Migraine Heroes | Chronic Migraine, Hemiplegic Migraine, Migraine with aura, Vestibular Migraine

Diane Ducarme
  • 5.0 (13)
  • Health & Fitness
  • Updated Weekly

Are you doing everything right—avoiding triggers, taking meds—yet still waking up with migraines that steal your days? You’re not alone, and you’re not broken. The Migraine Heroes Podcast is your lifeline to real, lasting relief beyond pills, guesswork, and frustration. Hosted by Diane Ducarme, who helped over 500 women finally reclaim their lives, this podcast dives into the real reasons behind your migraine symptoms—blending brain-based science with the natural healing wisdom of Eastern medicine. It's designed for chronic migraine sufferers like you, in quest for real answers. You will: - Learn how to use brain-location insights to decode your symptoms - Discover functional food strategies to restore your nervous system - Hear inspiring real-life stories from migraine heroes who found freedom. Tune in every Monday and Wednesday and tap into a fan-favorite episode now and start your journey to natural healing—because your body already holds the answers.

  1. 2d ago

    From Childhood Migraine to Freedom: Jessica’s Journey

    Jessica’s migraine story began in childhood and followed her through major hormonal shifts, perfectionism, motherhood, and years of trying to figure things out alone. She shares how understanding her body differently helped her move from recurring three-day migraines toward greater freedom and why her biggest message is simple: don’t lose hope. 🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday 🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com 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.

  2. 4d ago

    Why Some People Wake Up Nauseated Before the Migraine Pain Starts

    Waking up nauseated can feel confusing especially when the migraine pain has not started yet. In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, host Diane Ducarme explores why nausea can be an early part of a migraine attack and what it may reveal about the timing of the migraine process. You’ll learn: 💡 Why nausea can begin before head pain — and what this tells us about where a migraine attack may actually start 💡 How sleep, your internal body clock, the hypothalamus, and the gut may contribute to nausea on waking 💡 How to recognize your own early-warning pattern, so morning nausea becomes useful information rather than another unexplained symptom Sometimes, the first sign of migraine is not pain. Learning to notice what happens before the headache may help you understand your attacks much earlier. 🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday 🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com References: Premonitory Symptoms in Migraine: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies Reporting Prevalence or Relative Frequency (Eigenbrodt et al., 2022): This review identifies common symptoms that occur before migraine pain begins. Read more here.Brain Activations in the Premonitory Phase of Nitroglycerin-Triggered Migraine Attacks (Maniyar et al., 2014): This study identifies hypothalamic and brainstem activity before migraine headache begins. Read more here Hypothalamus as a Conductor of the Migraine Prodrome: A Narrative Review (Root & Schwedt, 2026): This review explores the hypothalamus as a key driver of early migraine symptoms. Read more here.Pathophysiology and Therapy of Associated Features of Migraine (Villar-Martinez & Goadsby, 2022): This review examines nausea, sensory sensitivity, and other symptoms accompanying migraine. Read more here.Migraine and Gastroparesis (Arca et al., 2022): This review explores the relationship between migraine and delayed gastric emptying. Read more here.Gastric Emptying in Migraine: A Comparison With Functional Dyspepsia (Yu et al., 2012): This study compares gastric emptying in migraine, functional dyspepsia, and healthy controls. Read more here.Pathofysiological and Clinical Correlates of Sleep in Primary Headache Disorders: A Narrative Review (van Liefland et al., 2026): This review examines how sleep and headache disorders interact biologically and clinically. Read more here. 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. 6d ago

    Invisible Pain, Visible Judgment: 50 Ways to Respond When Migraine Is Misunderstood at Work, With Friends, or With Family

    Migraine is invisible and sometimes, that makes other people question just how disabling it can be. In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, host Diane Ducarme shares practical ways to respond when colleagues, friends, or family minimize your migraine, offer unwanted advice, or simply do not understand what you are going through. You’ll learn: 💡 How to respond to dismissive comments without feeling you need to justify or over-explain your migraine 💡 How to adapt what you say depending on whether you’re speaking with a colleague, friend, family member, or well-meaning advice-giver 💡 How to protect your dignity and set firmer boundaries when someone continues to diminish your pain You do not need everyone to understand migraine perfectly. But you can learn how to communicate what you need clearly, calmly, and without giving away more energy than the situation deserves. 🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday 🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com 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.

