In this episode of Talking Head Pain, Sarah is joined by Nahid Shukralla, a migraine patient and visual artist who uniquely intertwines her experiences living with migraine into her artwork. Nahid shares her journey and how chronic migraine led her back to her first love: art. Nahid also delves into her innovative approach to visualizing migraine auras through digital art, offering a rare glimpse into the visual phenomena that many with migraine experience but are seldom able to share.

Join Sarah and Nahid for an inspiring episode that bridges the worlds of art, medicine, and lived experience, providing insights and validation for those on a similar journey.

Among the highlights in this episode:

04:05: Sarah reflects on Nahid's experience, emphasizing the specific challenges and limitations that pregnant individuals face when dealing with migraine treatments, sparking a discussion on the need for safer and more effective treatment options

04:53: Nahid recounts her lifelong passion for art, and what led her from a career in medicine to embracing her true calling in the arts

07:07: Nahid shares how she pivoted careers, offering listeners insights into navigating personal and professional life with a chronic condition

08:53: Nahid discusses her inspiration for using her art to capture the dynamic nature of auras

13:35: Nahid discusses the positive feedback and validation she has received from the migraine community on Instagram

15:44: Sarah and Nahid discuss the significant impact of visual representation for those with migraine, highlighting how Nahid's art has provided a template for others to explain and validate their experiences, potentially aiding in medical and social understanding

17:26: Nahid speaks on her self-care routine and the adjustments she's made in her life to manage living with chronic migraine

19:46: Sarah and Nahid discuss the importance of openness and support from family and friends in managing chronic illness, advocating for a society that understands and accommodates the limitations of those living with conditions like migraine

Read more about Nahid: https://ghlf.org/advocacy/painting-and-animating-to-raise-migraine-awareness/

Contact Our Hosts:

Joe Coe, Director, Therapeutic Area Growth and Integration at GHLF: jcoe@ghlf.org

Sarah Shaw, Senior Manager of BIPOC Community Outreach at GHLF: sshaw@ghlf.org

A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, Manager of Programs & Special Projects at GHLF.

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments, or a video or audio clip of yourself, to podcasts@ghlf.org  

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