Migraine Relief Code with Dr. Amelia Scott Barrett, MD

Dr. Amelia Scott Barrett, MD

Dr. Amelia Scott Barrett, MD, is a Stanford-trained neurologist who developed a genetic testing panel + protocols specifically for people with migraine or other headaches.

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20 episodes
Updated Friday

Episodes20

Newest first

Friday · 10 min
The Most Underutilized Migraine Recovery Tool
Join Dr. Amelia Scott Barrett, MD, as she shares insights from her migraine genetics search, which will be presented at the World Conference on Precision Medicine and Genomics. We talk about what the genetics of severe migraine are, and action steps you can take starting today to fix the most common problems. Go to TheHeadacheQuiz.com to start finding and fixing the root causes of your migraines today. (0:00) Introduction and highlights from World Conference on Precision Medicine and Genomics (1:10) Key migraine genes: TRPM8 and MAO-B explained (3:46) Actionable steps: Brain Rest technique for migraine relief (6:12) Enhancing Brain Rest with uplifting thoughts (6:43) Sleep, recovery protocols, and tracking success (8:14) Nervous system regulation methods and device skepticism (9:38) Emphasis on biology-based interventions and closing remarks
July 24 · 16 min
Rebound Headaches: Top 5 Things You Need to Know
In this episode, Dr. Amelia Scott Barrett, MD, explores the complexities of rebound headaches and offers strategies to help. She highlights the significance of addressing the root causes of migraines, and how that helps you move towards lasting relief. Dr. Barrett discusses various management techniques, including medication, magnesium supplementation, anti-inflammatories, and the use of ice caps. Emphasizing the importance of sleep, she provides recommendations to improve rest and reduce migraine frequency. The episode concludes with a call to action, encouraging listeners to take proactive steps in their migraine management journey and inviting feedback. Go to TheHeadacheQuiz.com to discover the biology behind your migraines. (0:00) Introduction and overview of rebound headaches (2:17) Strategies to prevent chronification and rebound (3:34) Addressing underlying issues and understanding brain signals (5:11) Managing migraine attacks: medication and magnesium (8:24) Additional treatments: anti-inflammatories and ice caps (12:06) Importance of sleep and recommendations (14:30) Reducing migraine frequency and taking action (16:35) Closing remarks and invitation for feedback
July 16 · 11 min
The Food Triangle: Nutrition Strategies for Migraine Relief
Explore the food triangle approach to managing migraines, emphasizing resilience over mere trigger avoidance. Learn how protein, fiber, and phytonutrients play a pivotal role in migraine relief, and get inspired with sample meals and breakfast ideas. Discover how to indulge in dessert options that fit within this framework. Finally, find out how to effectively use a daily food tracker to support your journey towards better health and migraine management. Go to TheHeadacheQuiz.com to discover the biology behind your migraines. (0:00) Introduction and overview of the food triangle approach (0:31) Building resilience vs. trigger avoidance (0:58) Focus on protein, fiber, and phytonutrients for migraine relief (6:49) Sample meal and breakfast ideas (9:43) Dessert options within the food triangle (10:40) Using the daily food tracker
July 9 · 14 min
BRAIN REST: Focus
The energy of summer is like the rays of the sun cast across a wide valley, warming everything it touches. Our job is to focus those rays so that we can use that energy to light a fire. What do you want to light up in your life? In this Brain Rest meditation, focus your energy on what matters most. This was recorded live during our weekly Restore and Rewire classes; to join us, go to https://migrainereliefcode.com/rewire. In class, these meditations are followed by movement that is a fusion of yoga and physical therapy to release muscle tension in the neck and upper back. These meditations are recorded live for the Migraine Relief Code Community. You can join us for them, followed by gentle yoga, at https://migrainereliefcode.com/rewire
July 2 · 11 min
Do You Ever Wonder if There's Something Missing From Your Migraine Plan?
