Migraine 101: What Every Woman Should Know

If you’ve ever been sidelined by a throbbing headache that refuses to budge, accompanied by nausea, light sensitivity, or even dizziness, you might wonder:
Is this a migraine attack?

You’re not alone—migraine affects over 39 million people in the U.S., with women being three times more likely than men to experience it. Understanding migraine is the first step toward managing it. Let’s break down the essentials.

What Is Migraine?

Migraine is a complex neurological condition with a wide range of symptoms that go beyond just head pain. These symptoms can vary in intensity, duration, and combination from person to person, and even from one migraine attack to another. Here’s 13 symptoms commonly associated with migraine:

Cognitive Impairment (Brain Fog)
Difficulty concentrating, confusion, or feeling mentally “slowed down.”

Fatigue and Weakness
Migraine can sap your energy, both during and after an attack.

Neck Pain or Stiffness
Tightness or pain in the neck is a common pre-migraine or accompanying symptom.

Mood Changes
Unexplained irritability, sadness, or euphoria can signal an impending attack.

Difficulty Speaking (Aphasia)
Trouble finding words or forming coherent sentences during or before an attack.

Visual Disturbances (Aura)
Zigzag lines, flashing lights, blind spots, or blurry vision, typically occurring before or during a migraine attack. These can last for a very short period of time (minutes) or longer.

Throbbing or Pulsating Head Pain
Often localized to one side of the head, though it can affect both sides in some cases.

Nausea and Vomiting
Digestive upset is a frequent and debilitating aspect of migraine.

Sensitivity to Light (Photophobia)
Bright lights can intensify discomfort and make normal activities challenging.

Sensitivity to Sound (Phonophobia)
Everyday noises can feel overwhelming or painful.

Sensitivity to Smell (Osmophobia)
Strong odors like perfume or smoke may trigger or worsen symptoms.

Tingling or Numbness (Aura)
Sensory changes in the face, arms, or legs, often on one side of the body.

Dizziness or Vertigo
A sensation of spinning or losing balance, making standing or walking difficult.

Why women are more affected

Hormones play a significant role in migraine. Fluctuations in estrogen levels, such as those during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or menopause, can trigger attacks. This hormonal link makes migraine especially common among women between 18 and 45 years old. Understanding your own hormonal patterns can be key to managing migraine.

Common Migraine Triggers

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Common Migraine Triggers 〰️

While triggers vary from person to person, these are some common culprits:

Stress: Emotional or physical stress can spark an attack.

Sleep disturbances: Too much or too little sleep disrupts the brain’s delicate balance.

Dietary factors: Skipping meals, dehydration, or consuming certain foods (like aged cheese or alcohol) may be triggers.

Sensory overload: Bright lights, loud noises, or strong smells.

Weather changes: Shifts in barometric pressure can impact migraine-prone individuals.

Why tracking symptoms matter - and how Brain Twin can help

Brain Twin is designed to make migraine management easier. By tracking your symptoms, triggers, and lifestyle habits, you’ll gain valuable insights into your condition. Whether you’re newly diagnosed migraine and looking for better ways to cope, or if you’ve been living with migraine for years, Brain Twin can be your guide. Giving you the certainty to show your doctor exactly how your migraine is behaving.

Every migraine experience is unique. Tracking your symptoms and identifying patterns can empower you to manage your health more effectively. Over time, you may uncover specific triggers or patterns and notice things that can help you and your healthcare provider create a better and more personalized care plan.

Take the First Step Today

Migraine doesn’t have to control your life. Start tracking your symptoms, exploring patterns, and making informed decisions with Brain Twin. Empower yourself with the knowledge you need to take control of your migraine journey.

Ready to get started? Download Brain Twin now and start your migraine journey today!