Migraine Science

5 Reasons Temperature-Sensitive Brains Struggle Going From Heat to Air Conditioning

Do temperature changes trigger your migraines? Discover why moving from heat to air conditioning can overwhelm a sensitive brain.

Why Treating Vertigo Anxiety Like “Just Anxiety” Keeps People Stuck

What if your vertigo anxiety isn’t “just anxiety” — but your brain and body reacting to feeling deeply unsafe and unsteady? In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, host Diane Ducarme explores the complex relationship between vertigo, dizziness, and anxiety. When the world feels like it’s spinning, your nervous system naturally shifts into survival mode. But too often, people are told to simply “calm down” without addressing what may actually be happening inside the brain and body. Blending neuroscience with a compassionate, holistic perspective, this episode helps you understand why the cycle of vertigo and anxiety can become so difficult to break — and what true regulation may really require. You’ll discover: 💡 Why vertigo and dizziness can trigger powerful neurological fear responses that feel impossible to “think away” 💡 How to tell the difference between anxiety creating symptoms versus symptoms creating anxiety 💡 What your nervous system may truly need to feel grounded, safe, and steady again This episode is a reminder that your symptoms are not “all in your head.” Sometimes, anxiety is not the root cause — but the consequence of a body and brain struggling to regain balance. 🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday 🔗 Discover our work on [migraineheroes.com](http://migraineheroes.com) **References:** - **The Epidemiology of Dizziness and Vertigo (Neuhauser, 2016):** This chapter reviews the prevalence and population burden of dizziness and vertigo disorders worldwide. Read more [here](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27638063/). - **Chronic Subjective Dizziness and PPPD (Staab, 2012):** This review explains chronic subjective dizziness and the evolution toward Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD), emphasizing visual dependence, anxiety, and altered vestibular processing. Read more [here](https://europepmc.org/article/MED/23042063). - **Diagnostic Criteria for Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (Staab et al., 2017):** This consensus paper establishes the official diagnostic criteria for PPPD within the International Classification of Vestibular Disorders. Read more [here](https://europepmc.org/article/MED/29036855).  - **Vestibular Migraine (Beh, 2019):** This review is specifically titled _Vestibular Migraine: How to Sort it Out and What to Do About it_ and covers diagnosis, symptoms, and management. Read more [here](https://europepmc.org/article/MED/31094996). - **Vestibular Dysfunction and Anxiety (Jacob, Furman & Balaban, 2001):** This paper directly covers the interface between vestibular dysfunction and anxiety, replacing the weak Continuum citation. Read more [here](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11347651/). - **Multisensory Integration in Balance Control (Bronstein, 2016):** This chapter directly matches the topic of multisensory integration in balance control across vestibular, visual, and proprioceptive systems. Read more [here](https://europepmc.org/article/MED/27638062). - **Central Vestibular Disorders (Brandt & Dieterich, 2017):** This review focuses on central vestibular disorders and bilateral vestibular circuitry, which is a cleaner match than the earlier incorrect Brain citation. Read more[ here](https://www.nature.com/articles/nrneurol.2017.58). **Disclaimer**: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions. For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks. We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster migraines. We dive deep into the complexities of migraine with aura and migraine without aura, as well as rarer forms like hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, and acephalgic migraine (silent migraine). Our discussions also extend to cervicogenic headaches, ice pick headaches, and pressure headaches, which often mimic migraine or contribute to overall migraine burden.

When Suppressing Your Needs Becomes Physical Pain

Do you always put others first? Discover how people-pleasing and self-suppression can overload your nervous system—and trigger migraines.

