Commentary|Videos|September 8, 2023

Reframing the Communication of Lifestyle Changes for Migraine Management: Elizabeth Seng, PhD

Author(s)Elizabeth K. Seng, PhD

The associate professor at Yeshiva University and Albert Einstein College of Medicine explored the challenge of discussing lifestyle changes for patients with migraine, noting that lifestyle modifications can be a valuable addition to migraine treatment. [WATCH TIME: 3 minutes]

WATCH TIME: 3 minutes

“We think that people with migraine have a disease that is largely genetic, where their brains are a little bit more sensitive to changes and differences in their environment. One of those things is sedentary behavior and lack of physical activity. So, things that are healthy for everybody tend to be even more important and even more beneficial for people with migraine.”

Migraine is a highly prevalent disorder that has an enormous burden for the patients living with the condition. Currently, there are different types of treatments available for patients which can be used to control both acute attacks and prevention. The triggers of a migraine attack can include environmental factors, sleep pattern changes, diet, physical activity, stress and anxiety, some treatments, and hormonal changes. In managing migraine, nonpharmacological approaches are recommended and research shows that using a combination of pharmacological and nonpharmacological approaches is even more effective than using each separately.¹

This type of treatment approach was discussed at the 2023 AHS Annual Meeting, held June 15-18, in Austin, Texas, during the Seymour Solomon Award Lecture titled "All Migraine Management is Behavior." The talk, given by Elizabeth K. Seng, PhD, associate professor, Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, Yeshiva University, covered the different behaviors that play a key part in migraine management, including communication between both the patients and providers for treatment plans.²

Recently, Seng sat down with NeurologyLive® to discuss how healthcare providers can effectively communicate the benefits of lifestyle changes to their patients with migraine without making them feel responsible for their condition. She talked about the role that lifestyle adjustments play in the overall treatment plan for migraine, and how they compare with traditional medical interventions. Additionally, Seng spoke about how healthcare professionals can determine which lifestyle changes are suitable for the individual with migraine based on their preferences and tolerances.

Click here for more coverage of AHS 2023.

REFERENCES
1. Haghdoost F, Togha M. Migraine management: Non-pharmacological points for patients and health care professionals. Open Med (Wars). 2022;17(1):1869-1882. Published 2022 Nov 23. doi:10.1515/med-2022-0598
2. Seng EK. Seymour Solomon Award Lecture: All Migraine Management is Behavior. Presented at: 2023 AHS Annual Meeting; June 15-18; Austin, TX.

Newsletter

Keep your finger on the pulse of neurology—subscribe to NeurologyLive for expert interviews, new data, and breakthrough treatment updates.

Related Articles

2025 Women in Neurology Conference: Educating, Mentoring, and Networking
September 15th 2025
This Week on NeurologyLive® — September 15, 2025
September 15th 2025
10 Years of the Women Neurologists Group: A Preview of the 4th Annual Conference
September 14th 2025
NeurologyLive® Brain Games: September 14, 2025
September 14th 2025
MDA and PPMD Release Consensus Guidelines for Safe and Equitable Use of Gene Therapy in Duchenne
September 13th 2025
DORAs Carry Lower Real-World Abuse, New Phase 3 Argus Data, RAP-219 Meets Primary End Point
September 13th 2025

Latest CME

Carolina Neuromuscular Disease Summit

In-Person + Virtual Event

Carolina Neuromuscular Disease Summit

September 27, 2025

SimulatEd™ From Discomfort to Relief: Acute Pain Management Essentials

Case-based Simulation

SimulatEd™ From Discomfort to Relief: Acute Pain Management Essentials

Jeff Gudin, MD

Clinical ShowCase: Developing a Personalized Treatment Plan for a Patient with Huntington’s Disease Associated Chorea

Clinical ShowCase: Developing a Personalized Treatment Plan for a Patient with Huntington’s Disease Associated Chorea

Daniel Claassen, MD, MS; Martha A. Nance, MD

Evolving Perspectives in Alzheimer's Disease: Reaching an Earlier Diagnosis, Understanding Neuroinflammation, and Exploring Therapeutic Advances

Evolving Perspectives in Alzheimer's Disease: Reaching an Earlier Diagnosis, Understanding Neuroinflammation, and Exploring Therapeutic Advances

