Triggers

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.

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.

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.

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.

10 Warning Signs a Migraine Attack Is Coming & What to Do Before It Hits

What if your migraine doesn’t come out of nowhere but quietly whispers before it strikes? In this episode of **Migraine Heroes Podcast**, host **Diane Ducarme** helps you tune into the early signals your body sends before a migraine fully unfolds. By understanding these subtle cues, you can move from feeling caught off guard to feeling prepared, grounded, and in control. This episode blends neuroscience with practical, body-based awareness so you can respond earlier, not later. **You’ll discover:** 💡 How to spot the early warning signs of a migraine attack even the ones most people overlook 💡 What’s happening in your brain during the pre-migraine phase and why it can feel so unpredictable 💡 Simple, immediate steps you can take to ease the process and potentially reduce the intensity before it escalates This isn’t about fear or hypervigilance. It’s about learning your body’s language so you can act with clarity, not surprise. If you’ve ever felt like your migraine “just hits,” this episode will help you see the signs that were there all along and what you can do with them. 🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday 🔗 Discover our work on [migraineheroes.com](http://migraineheroes.com) **References: ** - **Migraine Pathophysiology (Charles, 2018): **This review explains migraine as a complex nervous-system disorder rather than a simple vascular headache, covering genetic, anatomical, physiological, and pharmacological mechanisms. _Read more [here](https://www.thelancet.com/journals/laneur/article/PIIS1474-4422(17)30435-0/abstract)_**.** - **Premonitory Symptoms of Migraine (Kelman, 2004): **This study focuses on early warning symptoms that can appear before migraine pain, such as fatigue, mood change, food craving, and neck stiffness. _Read more [here](https://europepmc.org/article/MED/15447695)._ - **The Premonitory Phase of Migraine (Maniyar et al., 2014):** This paper shows that brain activation can be detected before the headache phase, especially in regions such as the hypothalamus and brainstem, supporting the idea that migraine starts before pain begins. _Read more [here](https://academic.oup.com/brain/article-abstract/137/1/232/363839)._ - **Biological Insights from the Premonitory Symptoms of Migraine (Karsan & Goadsby, 2018):** This review looks at what premonitory symptoms can reveal about migraine biology, including thirst, yawning, lethargy, and sensory sensitivity before headache onset._ Read more [here](https://www.nature.com/articles/s41582-018-0098-4)._ - **The Migraine Generator Revisited (Schulte & May, 2016):** This paper revisits the “migraine generator” idea and argues that hypothalamic changes may drive the migraine cycle through altered connectivity with the brainstem. _Read more [here](https://academic.oup.com/brain/article/139/7/1987/2464241)._ **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.

Motion & Vestibular Migraines: When Your World Won’t Stay Still

What if the world doesn’t need to spin for your brain to feel like it is? In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, host Diane Ducarme explores the unsettling experience of motion-triggered and vestibular migraines, where even the smallest movements can disrupt your inner balance. Through the lens of neuroscience and lived experience, you begin to understand why your brain reacts so strongly to motion and how to gently bring it back to safety. You’ll discover: 💫 Why motion: like car rides, screens, or scrolling, can overstimulate your brain and trigger a migraine cascade 💫 What vestibular migraines really are, and why they are so often misunderstood or misdiagnosed 💫 Simple, grounding techniques you can use to calm your nervous system and reduce motion sensitivity starting today This episode helps you reconnect with your sense of stability so your world can feel steady again, from the inside out. 🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday 🔗 Discover our work on [migraineheroes.com](http://migraineheroes.com) **References: ** **Vestibular Migraine: Diagnostic Criteria (Lempert et al., 2012):** This paper establishes diagnostic criteria for vestibular migraine, defining its clinical features and its relationship to both migraine and vestibular disorders. _Read more[ here](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23142830/). _ **Vestibular Migraine (Dieterich, Obermann & Celebisoy, 2016):** This paper describes vestibular migraine as the most common cause of episodic vertigo, highlighting its clinical features and overlap between migraine and balance disorders. _Read more [here](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00415-015-7905-2)_. **Visual Vertigo and Environmental Motion Sensitivity (Bronstein, Golding & Gresty, 2013):** This paper explores visual vertigo, showing how complex visual environments and motion can trigger dizziness and disorientation through sensory mismatch. _Read more [here](https://europepmc.org/article/MED/24057825)_. **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.

