June is Migraine, Headache, Stroke & Brain Injury Awareness Month

Jason T
2 days ago
3 min read

June is Migraine, Headache, Stroke & Brain Injury Awareness Month: Know the Signs, Save a Life

Each June, we take time to recognize and raise awareness for conditions that affect the brain—our most vital and complex organ. At Saving Grace Medical Academy, we’re dedicating this month to educating our students and community about migraines, chronic headaches, strokes, and brain injuries—not just how to respond to them, but how to recognize and, in some cases, prevent them.

Whether you're a healthcare professional, a student, or someone who's experienced these conditions firsthand, this month’s campaign is here to inform, support, and empower Brain Injury Awareness.

Migraine & Headache Awareness Month

Migraines and chronic headaches are more than "just a bad headache." Migraines, in particular, are neurological events that can be debilitating—often involving nausea, visual disturbances (auras), and sensitivity to light and sound.

According to the Migraine Research Foundation, migraines affect over 1 billion people globally.

Common Symptoms of a Migraine:

Throbbing or pulsing pain (often on one side)
Nausea and vomiting
Visual auras (flashes, blind spots)
Sensitivity to light, sounds, or smells

Prevention Tips:

Maintain a regular sleep schedule
Manage stress through mindfulness or therapy
Stay hydrated
Track triggers (caffeine, foods, weather, hormones)

We'll explore more about migraines vs. tension headaches in upcoming posts.

Stroke Awareness: Every Second Counts

A stroke occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is cut off, leading to tissue damage or death. It’s a medical emergency—and early recognition can be the difference between recovery and permanent disability.

Stroke versus a TIA, do you know the difference?

FAST Symptoms to Watch For:

Face drooping
Arm weakness
Speech difficulty
Time to call 911

Additional signs include sudden confusion, trouble seeing, loss of balance, or a severe headache with no known cause.

Prevention Strategies:

Control blood pressure and cholesterol
Avoid smoking and limit alcohol
Maintain a healthy diet and regular exercise
Manage underlying conditions like diabetes or atrial fibrillation

We'll go deeper into stroke recovery, rehabilitation, and first aid protocols later this month.

Brain Injury Awareness: From Concussions to TBI

Brain injuries—especially Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)—can occur from falls, accidents, sports, or violence. Not all brain injuries are immediately visible, which is why it’s critical to know the symptoms and act fast.

Signs of Possible Brain Injury:

Loss of consciousness (even briefly)
Confusion or disorientation
Slurred speech
Headaches that worsen over time
Nausea or repeated vomiting
Personality or behavior changes

Prevention Starts with Awareness:

Wear helmets and seatbelts
Take fall precautions for children and the elderly
Understand return-to-play and work protocols for concussions
Learn basic first aid and when to seek medical care

Empowerment Through Education

At Saving Grace Medical, our mission goes beyond certification—we aim to equip our students with life-saving knowledge they can take into their careers, homes, and communities. This month, stay tuned for more articles that will break down:

The difference between migraines and stroke-like symptoms
First aid response to head trauma and suspected brain injury
Long-term impacts and care for survivors of stroke or brain injuries

By raising awareness, we help reduce stigma, encourage early intervention, and support those living with neurological conditions.

Want to Learn More? Take a Basic Life Support (BLS) or Standard First Aid CPR-C & AED course to learn how to identify and respond to medical emergencies like stroke or head injury. It could save a life—maybe even your own.

>> View Upcoming Courses [www.savinggracemedical.com]

“This material is for informational purposes only and is based on guidelines from The Canadian Red Cross, Alberta Heart & Stroke Foundation, and Alberta Health Services. This content does not replace professional medical advice or official safety training. Consult your physician or safety training facility for further guidance.”