5 Signs Your “PMS Migraine” Might Actually Be PMDD

Do your migraines become unbearable before your period — along with mood swings, anxiety, rage, or deep exhaustion? What if it’s not “just PMS”? In this episode of **Migraine Heroes Podcast,** host **Diane Ducarme** explores the often-overlooked connection between migraines and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). Many women spend years believing their symptoms are normal hormonal changes, while their nervous system is actually struggling with a much deeper hormonal sensitivity. Blending neuroscience, hormones, and holistic insight, this episode helps you better understand why your brain and body may feel completely different before your cycle — and what you can do to support yourself more gently and effectively. You’ll discover: 💡 The key warning signs that your “PMS migraine” may actually be linked to PMDD 💡 Why migraines, emotional overwhelm, fatigue, and brain fog can all stem from hormonal sensitivity in the nervous system 💡 Simple ways to better support your hormones, emotional balance, and resilience before your next cycle This episode is for anyone who feels dismissed, confused, or overwhelmed by intense premenstrual symptoms — and wants to better understand what their body may truly be asking for. 🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday 🔗 Discover our work on [migraineheroes.com](http://migraineheroes.com) **References:** - **Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder: Burden and Treatment (Pearlstein & Steiner, 2008): **This review explains the burden of PMDD and summarizes diagnosis and treatment options. Read more [here](https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/2440788). - **Ovarian Hormones and Migraine (Martin & Behbehani, 2006):** This paper explains how estrogen and progesterone influence migraine mechanisms and pain-processing pathways. Read more [here](https://europepmc.org/article/MED/16412147). - **Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder and the Brain (Hantsoo & Epperson, 2015):** This paper discusses the brain and neurobiological basis of PMDD, including hormone sensitivity and mood regulation. Read more [here](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4097038). - **Hormonal Management of Migraine at Menopause (Nappi et al., 2009 – related alternative):** This review explores how hormonal changes during menopause affect migraine and how hormonal management may help. Read more [here](https://europepmc.org/article/MED/19465675). - **Migraine Pathophysiology (Burstein et al., 2015):** This paper explains migraine as a complex neurological process involving trigeminovascular activation, brainstem pathways, and sensory processing. Read more [here](https://www.jneurosci.org/content/35/17/6619).  - **Treatment of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (Rapkin & Lewis, 2013):** This review summarizes treatment options for PMDD, including SSRIs, hormonal approaches, and adjunctive therapies. Read more [here](https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.2217/WHE.13.62). **Disclaimer**: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions. For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks. We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster migraines. We dive deep into the complexities of migraine with aura and migraine without aura, as well as rarer forms like hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, and acephalgic migraine (silent migraine). Our discussions also extend to cervicogenic headaches, ice pick headaches, and pressure headaches, which often mimic migraine or contribute to overall migraine burden.

Why Uncontrollable Yawning Is Impacting Migraine Sufferers Before the Pain Even Starts

Why does excessive yawning sometimes appear _before_ a migraine attack even begins? In this episode of **Migraine Heroes Podcas**t, host **Diane Ducarm**e explores one of the most overlooked early warning signs of migraine: uncontrollable yawning. Far from being “just tiredness,” yawning can be a neurological signal that your brain is already shifting into a migraine state long before the pain arrives. Blending neuroscience with practical migraine awareness, this episode helps you understand what your body may be trying to tell you—and how to respond before the migraine escalates. You’ll discover: 💡 How repeated yawning can act as an early migraine warning sign, giving you a chance to intervene sooner 💡 What changes inside the brain during this phase, and why yawning is linked to dopamine and nervous system activity 💡 Simple actions you can take in the moment to calm the migraine cascade and potentially reduce its intensity This episode is about learning to recognize the subtle signals your brain sends before the storm fully hits. Because sometimes, the earlier you listen, the more power you have to change the outcome. 🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday 🔗 Discover our work on [migraineheroes.com](http://migraineheroes.com) **References:** - **The Migraine Generator Revisited (Schulte & May, 2016):** This paper revisits the concept of the migraine generator and suggests that hypothalamic and brainstem changes occur throughout the migraine cycle. Read more [here](https://academic.oup.com/brain/article-abstract/139/7/1987/2464241). - **Pathophysiology of Migraine (Goadsby et al., 2017):** This review explains migraine as a disorder of sensory processing, involving trigeminovascular pathways, altered excitability, and brain-network dysfunction. Read more [here](https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/physrev.00034.2015). - **Migraine Prodromes Separated from the Aura (Blau, 1980):** This paper distinguishes prodromal migraine symptoms from aura, describing early changes in mood, wakefulness, appetite, bowel activity, and fluid balance before headache begins. Read more [here](https://www.bmj.com/content/281/6241/658). - **Yawning in Neurology (Teive et al., 2018):** This review explores yawning as a neurological phenomenon, including its links with brainstem, hypothalamic, and neurotransmitter systems. Read more [here](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30066799/). - **Yawning and Dopamine (Mogilnicka & Klimek, 1984:** This study examines how dopamine agonists such as apomorphine induce yawning, supporting the role of dopaminergic pathways in yawning behavior. Read more [here](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6714314/). **Disclaimer**: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions. For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks. We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster migraines. We dive deep into the complexities of migraine with aura and migraine without aura, as well as rarer forms like hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, and acephalgic migraine (silent migraine). Our discussions also extend to cervicogenic headaches, ice pick headaches, and pressure headaches, which often mimic migraine or contribute to overall migraine burden.