Travel, Triggers & Relief: Understanding 3 Types of Travel-Induced Migraines

Travel is meant to expand your world… So why does it so often trigger a migraine? In this episode of  **Migraine Heroes Podcast**, host \*\*Diane Ducarme \*\*discovers why different types of travel: flying, long drives, and crossing time zones, don’t just “stress your body”… they activate completely different migraine pathways. By understanding how your brain and nervous system respond to each type of journey, you can stop bracing for impact and start traveling with more ease and confidence. You’ll discover: ✈️ Why air travel, road travel, and jet lag each trigger distinct migraine mechanisms in your body and why one type may affect you more than others 🧭 How to recognize your personal travel migraine pattern so you can anticipate and prevent attacks before they begin 🌿 Simple, targeted strategies you can apply immediately to support your nervous system and reduce travel-related triggers This episode blends practical insight with a deeper understanding of your body’s signals so you can move from fear of travel… to freedom within it. Because travel shouldn’t cost you your well-being, it should reconnect you to it.  🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday 🔗 Discover our work on [migraineheroes.com](http://migraineheroes.com) \*\*References: \*\* * **Vestibular Migraine (Lempert et al., 2012): This paper defines vestibular migraine and outlines diagnostic criteria, highlighting its link between migraine and balance/vertigo symptoms. *Read more*** [here](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23142830/)**.** * **Airplane Headache (Mainardi et al., 2007): T**his paper describes airplane headache as a distinct headache disorder triggered during flights, especially during landing. *Read more* [here](https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/3476148).[ ](https://europepmc.org/articles/PMC3476148?utm_source=chatgpt.com) * **Headache Associated with Airplane Travel (Berilgen and Mungen, 2006)**: This paper reports six cases of headache occurring specifically during airplane travel and discusses possible mechanisms such as pressure imbalance. \_Read more [here](https://europepmc.org/article/MED/16686910). \_ * **Sensory Processing in Migraine (Tomaso et al., 2014):** A paper reviews migraine-related sensory hypersensitivity and abnormal stimulus processing. *Read more* [here](https://www.nature.com/articles/nrneurol.2014.14)*.* * **Migraine and Circadian Rhythms (Alstaghaug et al., 2008):** A study that examines circadian variation in migraine timing. *Read more* [here](https://europepmc.org/article/MED/18184291). * **Sleep and Migraine (Kelman and Rains, 2005):** A study how sleep disturbance relates to headache frequency and severity. *Read more* [here](https://www.scilit.com/publications/adb6d4a704b0e73bb2e8b7511bd38634). **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 Home Hazards You Might Be Missing That Can Trigger More Migraines

What if your home, the place meant to feel safest, was quietly triggering your migraines? In this episode of **Migraine Heroes Podcast_,_** host **Diane Ducarme **uncovers how everyday elements in your environment may be overstimulating your nervous system without you realizing it. From subtle sensory stressors to hidden toxins, your home might be shaping your migraine pattern more than you think. You’ll discover: 💡 How to spot 5 overlooked environmental triggers in your home that may be increasing your migraine frequency 💡 Why your nervous system reacts so strongly to these triggers and how that sensitivity impacts your daily life 💡 Simple, immediate changes you can make to create a calmer, more migraine-friendly home environment This episode helps you shift from reacting to migraines… to gently redesigning the space your brain lives in every day.  🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday 🔗 Discover our work on [migraineheroes.com](http://migraineheroes.com) **References: ** **Light and Headache Exacerbation (Noseda et al., 2010):** This paper identifies a neural pathway linking light exposure to worsening headache pain, explaining why photophobia is a key feature of migraine. _Read more [here](https://www.nature.com/articles/nn.2475)._ **Weather and Headache (Prince et al., 2004):** This study looks at whether weather variables influence headache occurrence in people with migraine. _Read more [here](https://europepmc.org/article/MED/15186304)._ **Migraine Triggers (Kelman, 2007):** This paper identifies common precipitants of acute migraine attacks, including stress, weather changes, sleep disturbance, hunger, and hormonal factors._ Read more [here](https://europepmc.org/article/MED/17403039)._ **Electromagnetic Fields and Symptoms (Rubin, Das Munshi & Wessely, 2005):** This systematic review evaluates provocation studies on electromagnetic hypersensitivity, including commonly reported symptoms such as headaches. _Read more [here](https://europepmc.org/article/MED/15784787)._ **Weather, Air Pollution, and Migraine Onset (Li et al., 2019):** This study examines how ambient air pollution and weather factors influence migraine headache onset, showing that pollutants and environmental conditions can increase the likelihood of migraine attacks. _Read more [here](https://europepmc.org/article/MED/31446321)._ **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.