  4. Sep 2

    Migraine Aura, Scotoma, or Blurred Vision? How to Tell the Difference

    Visual changes can be frightening, especially when you live with migraine. But not every blind spot, shimmer, or blurry patch means the same thing. In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, host Diane Ducarme breaks down the differences between visual migraine aura, scotoma, and blurred vision, so you can better understand what your eyes and brain may be telling you. You’ll learn: 💡 How to recognize the typical features of a visual migraine aura, including one surprisingly useful clue 💡 What a scotoma really is and how to distinguish a blind spot from shimmering or blurred vision 💡 Which visual symptoms deserve prompt medical attention, rather than automatically being attributed to migraine A practical episode to help you understand visual symptoms with more clarity and know when they may need a closer look. 🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday 🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com References: The International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd Edition (International Headache Society, 2018): The classification defines migraine aura, including its gradual development, reversibility, and typical duration. Read more here.Are These Visual Symptoms Due to Migraine? A Guide for General Practice (Goldsmith, 2020): This guide explains features that help distinguish migraine visual aura from other visual symptoms. Read more here.A Phase-by-Phase Review of Migraine Pathophysiology (Dodick, 2018): This review describes migraine as a multiphase disorder and links aura with cortical spreading depression. Read more here. Biological Insights From the Premonitory Symptoms of Migraine (Karsan & Goadsby, 2018): This review explores what early migraine symptoms reveal about attack neurobiology. Read more here. Visual Aura in Migraine: An Analysis of 165 Patients in a Tertiary Care Hospital in North India (Singla et al., 2021): This study describes common visual aura symptoms, including scintillating scotoma and zigzag lines. Read more here. Symptoms Related to the Visual System in Migraine (van Dongen & Haan, 2019): This review covers aura, visual blurring, photophobia, visual snow, and other visual symptoms. Read more here.Neuroimaging for Migraine: The American Headache Society Systematic Review and Evidence-Based Guideline (Evans et al., 2020): This guideline explains when brain imaging may be appropriate in migraine, including unusual or changing aura. Read more here. 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. Aug 31

    When Grief Hurts Physically: Understanding the Migraine Connection

    Grief is emotional, but it can also be deeply physical. Changes in sleep, stress, appetite, energy, and nervous system activity may all influence the way migraine shows up in your body. In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, host Diane Ducarme explores why loss can affect far more than your mood, and why your brain and body may need time to adapt to a reality that has suddenly changed. You’ll discover: 💡 Why grief can affect your entire nervous system and potentially change your migraine pattern 💡 Why your brain may continue to expect the person, place, or life you have lost to still be there 💡 How Eastern philosophy can offer a gentler way to move through grief, without expecting yourself to simply “get over it” This episode is an invitation to understand grief not as something to rush through, but as a process your whole body may need time to navigate. 🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday 🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com References: Health Outcomes of Bereavement (Stroebe et al., 2007): This review examines how bereavement can affect both physical and mental health. Read more here. Grief and Bereavement: A Pre-Registered Systematic Review of Neuroimaging Studies (Evstigneev et al., 2026): This review examines brain changes linked to grief, including emotion, reward, and cognitive networks. Read more here.Major Life Changes Before and After the Onset of Chronic Daily Headache (Scher et al., 2008): This study links major life changes with increased risk of developing chronic daily headache. Read more here. 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.

  6. Aug 26

    Rebound Headache: When Migraine Medication Starts Feeding the Cycle

    When the medication you rely on for relief starts being followed by more and more headaches, it can feel confusing and frustrating. In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, host Diane Ducarme explores rebound headache, also known as medication-overuse headache, and why frequent treatment can sometimes begin feeding the migraine cycle instead of calming it. You’ll discover: 💡 How to recognize when frequent migraine medication may be contributing to increasingly frequent headaches 💡 Why rebound headache happens in the brain, and why it does not mean you are weak, dependent, or treating migraine “wrong” 💡 How to begin breaking the cycle safely, including one practical step you can take without suddenly stopping medication on your own This episode will help you better understand your medication patterns, recognize when something may be shifting, and approach the next steps with more clarity and support. 🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday 🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com References: Medication-Overuse Headache (International Headache Society): These criteria define medication-overuse headache and its diagnostic thresholds. Read more here. Pathophysiology, Prevention, and Treatment of Medication Overuse Headache (Diener et al., 2019): This review explains the mechanisms, prevention, withdrawal, and treatment of medication-overuse headache. Read more here.European Academy of Neurology Guideline on the Management of Medication-Overuse Headache (Diener et al., 2020): This guideline outlines education, withdrawal, and preventive treatment strategies. Read more here.Comparison of 3 Treatment Strategies for Medication Overuse Headache (Carlsen et al., 2020): This trial compares withdrawal, preventive treatment, and their combination. Read more here. Efficacy and Safety of Erenumab for Nonopioid Medication Overuse Headache in Chronic Migraine (Tepper et al., 2024): This trial found erenumab 140 mg increased medication-overuse headache remission. Read more here.Brief Intervention for Medication-Overuse Headache in Primary Care: The BIMOH Study (Kristoffersen et al., 2015): This trial found a brief primary-care intervention reduced medication use and headache days. Read more here.Activation of the Microglial P2X7R/NLRP3 Inflammasome Mediates Central Sensitization in a Mouse Model of Medication Overuse Headache (Wang et al., 2023): This animal study links microglial inflammation with central sensitization in medication overuse. Read more here.Acupuncture for Migraine Without Aura and Connection-Based Efficacy Prediction (Zhang et al., 2026): This trial found acupuncture improved migraine outcomes and explored brain connectivity as a predictor of response. Read more here. 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.