Alireza Atri, MD, PhD; Erik S. Musiek, MD, PhD; Malú Gámez Tansey, PhD

Putting the Patient First in Acute Pain Management: The PA’s Guide to Incorporating Cutting-Edge Science into their Treatment Strategies

In-Person + Virtual Event

Putting the Patient First in Acute Pain Management: The PA’s Guide to Incorporating Cutting-Edge Science into their Treatment Strategies

October 9, 2025

4th Women in Neurology Conference

In-Person Event

4th Women in Neurology Conference

October 24-26, 2025

Medical Crossfire® - Optimizing Management for Patients With Generalized Myasthenia Gravis: Focus on Complement Inhibitors

Medical Crossfire® - Optimizing Management for Patients With Generalized Myasthenia Gravis: Focus on Complement Inhibitors

James F. Howard Jr, MD; Nicholas J. Silvestri, MD, FAAN; Neelam Goyal, MD

Medical Crossfire®: Integrating Real-World Data to Improve Outcomes for Patients With Multiple Sclerosis

Medical Crossfire®: Integrating Real-World Data to Improve Outcomes for Patients With Multiple Sclerosis

Carrie M. Hersh, DO, MSc, FAAN; Anna Shah, MD

Community Practice Connections™: Optimizing the Management of Tardive Dyskinesia—Addressing the Complexity of Care With Targeted Treatment

Community Practice Connections™: Optimizing the Management of Tardive Dyskinesia—Addressing the Complexity of Care With Targeted Treatment

Ilan Melnick, MD; Alejandro Alva, MD; Linda Trinh, DNP, PMHNP, FNP, MPH

Burst CME™: The Patient Journey – Unmet Needs From Diagnosis Through Management of Migraine

Burst CME™: The Patient Journey – Unmet Needs From Diagnosis Through Management of Migraine

Jessica Ailani, MD, FAHS, FAAN; Paul G. Mathew, MD, DNBPAS, FAAN, FAHS

Burst CME™: Optimizing Migraine Management – Addressing Unmet Needs, Individualizing Care for Diverse Populations, and Utilizing CGRP Targeted Agents

Burst CME™: Optimizing Migraine Management – Addressing Unmet Needs, Individualizing Care for Diverse Populations, and Utilizing CGRP Targeted Agents

Jessica Ailani, MD, FAHS, FAAN; Paul G. Mathew, MD, DNBPAS, FAAN, FAHS

Burst CME™: Setting the Stage – Individualizing Migraine Care for Diverse Populations Across Care Settings

Burst CME™: Setting the Stage – Individualizing Migraine Care for Diverse Populations Across Care Settings

Jessica Ailani, MD, FAHS, FAAN; Paul G. Mathew, MD, DNBPAS, FAAN, FAHS

Evolving Perspectives in Alzheimer Disease : Reaching an Earlier Diagnosis, Understanding Neuroinflammation, and Exploring Therapeutic Advances

Evolving Perspectives in Alzheimer Disease : Reaching an Earlier Diagnosis, Understanding Neuroinflammation, and Exploring Therapeutic Advances

Alireza Atri, MD, PhD; Erik S. Musiek, MD, PhD; Malú Gámez Tansey, PhD

Burst CME™: Optimizing the Use of CGRP Targeted Agents for the Treatment of Migraine

Burst CME™: Optimizing the Use of CGRP Targeted Agents for the Treatment of Migraine

Jessica Ailani, MD, FAHS, FAAN; Paul G. Mathew, MD, DNBPAS, FAAN, FAHS

Expert Illustrations & Commentaries™: Visualizing the Role of B Cells as Therapeutic Targets for Generalized Myasthenia Gravis

Expert Illustrations & Commentaries™: Visualizing the Role of B Cells as Therapeutic Targets for Generalized Myasthenia Gravis

October 31, 2025

Cases and Conversations™: Applying Best Practices to Prevent Shingles in Your Practice

Cases and Conversations™: Applying Best Practices to Prevent Shingles in Your Practice

Paul G. Auwaerter, MD, MBA; Paul P. Doghramji, MD, FAAFP; Aruna Subramanian, MD

Patient, Provider, and Caregiver Connection™: Pediatric Myasthenia Gravis—Current Treatment and Emerging Concepts

Patient, Provider, and Caregiver Connection™: Pediatric Myasthenia Gravis—Current Treatment and Emerging Concepts

John F. Brandsema, MD; Abigail N. Schwaede, MD; Samuel J. Mackenzie, MD, PhD

Mind Moments™: Optimizing Management for Patients with Generalized Myasthenia Gravis

Mind Moments™: Optimizing Management for Patients with Generalized Myasthenia Gravis

James F. Howard Jr, MD

Cases and Conversations™: Navigating the Complexities of Managing Myasthenia Gravis in Pediatric and Pregnant Patient Populations

Cases and Conversations™: Navigating the Complexities of Managing Myasthenia Gravis in Pediatric and Pregnant Patient Populations

John Brandsema, MD; Neelam Goyal, MD

Identifying and Treating CIDP in the Modern Era

Identifying and Treating CIDP in the Modern Era

Jeffrey A. Allen, MD; Karissa L. Gable, MD

Cases and Conversations™: Little Voices, Big Challenges – Comprehensive Care for Pediatric Spinal Muscular Atrophy

Cases and Conversations™: Little Voices, Big Challenges – Comprehensive Care for Pediatric Spinal Muscular Atrophy

John Brandsema, MD; Carla D. Zingariello, DO

A Breath of Strength: Managing Cancer Associated LEMS and Lung Cancer as One

A Breath of Strength: Managing Cancer Associated LEMS and Lung Cancer as One

Estelamari Rodriguez, MD, MPH; Millie Das, MD; Ruham Nasany, MD

Striking the Right Nerve: Managing Cancer Associated LEMS in Lung Cancer Patients

Striking the Right Nerve: Managing Cancer Associated LEMS in Lung Cancer Patients

Anne Chiang, MD, PhD; J. Douglas Miles, MD, PhD, FAAN; Suma Satti, MD

Patient, Provider, and Caregiver Connection: Improving Diagnosis and Care for Adolescent Myasthenia Gravis Patients – A New Frontier

Patient, Provider, and Caregiver Connection: Improving Diagnosis and Care for Adolescent Myasthenia Gravis Patients – A New Frontier

Abigail N. Schwaede, MD; Emmanuelle (Noelle) Tiongson, MD

A New Era in NMOSD Treatment: Optimizing Therapeutic Transitions and Reducing Patient Burden

A New Era in NMOSD Treatment: Optimizing Therapeutic Transitions and Reducing Patient Burden

Shamik Bhattacharyya, MD, MS, FAAN; Mirla Avila, MD; Dean Wingerchuk, MD

PER Podcast™: Maximizing the Multidisciplinary Care Outcomes of Patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

PER Podcast™: Maximizing the Multidisciplinary Care Outcomes of Patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

Richard Bedlack, MD, PhD

PER Podcast™: Best Strategies for Approaching the Diagnosis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

PER Podcast™: Best Strategies for Approaching the Diagnosis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

Terry Heiman-Patterson, MD

PER Postgame™: Updates from ANNA in the Management of IgA Nephropathy

PER Postgame™: Updates from ANNA in the Management of IgA Nephropathy

Gerald Bernard Appel, MD; Ellie Kelepouris, MD, FACP, FAHA

Patient, Provider, and Caregiver Connection: Turning a New Leaf in Acute Pain Management – How Recent Advancements Impact the Treatment Paradigm

Patient, Provider, and Caregiver Connection: Turning a New Leaf in Acute Pain Management – How Recent Advancements Impact the Treatment Paradigm

Jeffrey Gudin, MD; Jeffrey Bettinger, PharmD

Trending on NeurologyLive

MDA and PPMD Release Consensus Guidelines for Safe and Equitable Use of Gene Therapy in Duchenne

10 Years of the Women Neurologists Group: A Preview of the 4th Annual Conference

This Week on NeurologyLive® — September 15, 2025

NeurologyLive® Brain Games: September 14, 2025

2025 Women in Neurology Conference: Educating, Mentoring, and Networking

© 2025 MJH Life Sciences^®

All rights reserved.