How to Stop Headaches Using Science-Based Approaches

Huberman Lab

In this episode, I discuss the causes and treatments of different types of headaches, including tension headaches, migraines, sinus and cluster headaches, as well as menstrual and other hormone-based headaches. I describe how to distinguish between the different headache types and how to select the right treatment, including prescription-based and non-prescription-based treatments, behavioral and nutrition-based approaches. I also explain the evidence and mechanisms supporting the use of omega-3 fatty acids, high dose creatine, peppermint oil, turmeric, acupuncture and more. Additionally, I touch on traumatic brain injury, the causes of photophobia, aura, and the link between spicy foods and thunderclap headaches. By the end of this episode, listeners and viewers will have a comprehensive understanding of headaches, their types and the best way to prevent and stop them.

For the full show notes, visit hubermanlab.com.

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Timestamps

(00:00:00) Headache

(00:03:51) Sponsors: Thesis, LMNT, Maui Nui, Momentous

(00:07:47) Headache Sources: Muscle Tension; Blood Flow & Meninges

(00:14:06) Headache Sources: Neurons; Inflammation & Sinus Headache

(00:23:21) 3 Neuron Types, Pain, Tension Headaches

(00:31:05) Tension Headaches

(00:33:25) AG1 (Athletic Greens)

(00:34:29) Migraine Headaches, Aura, Photophobia

(00:43:10) Cluster Headaches

(00:47:47) Hormone-Based Headaches, Menstrual Cycle & Menopause

(00:53:38) Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) & Headache, Baseline Health

(01:02:08) Tool: Headache Treatment, Creatine Monohydrate & TBI

(01:12:22) InsideTracker

(01:13:55) Headache Treatment, Omega-3 & Omega-6 Fatty Acids (Linolic Acid)

(01:22:14) Tool: Omega-3 Supplementation, Omega-6 Fatty Acids & Inflammation

(01:28:11) Hormone Headache Treatment & Omega-3s

(01:31:24) Tool: Aura, Photophobia & Offsetting with Red Light

(01:44:15) Tool: Tension Headache & Botox Treatment

(01:49:43) Tool: Alternative Headache Treatments, Peppermint Oil, Menthol

(02:01:35) Tool: Tension Headaches Treatment & Acupuncture

(02:05:41) Tool: Migraine & Herbal Treatment, Caffeine Timing

(02:13:26) Tool: Migraine Treatments & Curcumin (Turmeric)

(02:18:00) Carolina Reaper Pepper & Thunderclap Headache

(02:24:21) Zero-Cost Support, Spotify & Apple Reviews, YouTube Feedback, Sponsors, Social Media, Momentous, Neural Network Newsletter

Title Card Photo Credit: Mike Blabac

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