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A migraine isn’t a “bad headache” you can grit your teeth through. It can start with a visual aura, flip on nausea and light sensitivity, and turn simple movement into pain that feels physical and sharp. We get honest about what that zigzag warning sign looks like, why it’s so frightening when you know what’s coming, and how a migraine can knock out an entire day or more even after the worst pain fades.

We also unpack the bigger migraine picture: how genetics and hormones can shape who gets them, why stress and sleep changes are such common triggers, and why weather, chocolate, processed foods, alcohol, aged cheeses, and nitrates come up so often in migraine trigger lists. Just as important, we talk about the social side: the work stigma of calling out with a migraine, the isolation of being doubted, and the frustrating experience some people have in the ER when severe pain is treated with suspicion.

From diagnosis to treatment, we walk through what a neurologist looks for, when MRI or CT imaging might be used to rule out other issues, and what modern migraine care can include. That means acute relief options like triptans and anti-nausea meds, preventive strategies like CGRP medications, beta blockers, anti-convulsants, and Botox, plus non-drug supports like sleep hygiene, hydration, magnesium, riboflavin, mindfulness, and exercise as prevention. We wrap with a reminder that migraine science is still evolving, because the brain is still one of medicine’s biggest frontiers.

If this helped you put words to what you feel, share it with someone who still thinks migraines are “just headaches,” then subscribe and leave a review so more people can find the show.

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