Could Migraines Be Saving Your Brain?
It's not as crazy as it sounds!
Could migraines actually be saving your brain?
Believe it or not, that’s become a highly plausible theory amongst researchers. Here’s the explanation.
The Energy Crisis Model
In recent podcast episodes, I’ve explored the emerging evidence that migraines may be triggered by an “energy crisis” in the brain - when your brain demands more energy than is has available.
(RELATED: Have you taken the Migraine Energy Quiz to get your Mitochondrial Function Score yet? If not, click here to do so.
According to this theory, migraines might be our brain’s way of preventing damage during an energy crisis. How so?
The Science Behind the Theory
The key lies in something called Cortical Spreading Depression (CSD), which is a common feature of migraine attacks. It refers to a wave of altered brain activity that moves across the cerebral cortex. CSD is responsible for the aura symptoms familiar to many migraineurs.
The “depression” refers to the fact that CSD produces a wave of reduced electrical activity in the brain - a period of neuronal silence that lasts between 15 and 30 minutes. Neuronal silence means a big drop in energy needs, which could avert an energy crisis.
Beyond the Theory
So that’s the essence of the theory. All in all, it’s quite compelling.
However, I do think that, when it comes to migraine, things aren’t quite so neat and tidy.
To hear my complete thoughts, click here to listen to the full podcast episode.
The Mitochondrial Reset for Migraine Masterclass
This Sunday, I’m hosting a free, live session on how to restore and boost mitochondrial function.
Some of what you’ll learn in the session include:
The biggest energy leaks in modern life that silently drain your brain's battery (and how to plug them)
How to rebuild your mitochondrial strength so your brain can meet demand without crashing
A holistic, science-based roadmap to reduce migraine days without pills