Understanding Migraines as a Dynamic Threshold System
The visual guide to the 'bucket' model - how layers of load accumulate and why triggers sometimes cause attacks and sometimes don't.
The threshold model that explains all other patterns
Educational Resources
Migraine Guides
Pattern recognition applied to specific migraine topics.
These guides explain how migraine is commonly understood - and where that framework may fall short. They are educational, not prescriptive.
Start here
If you're feeling stuck
Why triggers change over time
Understanding why triggers are conditional, not fixed.
Why migraines happen without triggers
Why attacks occur when nothing obvious changed.
Why 'doing everything right' still doesn't prevent migraines
Why good habits don't override prior sensitization or cumulative load.
Why does nothing work for my migraines anymore?
HubFour pattern shifts that produce 'nothing works anymore': phenotype shift, medication overuse headache, sensitization, and a new layer activating.
Understand the model
Why migraines feel so unpredictable
HubThe canonical explanation of the threshold model and state-dependent patterns.
Why do I get migraines all the time?
HubUnderstanding frequent attacks through incomplete recovery and cumulative load.
Migraine treatment options: why doctors try things in this order
HubHow treatments are organized in conventional care vs. pattern-based approaches.
Migraine mechanisms and the layer model: 7 established theories compared
HubCortical spreading depression, CGRP, central sensitization, hormonal withdrawal, genetics, hypothalamic prodrome, neuroinflammation. How the layer model integrates seven established explanations rather than competing with any.
Why migraine symptoms change day to day
Understanding symptom variability as a feature of a threshold-based system.
Apply the model
Why 'normal' test results don't mean nothing is wrong
HubHow standard lab ranges miss functional patterns that contribute to migraine.
Forensic Migraine Workup Guide: When basics aren't enough
Advanced testing for when foundational labs come back normal but patterns persist.
Why your triptan might not be working
HubCommon reasons triptans fail and what to try instead.
Rescue plan when triptans fail
Alternatives and pairing strategies when triptans don't work.
How long before you know if something is working?
Understanding realistic timelines for migraine prevention.
Why is my migraine prevention not working?
Why early improvement shows up as pattern changes before attacks disappear.
Rebound headaches: what they are and how to break the cycle
HubMedication overuse headache happens when pain relievers taken too often cause more headaches.
Specific patterns & triggers
Migraines that start in the neck
Cervicogenic patterns, drainage issues, and histamine involvement.
Why do I wake up with a migraine?
Understanding morning migraines through overnight threshold crossings.
Low blood pressure and migraines
How vascular underfill and orthostatic stress trigger attacks.
Menstrual migraine: why migraines get worse around your period
HubUnderstanding the link between the menstrual cycle and migraine attacks.
Histamine and migraines: how histamine load pushes you over the threshold
HubWhen allergies are actually a threshold problem driven by histamine load.
Which type of magnesium is best for migraines?
HubHub guide: Glycinate, Citrate, Oxide, Threonate, Malate - how to choose based on your pattern.
MRI vs MRA vs MRV: What's the difference?
Understanding brain imaging for migraine evaluation.
Why do I get migraines back to back?
Understanding migraine clusters, the kindling effect, and how to break the cycle.
Why am I so tired before, during, and after migraines?
Fatigue as prodrome, attack symptom, and postdrome, plus when to check thyroid and iron.
Related guides:
Progesterone & Head Pain →Period Migraine Medications →Migraine With Aura & Estrogen →Perimenopause Migraines →Estrogen Changes & Head Pain →Estrogen Dose Changes →Steady Estrogen Delivery on HRT →Patch vs Transdermal Cream →DAO & Histamine Migraines →Histamine and Migraines →24-Hour Urine Histamine Test →MCAS Patterns in Migraine →Low-Histamine Diet Testing →Riboflavin (B2) & Migraine →Is Salt Good for Migraine? →Top-of-Head Tension →3 Fluid Compartments →Which magnesium form is best for migraine? (decision tree) →How long to try magnesium before deciding it doesn't work →Can magnesium make migraines worse? →Magnesium Glycinate →Magnesium Citrate →Magnesium Oxide →Magnesium Bisglycinate →Magnesium Threonate →Magnesium Malate →Celtic Salt for Migraines →Himalayan Salt for Migraines →Drinking Salt Water for Headaches →
When medications aren't working
CGRP medications not working? Here's why
HubNurtec, Aimovig, Emgality, and Ajovy don't work for roughly half of patients. Learn why CGRP drugs fail and what the failure reveals about your migraine pattern.
What's in the ER migraine cocktail (and why)
HubThe ER migraine cocktail explained: what's actually in it, why Benadryl is included (it's not what you think), and why the same drugs at home don't work the same way.
Botox not working for migraines? Here's why
HubBotox for migraines doesn't work for everyone. Learn why it fails, why it can stop working, and what the treatment is actually targeting.
Nurtec not working? Here's why it fails
HubNurtec doesn't work for every migraine. Learn why CGRP drugs fail, what it means about your migraine pattern, and what to consider next.
Topamax not working for migraines? Here's why
Topamax doesn't work for everyone - and the side effects can be brutal. Learn why topiramate fails and what the failure reveals.
Aimovig not working? Why CGRP injections fail
Aimovig, Ajovy, and Emgality don't work for everyone. Learn why CGRP antibodies fail and what it reveals about your pattern.
Propranolol not working for migraines? Here's why
Propranolol doesn't work for everyone - and can make some patterns worse. Learn why beta blockers fail.
Sumatriptan side effects: why it makes you feel weird
Sumatriptan can cause chest tightness, jaw pressure, tingling, and a 'weird' feeling. Learn what causes these side effects.
Migraine medication helps then comes back worse: 3 patterns to distinguish
HubThree different patterns produce that experience: partial suppression, true recurrence, and medication overuse headache. They feel similar but need different responses.
Triptan stopped working after years? 3 patterns behind the shift
HubWhen a triptan that worked for years stops being effective, the underlying pattern has usually shifted. Medication overuse headache, phenotype shift, or receptor desensitization.
Autonomic & vascular patterns
Hormones deep dive
Related guides:
Why are perimenopause migraines worse than menstrual? →Migraines worse after stopping birth control →Can HRT make migraines worse before it gets better? →Estrogen Changes & Head Pain →Progesterone & Head Pain →Steady Estrogen Delivery on HRT →Patch vs Transdermal Cream →Estrogen Dose Changes →Period Migraine Medications →
Educational content, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician.