Abstract
IHC 2013
Over the years we have been involved in the Scientific Programmes of the International Headache Society (IHS) and American Headache Society (AHS). This has provided us with a unique opportunity to be exposed to the best research work in the field of headache. In helping to create our biennial programmes, we are constantly aware of the latest advances and work being done around the world, and we try to ensure that our programmes are the best they can be for our membership and other attendees to our meetings.
This year, AHS will help IHS by hosting the 2013 International Headache Congress (IHC) in Boston in the latter part of June. The common goal of both societies is “Revolutionizing Headache Care through Science” and this Congress will provide the research, education, and training to attendees to reach that goal. The scientific committee has designed a unique programme, appealing to physicians and other health professionals, psychologists, and basic researchers alike, and will address the latest and most up-to-date knowledge on migraine, cluster headache and other primary headache, as well as secondary headaches and facial pain. Clinically relevant basic knowledge will be provided, along with information on the new third iteration of our headache classification. New imaging and genetic data, as well as debates on controversial management problems will be highlights. As ever, the Presidential Symposium will be one of the highlights of the congress.
Of all the headache disorders, migraine remains the one that has intrigued us the most throughout our careers. Migraine represents a unique neurobiological disorder that never fails to raise fundamental questions of how the brain actually functions in health and disease. We have been privileged to work with some of the top clinicians and scientists in the world on this subject over many years to come to some basic understanding of this enigmatic disorder. The road to discovery has been long and exciting and there is much work to be done, so come to Boston and help us all with our ‘Revolution’!
Strengthening population sciences in the IHS
I joined the Board of Trustees two years ago and I feel very honoured and privileged to work in the “heart” of the IHS. My main focus is (i) to strengthen and support the role of population-based science in headache research, (ii) to improve the education and training of epidemiologic headache methodology, and (iii) to stimulate multidisciplinary research projects, targeting important questions in headache research bridging from bench to population-side and back.
As a director of research in neuroepidemiology at the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm) in Bordeaux, France, I am involved in several population- and clinic-based headache research projects, mostly focusing on migraine. In particular, we are evaluating specifics of vascular function and potential effects on brain structure and function. We are also currently starting a new and innovative project for students (i-Share) that will allow addressing many questions on issues related to first migraine occurrence and to implement headache research via mobile devices and social networks.
Another focus of my work on the Board is to strengthen the link between the IHS and Cephalalgia where I serve as Associate Editor. This includes updates and cross-links of the webpages, improvement and standardisation of reporting of headache research, and extension of covered topics for headache clinicians and researchers. For example, we have initiated a series of review papers authored by experts in non-headache fields to cover topics of their domain that is relevant to headache specialists (i.e. gastro-intestinal syndromes, mental health, research methodology, and others).
The IHS provides a unique and exciting network of people committed to all aspects of headache care and research. I am very excited to continue my work as member of the Board of Trustees to further strengthen and to increase awareness of the main missions of the IHS.