Migraines are not just “bad headaches.” They are complex neurological events that can cause disabling pain, visual disturbances, nausea, and even neurological deficits. Affecting over 10 million people in the UK alone, migraines are among the most misunderstood and mismanaged chronic conditions. Often shrugged off, misdiagnosed, or treated purely with medication in an attempt to supress the symptoms with zero effort to work out what causes them?
At ProLongevity, we believe in getting to the root cause. That’s why we go beyond short-term symptom control, using real-time CGM (Continuous Glucose Monitoring) dietary optimisation (we call it “Precision Nutrition”) and data-driven coaching to understand why your migraines happen and how to prevent them.
In this blog, we’ll unpack the symptoms of migraine, explore what causes them, and introduce strategies that can support long-term recovery. To be clear we are NOT promising a cure but we can promise a significant reduction in symptom and frequency.
So What Causes Migraines?
Migraines aren’t just caused by stress or chocolate although both can, indeed, be triggers. At the core, a migraine is a neurological energy crisis. Put simply, the brain is under pressure, runs out of energy and partly shuts down to protect itself. As a result, the brain becomes temporarily hypersensitive, because it can’t access enough fuel (especially glucose) at the right time. This may lead to:
- Cortical spreading depression (CSD): a wave of electrical disturbance across the brain
- Neurovascular changes: inflammation and dilation of blood vessels
- Dysfunction in mitochondrial metabolism
Common migraine triggers include:
- Blood sugar instability
- Sleep disruption
- Dehydration
- Hormonal fluctuations (e.g. oestrogen drop before menstruation)
- Environmental stimuli: lights, sounds, odours
- Certain foods (especially processed carbs, MSG, aged cheese, wine)
Research increasingly supports the idea that metabolic dysfunction plays a key role which is why at ProLongevity, we use CGM to spot glucose crashes and insulin spikes that often precede migraine attacks.
Is Migraine Dangerous?
While migraines themselves are not usually life-threatening, chronic migraines can dramatically impact quality of life. More worryingly:
- Migraine with aura is associated with a higher risk of stroke, especially in women under 45
- Long-term use of over-the-counter painkillers can lead to medication overuse headaches
- Recurrent migraines are linked to anxiety, depression, and cognitive decline
So it’s not “just a headache” it’s a neurological condition that deserves a strategic, root-cause approach. If your migraines are increasing in frequency, or you experience aura, slurred speech, or weakness, speak to a medical professional immediately.
How to Cure Migraine Permanently
In truth there’s no single “cure” for migraines, but there is hope for long-term remission. At ProLongevity, we support clients who can go from lamost daily migraines to much fewer episodes over weeks or months, using our personalised metabolic strategy.
Key strategies that work:
- Stabilise blood sugar using a low-carb or ketogenic diet (Read our keto guide)
- Track patterns using CGM to find your personal triggers (Explore CGM)
- Improve sleep quality (not just duration)
- Supplement smartly with magnesium, B2, CoQ10, and ketone salts (as found in MIGRAKET)
- Consider a fat-adapted metabolic state to keep brain fuel stable
One powerful approach is MIGRAKET, developed by neuroscientist Dr Elena Gross, who herself is a former chronic migraineur. It supplies exogenous ketones + vitamins that bypass glucose dysfunction to fuel the brain directly. For many, it’s been life-changing.
More on all of that here:
and here:
https://www.prolongevity.co.uk/dr-elena-gross/
What Causes Migraines in Males?
Migraine IS more common in women for allsorts of complex reasons that go beyond “hormones.” But men aren’t immune and often underreport symptoms.
Key causes in men:
- High stress (often internalised)
- Irregular sleep due to work patterns or shift work
- Overtraining or electrolyte imbalance (especially in gym-goers)
- High intake of sugar, caffeine, or energy drinks
- Blood sugar crashes from fasting or skipping meals
So our approach is a combination of balancing glucose, reducing inflammatory foods, and improving hydration and sleep routines.
Can a Migraine Last a Week?
Unfortunately, yes. A severe migraine can last anywhere from 4 hours to 72 hours, but so-called status migrainosus (a rare complication) can extend it to 5 days or more.
Key red flags:
- Pain that persists despite rest or medication
- Ongoing light/sound sensitivity
- Nausea or vomiting that prevents food/water intake
- Cognitive symptoms like “brain fog,” memory lapses, or speech problems
In these cases, urgent medical review is warranted and underlying metabolic or hormonal issues should be explored.
5 Tips for Instant Migraine Relief
Let’s be honest: there’s no magic off-switch. But here are five evidence-based strategies that may help ease symptoms quickly:
- Caffeine – in moderation: constricts dilated blood vessels
- Magnesium citrate (400–600mg): especially helpful at aura onset
- Hydration + electrolytes: dehydration is a common trigger
- Cold compress or ice pack on the forehead or neck
- Dark, quiet room + deep breathing: reduce sensory input and calm the nervous system
- MIGRAKET: which is the product of many years’ research by Dr Gross who has PhD in neuroscience from Oxford University.
Bonus tip: Track what you eat before an attack. Many clients notice a pattern: a glucose spike followed by a sharp drop, which we can detect using a CGM.
Chronic Migraine Symptoms
The term “chronic migraine” means having 15 or more headache days per month, with at least 8 being true migraines.
Common symptoms include:
- Throbbing or pulsating head pain (often one-sided)
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Aura (visual disturbances, numbness, speech issues)
- Fatigue, anxiety, or mood changes
- “Hangover” feeling after the attack subsides (postdrome phase)
Many people with chronic migraine also report:
- Muscle tension (especially in the neck and shoulders)
- Poor sleep quality
- Digestive issues (including constipation and bloating)
- Hormonal triggers before menstruation
At ProLongevity, we work to interrupt this cycle by stabilising energy supply to the brain and supporting hormonal, digestive, and metabolic balance.
Migraine Symptoms: Eyes
One of the most distinctive (and distressing) migraine symptoms involves the eyes. These can occur with or without pain.
Common ocular migraine symptoms:
- Visual aura: flashing lights, zigzag lines, blind spots (scintillating scotoma)
- Blurred vision or tunnel vision
- Temporary vision loss in one eye
- Eye pain or pressure behind the socket
- Tearing or watering
These symptoms often resolve within 30–60 minutes, but can be alarming, especially the first time they occur.
Important: Always rule out serious causes (like retinal issues or TIA) with your GP or eye specialist. If you experience vision loss plus weakness or speech slurring, seek urgent care.
Final Thoughts: Understanding Your Migraine and Reclaiming Your Life
Migraines are complex and the symptoms go far beyond “a sore head.” But they are not a life sentence. With the right data, support, and nutrition strategy, we aim to help clients go from debilitating daily migraines to rare, manageable flares.
At ProLongevity, we offer:
- Personalised CGM tracking
- Expert support on keto and low-carb approaches
- Sleep, stress and supplement strategies
- Breakthrough solutions like MIGRAKET to restore brain energy
📞 Book your free consultation today and let’s create your personal plan to live migraine-free.