadesForMigraine. The idea is to flood feeds with images of people in sunglasses and spark honest conversations about migraine.

Empowering people with migraine around the world
Migraine can drastically impact every aspect of a person’s life. Symptoms can be so severe that migraine is the second-leading cause of disability globally.

“My episodes are debilitating,” said Ana Williams, who lives with migraine. “The most difficult and scary ones are hemiplegic attacks where I have to go to the emergency room to rule out a stroke. I’ve been scared to be alone with my kids or go out with my friends due to the possibility of having an attack.”

Shades for Migraine gives people a platform to speak out about the true impact of migraine while providing disease education that helps fight stigma.

Sunglasses selfies are a sign of support
Participating in SFM is easy. You can fight stigma and show your support for the one billion people around the world living with migraine by posting a picture in sunglasses to social media on with #ShadesForMigraine. Just this year, people in more than 40 countries participated.

Shades for Migraine is sponsored in part by Pfizer and AbbVie

About Shades for Migraine
Shades for Migraine is a global social media awareness campaign led by the non-profit Association of Migraine Disorders. The campaign helps create buzz around migraine disease – which affects about 1 in 7 people. The campaign spreads migraine awareness and education in effort to reduce stigma and show support for those living with the disease. SFM is backed by a coalition of more than 30 migraine-related organizations around the world.