  7. Aug 24

    Exercise for Migraine: When It Helps and When It Backfires

    Exercise can be one of the most helpful tools for migraine prevention, but when your body is already under strain, the wrong intensity can sometimes push you toward an attack. In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, Diane Ducarme explores why movement can both support and challenge a migraine-sensitive nervous system, and how to find the level of exercise that works with your body rather than against it. You’ll discover: 💡 Why regular movement may help reduce migraine frequency, even if some workouts seem to trigger symptoms 💡 The signs that exercise is exceeding your current capacity and it may be time to slow down or adjust 💡 A simple migraine-friendly movement approach you can try at home without pushing your body beyond its limits The goal is not to exercise harder. It is to find the kind of movement that helps your nervous system become more resilient, without tipping it into overload. 🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday 🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com References: Exercise as Migraine Prophylaxis: A Randomized Study Using Relaxation and Topiramate as Controls (Varkey et al., 2011): This trial found exercise may be an effective option for migraine prevention. Read more here. The Association Between Migraine and Physical Exercise (Amin et al., 2018): This review examines exercise as both a potential migraine trigger and preventive strategy. Read more here. Provocation of Migraine With Aura Using Natural Trigger Factors (Hougaard et al., 2013): This study tested whether exercise and bright or flickering light could provoke migraine with aura. Read more here. What Is the Efficacy of Aerobic Exercise Versus Strength Training in the Treatment of Migraine? (Woldeamanuel & Oliveira, 2022): This analysis compares strength and aerobic exercise for reducing migraine frequency. Read more here. Prescription of Therapeutic Exercise in Migraine: An Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline (La Touche et al., 2023): This guideline provides evidence-based recommendations for exercise in migraine care. Read more here.How Much Aerobic Exercise Is Needed to Reduce Migraine? A Dose–Response Meta-Analysis of Pain Intensity and Frequency (Ogrezeanu et al., 2026): This analysis examines the amount of aerobic exercise associated with migraine improvement. Read more here.Relationship Between Kinesiophobia, Cognitive Aspects, Level of Physical Activity, and Disability in Individuals With Migraine (Pina et al., 2025): This study links fear of movement with greater disability and lower physical activity in migraine. Read more here. Primary Exercise Headache (International Headache Society, 2018): These criteria define headache occurring specifically during or after strenuous exercise. Read more here. 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.

  8. Aug 19

    Why Recovery Days Matter as Much as Productive Days

    What if recovery is not time lost, but part of what helps your migraine system regain stability? In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, host Diane Ducarme explores why the end of head pain does not always mean the migraine attack is fully over — and why your body may still need time to recover. You’ll learn: 💡 Why post-migraine recovery is biological, not imaginary 💡 How cycling between intense productivity and complete exhaustion may destabilize a sensitive migraine system 💡 How to make recovery feel restorative rather than guilt-filled This episode is a reminder that protecting your energy can be just as important as using it. 🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday 🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com References: The Migraine Postdrome: An Electronic Diary Study (Giffin et al., 2016): This study describes fatigue, concentration problems, and other symptoms that persist after migraine pain resolves. Read more here Reduction in Perceived Stress as a Migraine Trigger: Testing the “Let-Down Headache” Hypothesis (Lipton et al., 2014): This study found that a drop in stress may be associated with migraine onset the following day. Read more here Understanding Migraine Through the Lens of Maladaptive Stress Responses (Borsook et al., 2012): This review explores migraine through chronic stress and allostatic load. Read more hereInsufficient Sleep May Alter Cortical Excitability Near the Migraine Attack (Mykland et al., 2023): This study suggests insufficient sleep may alter brain inhibition around migraine attacks. Read more here Fatigue in Migraine Patients and Its Clinical Correlates (Hou et al., 2026): This study links migraine-related fatigue with sleep problems, disability, and psychiatric symptoms. Read more here Operant Approach Activity Pacing Interventions for the Management of Chronic Pain (Antcliff et al., 2026): This review evaluates activity-pacing strategies for managing chronic pain and fatigue. Read more here 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.

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Are you doing everything right—avoiding triggers, taking meds—yet still waking up with migraines that steal your days? You’re not alone, and you’re not broken. The Migraine Heroes Podcast is your lifeline to real, lasting relief beyond pills, guesswork, and frustration. Hosted by Diane Ducarme, who helped over 500 women finally reclaim their lives, this podcast dives into the real reasons behind your migraine symptoms—blending brain-based science with the natural healing wisdom of Eastern medicine. It's designed for chronic migraine sufferers like you, in quest for real answers. You will: - Learn how to use brain-location insights to decode your symptoms - Discover functional food strategies to restore your nervous system - Hear inspiring real-life stories from migraine heroes who found freedom. Tune in every Monday and Wednesday and tap into a fan-favorite episode now and start your journey to natural healing—because your body already holds the answers.

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