5 Reasons Why Fragrance & Perfume Smells Are Triggering Your Migraines & What To Do About It

That perfume, scented candle, or cleaning spray you barely notice… could it be quietly triggering your migraines? In this episode of **Migraine Heroes Podcast**, host **Diane Ducarm**e explores why fragrances and strong smells can overwhelm the migraine brain and overstimulate the nervous system. From perfumes and detergents to air fresheners and beauty products, we uncover how modern fragrances may impact your brain, hormones, and migraine threshold. You’ll discover: 💡 Why your brain reacts so strongly to certain smells and what it reveals about your migraine threshold 💡 The hidden chemicals in fragrances that may overstimulate your nervous system 💡 Simple, practical ways to reduce scent-triggered migraine attacks This episode blends neuroscience and holistic wisdom to help you better understand scent sensitivity and protect your brain from unnecessary triggers. If certain smells instantly make you feel foggy, nauseous, or headachy — this episode is for you. 🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday 🔗 Discover our work on [migraineheroes.com](http://migraineheroes.com) **References:** - **Odorant Substances and Migraine (Silva-Néto et al., 2014):** This paper identifies odorant substances that can trigger headaches in migraine patients, including perfumes and other strong smells. Read more [here](https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0333102413495969), - **Trigeminal Pathways and Migraine (Burstein, Noseda & Borsook, 2015 – related topic):** This paper explains migraine pathophysiology, including activation and sensitization of the trigeminovascular pathway. Read more[ here.](https://www.jneurosci.org/content/35/17/6619) - **Limbic Activation in Migraine (Wilcox et al., 2016 – related topic):** This study examines increased activation of limbic brain regions during emotional processing in people with migraine. Read more [here](https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/human-neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnhum.2016.00366/full) - **Fragranced Consumer Products and Health Effects (Steinemann, 2016):** This study explores health effects from fragranced products, including migraine headaches, respiratory symptoms, and neurological complaints. Read more [here](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5093181). - **Central Sensitization (Woolf, 2011):** This review explains central sensitization and its implications for diagnosing and treating pain hypersensitivity. Read more [here](https://journals.lww.com/pain/abstract/2011/03001/central_sensitization__implications_for_the.2.aspx). - **Pathophysiology of Migraine (Goadsby et al., 2017):** This major review describes migraine as a disorder of sensory processing involving trigeminovascular pathways and altered brain excitability. Read more [here](https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/physrev.00034.2015). **Disclaimer**: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions. For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks. We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster migraines. We dive deep into the complexities of migraine with aura and migraine without aura, as well as rarer forms like hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, and acephalgic migraine (silent migraine). Our discussions also extend to cervicogenic headaches, ice pick headaches, and pressure headaches, which often mimic migraine or contribute to overall migraine burden.

3 Major reasons why “Healthy” People Still Get Migraine

You eat well, exercise, drink water, and try to “do everything right”… so why are migraines still happening? In this episode of The Migraine Heroes Podcast, host Diane Ducarme explores why even people with healthy lifestyles can still struggle with chronic migraines. Sometimes the issue isn’t a lack of effort—it’s that your body, brain, and environment may need a completely different perspective. You’ll discover: 💡 Why you may not be missing effort—but missing a different perspective on migraine healing 💡 Why what looks “healthy” isn’t always what your body can truly process or benefit from 💡 How some of the biggest migraine triggers may come from the environment and lifestyle surrounding you every day  This episode blends neuroscience, lifestyle medicine, and holistic wisdom to help you rethink what true clarity and balance may look like for your nervous system.  🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday 🔗 Discover our work on [migraineheroes.com](http://www.migraineheroes.com) **References:** - The Blue Zones (Buettner): This book explores the lifestyle patterns of the world’s longest-living populations, emphasizing natural movement, social connection, purpose, and consistent daily habits over intense performance-driven routines. _Explore more [here](https://www.bluezones.com/books/)._ - **The Mind-Gut Connection (Mayer, 2018):** This book explores the relationship between the gut, brain, and nervous system, including the role of the vagus nerve, digestion, stress, and emotional regulation in overall health. _Read more [here](https://emeranmayer.com/the-mind-gut-connection-2)_. **Disclaimer**: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions. For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks. We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster migraines. We dive deep into the complexities of migraine with aura and migraine without aura, as well as rarer forms like hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, and acephalgic migraine (silent migraine). Our discussions also extend to cervicogenic headaches, ice pick headaches, and pressure headaches, which often mimic migraine or contribute to overall migraine burden.

How To Manage Migraines When Night Shifts & Baby or Partner Wake-Ups Ruin Your Sleep

