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

Diane Ducarme

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. 1d ago

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

    Do you feel fine outside in the heat… only to walk into strong air conditioning and suddenly feel dizzy, foggy, or on the edge of a migraine? In this episode of The Migraine Heroes Podcast, host Diane Ducarme explores why temperature-sensitive brains often struggle with rapid shifts between heat and cold environments. Blending neuroscience with holistic insights, this episode unpacks how sudden temperature changes can stress the nervous system and quietly lower your migraine threshold. You’ll discover: 💡 Why rapid temperature shifts can overwhelm a migraine-sensitive brain even when the temperatures seem “normal” 💡 How blood vessels, hydration, and sensory nerves react when moving from heat into cold air conditioning 💡 Simple ways to help your brain feel calmer, safer, and more stable during summer heat or heavily air-conditioned spaces If you’ve ever felt triggered by cold offices, supermarkets, airplanes, or strong AC after being outside in the heat, this episode will help you better understand what your body may be trying to tell you. 🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday 🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com References: Pathophysiology of Migraine (Goadsby et al., 2017): This major review explains migraine as a disorder of sensory processing involving trigeminovascular pathways, altered brain excitability, and brainstem dysfunction. Read more here. Migraine: Multiple Processes, Complex Pathophysiology (Burstein, Noseda & Borsook, 2015): This review explores the multiple neural and sensory processes involved in migraine, including trigeminal activation, sensitization, and altered sensory integration. Read more here.Water Deprivation and Migraine (Blau, 2005 – related alternative): This paper discusses dehydration and water deprivation as potential migraine triggers in susceptible individuals. Read more here.Weather and Air Pollution as Triggers of Severe Headaches (Mukamal et al., 2009): This study investigates whether weather conditions and ambient air pollution transiently increase the risk of severe headaches. Read more here.The Premonitory Phase of Migraine (Maniyar et al., 2014): This study examines brain activations during the premonitory phase of nitroglycerin-triggered migraine attacks, before the headache phase begins. 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.

    13 min

  2. 3d ago

    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 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.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.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. 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.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.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.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. 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.

    14 min

  3. Jun 10

    The “Good Girl” Migraine Pattern: When Suppressing Yourself Becomes Physical Pain

    Have you ever noticed that the more you suppress your emotions, stay “easy,” or avoid conflict… the worse your migraines become? In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, host Diane Ducarme explores the hidden connection between emotional suppression, people pleasing, and chronic migraine patterns. Through a blend of neuroscience, stress physiology, and holistic healing wisdom, you’ll discover why constantly abandoning your own needs may quietly overload your nervous system and turn emotional tension into physical pain. You’ll discover: 💡 Why always being the “good,” “strong,” or accommodating person can keep your nervous system stuck in survival mode 💡 How suppressed emotions, conflict avoidance, and people pleasing may contribute to migraine patterns inside the body 💡 A gentle shift you can begin today to honor your needs without becoming selfish or disconnected from others This episode is an invitation to stop seeing migraines as “just physical” and start understanding the emotional patterns your body may be trying to communicate. 🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday 🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com References: Migraine Burden and Disability (Adams, Buse et al., 2015): This paper reports baseline results from the CaMEO study, covering chronic migraine impact, headache-related disability, and burden. Read more here.Stress and Migraine Interaction (Sauro & Becker, 2009): This review explains how stress interacts with migraine and why stress-management skills may help reduce migraine burden. Read more here.Emotional Processing in Migraine (Wilcox et al., 2016 – related): This study examines increased limbic brain activation during negative emotional processing in migraine. Read more here.Psychological Risk Factors in Headache (Nicholson et al., 2007 – related): This paper reviews how stress, negative affect, and cognitive-emotional factors influence headache development, pain perception, and disability. Read more here.Migraine in Women (MacGregor, 2017): This review focuses on hormonal influences on migraine in women, including menstrual migraine, pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause. Read more here.Adverse Childhood Experiences and Adult Health (Felitti et al., 1998): This landmark study links childhood abuse and household dysfunction with later-life health risks and leading causes of death. 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.

    13 min

  4. Jun 8

    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 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.Ovarian Hormones and Migraine (Martin & Behbehani, 2006): This paper explains how estrogen and progesterone influence migraine mechanisms and pain-processing pathways. Read more here.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.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.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.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. 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.

    15 min

  5. Jun 3

    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 Podcast, host Diane Ducarme 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 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.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.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.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.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. 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.

    12 min

  6. Jun 1

    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 Ducarme 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 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,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.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 hereFragranced 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.Central Sensitization (Woolf, 2011): This review explains central sensitization and its implications for diagnosing and treating pain hypersensitivity. Read more here.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. 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.

    9 min

  7. May 27

    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 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.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. 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.

    14 min

  8. May 25

    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 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 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.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.Sleep and Migraine (Rains, 2018): This paper reviews how comorbid sleep disorders should be assessed and treated in people with migraine. Read more here.Headache and Sleep (Kelman & Rains, 2005): This study examines sleep patterns and sleep complaints in a large clinical sample of migraineurs. Read more here.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. 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,

    12 min
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About

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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