The Internet and migraine: headache resources for patients and physicians

The Internet enables distribution of headache-related resources to patients and physicians in a manner never before possible. While these opportunities for communication and education open many doors to an increased awareness of migraine, there are also dangers in the free flow of non-peer-reviewed information on the Internet. The practicing physician or headache specialist needs to be aware of what headache-related resources are available on the Internet, both to recommend information to patients and to know what false information is being spread to headache sufferers. The purpose of this article is twofold: (1) to outline the types of headache-related information available on the Internet, including actual examples that the astute physician can view as time permits, and (2) to present examples of how such information can be biased, inaccurate, and potentially problematic for the curious patient or physician.