Migraine Relief
Migraines can be complex and deeply disruptive, and finding relief often involves exploring different approaches. This post shares my personal experience using PEA (Palmitoylethanolamide), along with research, dosing information, and how it fit into my broader healing journey.
On July 18, 2017, my life changed in an instant.
I was struck by lightning, and immediately, the migraines began.
he migraines became one of many difficult and disabling challenges I faced after the strike. At first, I assumed the headaches would fade with time. Instead, they became intense, unpredictable, and often debilitating. Some days I was confined to bed in severe pain. Other days, even sitting in front of a computer for more than thirty minutes would trigger another crushing headache.
My senses seemed magnified after the strike. I could hear whispers from another room, feel the tiniest sensation on my skin, and notice small movements most people would overlook. During severe migraines, I struggled more with balance, speech, and comprehension. Thunderstorms, stress, dehydration, loud noises, icy cold feet, and barometric pressure changes often became triggers.
Over the years, I tried countless approaches in search of relief.
I used prescription medications including Relpax, Maxalt, and propranolol, along with over-the-counter options like naproxen, aspirin, Tylenol, BC powder, and Excedrin Migraine. I experimented with ice packs, Epsom salt baths, peppermint oil, ginger, grape juice, hydration, supplements, calming music, essential oils, and lifestyle changes. Some methods helped temporarily, but nothing truly broke the cycle.
Eventually, doctors acknowledged what I had long suspected — the lightning strike had likely caused a traumatic brain injury (TBI).
That realization explained many of the neurological symptoms I was experiencing, but it still left me searching for better answers.
Discovering PEA and Neuroinflammation
In early 2021, I connected with others in a lightning strike and electric shock support group. (LS&ESSI( Lightning Strike & Electrical Shock Survivors International) | Facebook) Through that community, I was introduced to information shared by naturopathic doctor Matthew Jadan regarding migraines, neuroinflammation, and glial cell activation.
One question especially caught my attention:
Could glial activation be a factor in migraine?
Research articles discussing glial cell activation and neuroinflammation began connecting pieces of the puzzle for me:
Dr. Jadan suggested that Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) may help support migraine management by calming neuroinflammation and regulating overactive glial cells in the brain.
What Is Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA)?
Palmitoylethanolamide, commonly called PEA, is a naturally occurring fatty acid amide that has been studied for its potential anti-inflammatory and nerve-calming properties.
Dr. Jadan generally recommended:
- 2 capsules twice daily
- Allowing 3–4 weeks to evaluate results
After discussing it with my primary care provider, I decided to cautiously try it for myself.
This is website is where Dr Jadan suggested getting the supplement
Palmitoylethanolamide – Vitalitus Palmitoylethanolamide
My Personal Experience with PEA
I began using this PEA supplement because it is lower cost, natural, and contains no fillers:
https://www.purenootropics.net/products/palmitoylethanolamide-pea
I began with:
- 1 capsule twice daily
Within a couple of weeks, I started noticing changes.
The migraines became less severe and less frequent. Headaches that once escalated into disabling migraines sometimes stopped before fully developing. Over time, I was able to slowly begin weaning off my prescription migraine prevention medication.
By September 2021, I was completely off my daily migraine preventative prescription medication.
Even more encouraging, I rarely needed emergency migraine medication anymore.
Today, I still take:
- 1 capsule daily for maintenance
I do still experience headaches depending on triggers, especially weather changes or stress, but they are generally manageable now with over-the-counter support rather than stronger prescription medications.
This is the supplement I am currently taking today:
Liposomal Palmitoylethanolamide Supplement
Other Things That Helped Me
While PEA became a major turning point in my healing journey, I also learned that migraine management often requires a layered approach. Over time, I found support through:
- Staying hydrated
- Prioritizing sleep
- Managing stress
- Keeping my feet warm
- Avoiding overexertion
- Using ice packs during attacks
- Ginger and peppermint support
- Monitoring weather-related triggers
- Resting before symptoms escalated
I also leaned heavily on my faith during the hardest seasons of recovery.
There were moments I cried out to Jesus through the pain, exhausted and discouraged. One afternoon while alone at home, I simply sat and poured out my heart to God. By the time I finished praying, the migraine had eased, and I felt the peace and clarity I desperately needed.
Healing came little by little — through persistence, prayer, research, lifestyle changes, and learning how to better care for an injured brain.
Additional Information
I later learned that Dr. Jadan has a practice in Michigan:
https://thepurerx.com/services/
Final Reflection
Migraines can be incredibly complex and deeply disruptive. What helped me may not work exactly the same for someone else, but I wanted to share my experience in case it encourages another person searching for answers.
This post is part of my ongoing healing journey as I continue learning what has helped manage my migraines over time.
And this journey didn’t begin with supplements — it began with a lightning strike that completely changed my health and forced me to rethink everything.
You can read the beginning of my journey in my first post.