There is a 50-75% chance that you will experience migraines if one or both of your parents have them. Furthermore, 80% of those with migraines have at least one close relative who also experiences the disorder. In other words, migraines can be hereditary.What Makes Migraines Hereditary?It’s important to understand that a person’s unique DNA does not directly cause them to experience migraines.Instead, everyone’s body simply has a unique way of functioning because of their DNA. With this in ...  Read More...

Headaches in children are common and can become more frequent or severe through adolescence. In fact, migraines affect up to 15 percent of high school children, up to 11 percent of elementary school children and roughly 3 percent of preschool children, according to the Cleveland Clinic. For some children, migraines or other headaches occur frequently, which can impact their day-to-day life.Headache Symptoms in ChildrenCommon types of headaches in children include migraines and tension headaches....  Read More...

The Will Erwin Headache Research Foundation (WEHRF), recently brought together researchers, Houstonians, and friends in Aspen, CO for an exciting evening of socializing, fundraising and education. The focus of the event was to share the ground-breaking research and progress being made at The Will Erwin Headache Research Center.“It was an honor to host this event,” said WEHRF Board member Doug Knaus, who, along with his wife Kendall, held the intimate gathering at their picturesque home in the he...  Read More...

Approximately one in four migraine sufferers will experience a migraine with aura. Below, we’ll define what aura is, when it usually occurs, and what the symptoms are.What Is Aura?Aura is the second of the four possible phases of a migraine:Premonitory Phase: occurs up to 3 days before a headache (usually 12 hours beforehand) and includes symptoms such as irritability, food cravings, and yawning.Aura Phase: occurs up to 60 minutes before a headache or during the headache. Symptoms inc...  Read More...

June is Migraine and Headache Awareness Month! Our board member, Heidi Bedell, and Executive Advisor, Christine Hollinden, helped raise awareness about these debilitating headaches and shared the mission of The Will Erwin Headache Research Foundation.    Read More...

Tracking your migraines and headaches can be a helpful tool in identifying triggers, patterns, and trends in your debilitating headaches. Use this tracker to document your symptoms and speak to your doctor about any patterns you notice.    Read More...

Consider these statistics:Migraine pain and symptoms affect 29.5 million Americans, and approximately 75% of these people are women. Women report more painful and longer-lasting headaches and more symptoms, such as nausea and vomiting.Migraines are most common in women between the ages of 20 and 45, according to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Office on Women’s Health.Stress is a trigger for migraines in almost 70% of people, reports the American Migraine Foundation.   Read More...

Although researchers have not discovered a singular link that accounts for the close relationship between migraines, anxiety, and depression, there’s no denying that a connection exists between disabling headaches and mental health disorders.People who suffer from migraines are between two to five times more likely to have these mental health conditions than patients without migraines, regardless of age or gender. Consider the following:About 25% of people with migraines have depression.Ab...  Read More...

Watching a loved one struggle with a migraine or debilitating headache can leave you feeling helpless. While you might not be able to wave a magic wand to take the pain away, you can comfort and support them in many important ways.Understanding What’s Happening to the Headache SuffererThe severe pain of a migraine differs from a tension or sinus headache in many ways. It’s typically incapacitating and distracting, causing a day-stopping interruption in all activities.Most people with migraines f...  Read More...

For those with migraines, figuring out what causes the headache is an important part of prevention. While the exact causes of migraines are complicated and vary from person to person, there are some common factors that can bring about a headache. For some, headaches are not just caused by one factor but a combination of them.Here's a closer look at eight common migraine triggers.StressExtended, high levels of stress lead to migraines for up to 70 percent of people who experience them.   Read More...

Headaches. We’ve all had them. They can range from a dull, annoying ache to a truly day-stopping throb.   Read More...

Learning more about the different types of headaches can help you take the right steps to resolve the pain you are feeling and to know when to seek out medical help. There are key differences between the different types of headaches, from the location of the pain to the duration and type of pain you are feeling. Some headaches resolve easily with ibuprofen or another NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) that is available over the counter, while others require medical intervention or a pre...  Read More...

The Will Erwin Headache Research Foundation was excited to present a check for $500,000 to benefit The Will Erwin Headache Research Center at the Memorial Hermann Mischer Neuroscience Institute in the Texas Medical Center. This gift is the fifth and largest check presented to Memorial Hermann in the quest to help find a cure for debilitating headaches.In memory of their son, Will, who took his own life at the age of 24 after a lengthy battle with debilitating headaches, Jimmy and Pam Erwin found...  Read More...