What happens when your baby wakes you multiple times a night… or your work schedule constantly disrupts your sleep—and suddenly your migraines become harder to manage? In this episode of The Migraine Heroes Podcast, host Diane Ducarme explores the powerful connection between broken sleep and migraine attacks. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, healthcare worker, or shift worker, you’ll learn why disrupted sleep affects the migraine brain so deeply—and what you can realistically do to support your nervous system. You’ll discover: 🌙 How disrupted sleep impacts your brain, stress hormones, and migraine threshold 🌙 Practical ways to support your nervous system even when your nights are unpredictable 🌙 A simple daily adjustment that can help your body recover faster from broken sleep cycles This episode blends neuroscience and practical lifestyle strategies to help you better understand your body and reduce overwhelm during demanding seasons of life. 🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday 🔗 Discover our work on [migraineheroes.com](https://www.migraineheroes.com) **References:** - **Why We Sleep (Walker, 2017): **This book explores the science of sleep and its profound impact on brain function, emotional wellbeing, physical health, learning, and longevity. _Read more[ here](https://www.penguin.co.nz/books/why-we-sleep-9780141983769)_. - **Sleep and Brain Waste Clearance (Xie et al., 2013):** This landmark study shows that sleep promotes the clearance of metabolic waste products from the brain, supporting the idea that sleep plays a critical role in brain restoration and neurological health. _Read more [here](https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.1241224)._ - **Sleep and Migraine (Rains, 2018):** This paper reviews how comorbid sleep disorders should be assessed and treated in people with migraine. _Read more [here](https://europepmc.org/article/MED/30095163)._ - **Headache and Sleep (Kelman & Rains, 2005):** This study examines sleep patterns and sleep complaints in a large clinical sample of migraineurs. _Read more [here](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15985108/)._ - **Melatonin and Migraine Prevention (Gonçalves et al., 2016):** This randomized clinical trial compares melatonin 3 mg, amitriptyline 25 mg, and placebo for migraine prevention. _Read more [here.](https://jnnp.bmj.com/content/87/10/1127)_ **Disclaimer**: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions. For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks. We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster migraines. We dive deep into the complexities of migraine with aura and migraine without aura, as well as rarer forms like hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, and acephalgic migraine (silent migraine). Our discussions also extend to cervicogenic headaches, ice pick headaches, and pressure headaches, which often mimic migraine or contribute to overall migraine burden.

Pushing Through and Migraines: When You Keep Going Anyway?

What if pushing through isn’t strength but the very thing quietly building your next migraine? In this episode of **Migraine Heroes Podcast**, host **Diane Ducarme **explores the fine line between resilience and overload and why your body doesn’t respond well to force for too long. You’ll discover: 💡 How “pushing through” can create a ripple effect in your nervous system, gradually lowering your migraine threshold 💡 The subtle signals your body sends when it needs adjustment—not more effort 💡 How to make clear, in-the-moment decisions: when to continue gently, when to scale back, and when true recovery is the smarter move This episode invites you to shift from force to awareness so you can move forward without triggering the very thing you’re trying to avoid 🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday 🔗 Discover our work on [migraineheroes.com](http://migraineheroes.com) **References: ** - **Migraine Overview (Goadsby et al., 2021):** This comprehensive review presents migraine as a complex neurological disorder, covering its epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment. _Read more [here](https://www.nature.com/articles/s41572-021-00328-4)._ - **Migraine: From Pathophysiology to Treatment (Goadsby et al., 2023):** This paper explores how advances in understanding migraine biology have led to more targeted and effective treatment strategies. _Read more [here](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00415-023-11706-1)._ - **Cutaneous Allodynia in Migraine (Quintas et al., 2022):** This review examines how allodynia contributes to migraine progression and affects diagnosis and treatment response. _Read more [here](https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/neurology/articles/10.3389/fneur.2021.831035/full)._ - **Migraine in the Workplace (Stewart et al., 2021):** This study explores how migraine impacts work performance, absenteeism, and overall productivity. _Read more [here](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00415-021-10715-2)_. - **Productivity and Economic Burden of Migraine (Dodick et al., 2021):** This paper analyzes the impact of migraine on quality of life, productivity loss, and employer costs._ Read more [here](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s10194-021-01243-5)_. - **Global Burden of Neurological Disorders (Steiner et al., 2024):** This study quantifies the global burden of neurological conditions, including migraine, emphasizing their major contribution to disability worldwide. _Read more [here](https://www.thelancet.com/journals/laneur/article/PIIS1474-4422%2824%2900038-3/fulltext)._ - **Advances in Migraine Prevention (Martinelli et al., 2026):** This paper emphasizes the importance of early and proactive migraine management to prevent disease progression. _Read more [here](https://www.thelancet.com/journals/laneur/article/PIIS1474-4422(25)00477-6/abstract)_. - **Mechanisms of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Migraine (Chen et al., 2024):** This paper reviews how multi-target approaches in traditional medicine may modulate migraine pathways, including inflammation and neurotransmitter balance. _Read more [here](https://www.dovepress.com/mechanism-of-traditional-chinese-medicine-in-treating-migraine-a-compr-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-JPR)_. **Disclaimer**: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions. For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks. We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster migraines. We dive deep into the complexities of migraine with aura and migraine without aura, as well as rarer forms like hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, and acephalgic migraine (silent migraine). Our discussions also extend to cervicogenic headaches, ice pick headaches, and pressure headaches, which often mimic migraine or contribute to overall migraine burden.