The theme of EHC25 in Lisbon was ‘Transforming Challenges into Solutions’. International delegates gathered in Lisbon to present scientific findings on the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of headache, addressing key issues in the field. Participants attended plenaries, debate sessions, interactive teaching courses, and poster presentations.
Three Key Takeaways
1. Precision diagnosis is accelerating — especially for complex headache disorders
EHC25 placed strong emphasis on improving diagnostic accuracy for migraine, cluster headache, and secondary headache disorders. This included updated approaches to phenotyping, better use of imaging in atypical cases, and more consistent application of ICHD‑3 criteria across Europe.
2. New therapeutic strategies are reshaping migraine and cluster headache care
The conference highlighted the expanding role of CGRP‑targeting therapies, optimisation of gepants, and emerging neuromodulation techniques. A recurring theme was real‑world evidence showing improved outcomes when combining pharmacological and behavioural interventions.
3. Headache services need redesign — with equity, access and digital tools at the centre
EHC25 repeatedly returned to the challenge of service delivery: long waits, under‑diagnosis, and inconsistent access to specialist care. Solutions presented included digital triage pathways, structured headache education for primary care, and cross‑border collaboration to reduce variation in treatment availability.
Headaches can be challenging – even for the international experts who gathered in Lisbon for the EHC25. In plenary sessions new scientific findings were presented and debated. “The opportunity was well utilised to connect, learn and be inspired“, emphasised the two co-chairs of EHC25, Prof. Raquel Gil-Gouveia, Lisbon/Portugal and Dr. Christina Deligianni, Athens/Greece. As the co-chairs affirmed, the congress was not just about learning – it was about engaging, exchanging and inspiring. From groundbreaking discoveries to practical strategies for improving patient care, the dynamic and interactive sessions were designed to encourage participation and stimulate discussion. Participants were given the feeling of being part of a strong European team driving headache research forward. Many of them seized the chance to network, brainstorm, and connect with peers, opinion leaders, and innovators.
As in previous years, the congress offered a comprehensive and varied programme for practising physicians as well as researchers and other healthcare professionals in the field, providing an update on the current state of research and clinical care. Main topics were Basic and Translational Science in Headache Pathophysiology, Advancements in Therapeutics, Personalised and Preventive Approaches, and Clinical Outcomes and Metrics. In addition, the topics of healthcare systems and healthcare provision, diagnosis and treatment pathways, education and advocacy, equality and special population groups were also covered.
Over four days, leading international experts came together to share new findings. “The meeting was designed to move from mechanisms to practice, always keeping the patient perspective in view“, emphasised Prof. Raquel Gil-Gouveia. The congress started with advances in basic science, biomarkers, trigeminal pain pathways and neuroinflammation, and connected these directly to clinical decision-making in migraine and other headache disorders. The programme also gave dedicated space to populations such as children, women across the reproductive life cycle, and patients with comorbidities.
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A strong feature was the focus on treatment and disease monitoring. There were updates on monoclonal antibodies, neuromodulation and treatment goals, including a discussion on whether ‘zero pain’ should be the target in headache. The meeting also highlighted conditions that remain challenging, such as cluster headache, post-traumatic headache, vestibular migraine, trigeminal neuralgia, and headache-sleep interactions. Sessions on sex differences, diet, weight, and the microbiome showed the broadening scope of the field beyond traditional pharmacology.
The popular teaching courses were offered with two themes on each of the four days of the congress. Practical exercises on anatomical models enabled participants to develop confidence and precision in performing nerve blocks. This sessions combined evidence-based teaching with practical application. There were also “Meet the Expert” discussions, hands-on procedural teaching, and methodology sessions aimed at supporting both early-career and senior clinicians and researchers.
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Over 700 abstract submissions were received, most of them presented across more than 19 poster sessions, forming the bedrock of the meeting – a space where young and experienced researchers alike could connect, exchange ideas, and build collaborations.
“The 2025 European Headache Congress in Lisbon brought together the entire spectrum of our field – from molecular research to holistic, patient-centred care“, summarised Dr Christina Deligianni. The participation of young scientists and medical professionals was crucial. With new ideas, digital innovations, and the necessary energy, the field was presented in a dynamic and forward-looking way. In summary, the congress brought together the full spectrum of headache medicine, from basic science and translational research to clinical practice and innovative treatments. It also emphasised multidisciplinary collaboration, joint sessions, and interactive formats that foster active learning and discussion.
The European Headache Federation (EHF) invites you to EHC26 in Berlin from December 9-12, 2026. Congress co-chairs are Professor Uwe Reuter, Bonn, Germany, and Professor Mark Braschinsky, Tartu, Estonia. The scientific organiser is EHF. EHF dedicates its efforts to improving awareness of headache disorders and their impact amongst governments, health care providers and consumers across Europe. You can find further information here. www.headache-congress.org
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