Congratulations to Mark J. Burish, MD, PhD, on his most recent certification!We are proud to announce that Mark J. Burish, MD, PhD, Director of The Will Erwin Headache Research Center, has been certified in Headache Medicine by the United Council for Neurologic Subspecialties. Board certification in Headache Medicine includes a rigorous exam that tests a physician’s ability to diagnose and treat patients with head and face pain.   Read More...

Director of The Will Erwin Headache Research Center, Dr. Mark Burish, was recently featured in an episode of The PainExam podcast. He discusses some non-invasive device options that can help manage headache pain.   Read More...

Circadian rhythm affects more than just how much sleep you get every night and how rested (or exhausted) you feel in the morning.In fact, your sleeping patterns may be affecting the number and intensity of headaches you experience. Research has shown that changes or disruption in circadian rhythm could be causing both migraines and cluster headaches.What Is Circadian Rhythm?Circadian rhythms are 24-hour (or roughly 24-hour) biological cycles. These cycles occur in all lifeforms — including...  Read More...

Click here to listen to one of our Board Members, Heidi Bedell, as she discusses her battle with cluster headaches and the progress happening at The Will Erwin Headache and Research Center. Heidi was featured on iHeart Radio's Fifty+ podcast hosted by Doug Pike.   Read More...

If you're used to drinking coffee to start your day, you might have experienced a "caffeine headache" when you don't get your morning cup of joe.You're not alone. In fact, caffeine withdrawal headaches are quite common among coffee drinkers if they don't get their "fix." There are many causes, affects, and tips to minimize your headache symptoms when it comes to caffeine.The Causes of "Caffeine Headaches"When we drink coffee, or any caffeinated beverages (e.g., tea, energy drinks) the caffeine c...  Read More...

If you experience debilitating headaches around the time of your period, you're not alone. 18% of women in the US suffer from migraine headaches and 60% of these women are affected by menstrual migraines. This type of migraine headache occurs before, during, or immediately after a period, and sometimes during ovulation.Symptoms and Types of Menstrual Migraine HeadachesMenstrual migraine headaches are similar to migraines without aura.   Read More...

Click here to listen to The Golf Doctor's interview with Joe Pogge. Hear them discuss The Will Golf Tournament and the strides our foundation is making to cure debilitating headaches.   Read More...

People who suffer from migraines or cluster headaches can often tell when the seasons are changing due to an increase in the number and severity of their symptoms. While doctors don’t know the exact cause of the seasonal spike of severe headaches, there are several theories. One theory is that there is an increase in certain headache triggers, like changing weather patterns and sleep schedules.   Read More...

Migraines are more than just headaches. This head pain is the leading disability for all neurological disorders. A severe migraine attack is classified as a disabling condition by the World Health Organization.   Read More...

As a pain warrior, you are resilient and courageous. You are ready to face adversity in identifying pain management solutions and treatments for debilitating headaches. You are open to revolutionary and innovative ways to manage pain while protecting future generations from headache pain.   Read More...

Almost everyone knows someone who has experienced a migraine. However, there are many different types of headaches that are still misunderstood and often misdiagnosed. For example, millions of Americans suffer from debilitating cluster headaches, a condition often associated with seasonal changes and environmental stimuli.  Read More...

Memorial HermannFor more information on cluster headache pain, please watch this presentation by Dr. Mark Burish, Director of the Will Erwin Headache Research Center.   Read More...

The Will to Cure Headaches Charity Golf Tournament Raised Over $275,000 for Headache Research

Foundation Raises Awareness for Migraines by Showing that Debilitating Headaches Do Not Discriminate

Evening of Art and Fashion Supporting Headache Research   

Memorial Hermann Mischer Neuroscience Institute and UTHealth Open First-of-its-Kind Headache Research Center

Second-Annual The Will to Cure Headaches Golf Tournament Raises $355,000 for Headache Research

Art, Fashion, and Fun to Cur...  Read More...

SAE - The RecordTake a moment to read about the Will Erwin Headache Research Foundation which was recently featured in the Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) quarterly magazine, The Record. Read the story here.   Read More...

Houston ChronicleThe Will Erwin Headache Research Foundation was recently featured in the Houston Chronicle. The article highlights the first-of-its-kind Will Erwin Headache Research Center, bringing much needed attention to debilitating headaches and those who suffer.Click here to read the full article.    Read More...

Watch this video as Jimmy Erwin joins KHOU's Sherry Williams to discuss The Will Erwin Headache Research Foundation and The Will to Cure Headaches Golf Tournament to fund research focused on finding a cure for debilitating headaches.   Read More...

Read this inspirational interview by the Houston Business Journal spreading our mission to millions of viewers.  Read More...

Watch this inspirational video from KHOU-TV (CBS Affiliate) to learn more on the story behind The Foundation.  Read More...