In this episode, Dr. Amelia Scott Barrett, MD, shows you how testing can answer that question for you. She delves into the four biological systems that play a role in migraines and introduces the Headache Quiz as a tool to understand migraine genomics better. The discussion then shifts to the integration of functional medicine and lab testing in identifying migraine triggers. Dr. Barrett highlights the importance of creating personalized recovery plans and treatment strategies. The episode concludes with a summary of the effectiveness of this comprehensive approach in managing migraines. Go to TheHeadacheQuiz.com to discover the biology behind your migraines. (0:00) Episode Introduction and Genetic Research on Migraines (1:05) The Four Biological Systems Involved in Migraines (2:06) Headache Quiz and Migraine Genomics (3:42) Functional Medicine and Lab Testing (6:13) Creating Recovery Plans and Personalized Treatment (9:19) Summary and Effectiveness of the Approach
June 25 · 17 min
BRAIN REST: EXHALE
You know that moment when the hard part is over and you can finally, deeply, exhale? That's the moment I walk you through in this guided meditation. This was recorded during our weekly live Restore and Rewire classes; to join us for these types of meditations, plus the gentle yoga that follows, go to https://migrainereliefcode.com/rewire (0:00) Introduction, guided relaxation, and breathing exercises (3:40) Imagery for nervous system regulation, gratitude, and healing (7:42) Reconnecting with intuition (9:11) Clearing mental chatter and deepening relaxation (11:08) Activating the parasympathetic nervous system for healing (13:02) Removing stress and savoring inner peace (15:07) Silent reflection and concluding relaxation exercise
June 18 · 12 min
Migraines and Low Energy: What's the Link?
One of the four main biological causes of migraine is decreased energy production at the cellular level. To find out if this could be a factor for you, go to https://theheadachequiz.com. In this conversation with Dr. Cynthia LIbert, MD, you will learn how to help your cells make more energy with three specific strategies. (0:00) Understanding Migraines and Brain Signals (1:52) Chronification and Brain Function (4:10) Mitochondrial Energy and Migraines (5:17) Functional Genomics Testing for Migraine (7:47) Hormones, Estrogen, and Migraine Management (11:09) Personal Health Strategies and HRT
June 12 · 19 min
BRAIN REST: RESTORE
RESTORE. After any kind of challenge, whether it's mental or physical, we need to restore, to help the body heal. In this Brain Rest practice, I will guide you through the process of deepening into the parasympathetic nervous system, explaining what we're doing at the physical level every step of the way. You will emerge knowing how to tap into your body's innate capacity to heal. This is a live recording from our weekly zoom calls in Migraine Relief Code; to join us for the live practice, which is followed by gentle yoga, go to https://migrainereliefcode.com/rewire (0:00) Guided breathing and active healing introduction (4:04) Breath focus and body visualization (8:12) Parasympathetic nervous system's role (10:34) Immune system and white blood cells (14:27) Nutrient supply to the brain (16:02) Kidneys' filtration process (18:02) Reflection and closing remarks
June 5 · 11 min
MTHFR and Migraine: What Do I Do Now?
Have you been told that you have the MTHFR mutation, but you're not sure what to do about it? Listen to this podcast right away, because this directly triggers migraines and other headaches. In this episode, Dr. Amelia Scott Barrett, MD, delves into methylation, MTHFR, and the role of homocysteine and key vitamins like folate and B12. She then discusses the impact of other gene variants on how we respond to medications. Dr. Barrett provides actionable insights from genetic data to help manage migraines effectively. To learn if MTHFR or other vascular problems may be contributing to your migraines, go to TheHeadacheQuiz.com. (0:00) Understanding methylation, MTHFR, homocysteine, and key vitamins (2:56) Dietary sources of folate and vitamin B12 (3:54) Impact of CYP3A4 gene on medication metabolism and side effects (6:08) Genetic abnormalities in neurotransmitter function (7:47) The role of 5-HTT LPR gene and serotonin recycling (9:22) SSRIs and their effectiveness in migraine patients (10:43) Importance of genetic information for personalized treatment (11:15) Actionable insights from genetic data on migraines
May 29 · 19 min
BRAIN REST: Transcend
Lie down. Close your eyes. And join us to transcend the limitations that are holding you back from full health and wellness. This recording is from our weekly live nervous system regulation classes; to join us for the meditation followed by gentle yoga, go to: https://migrainereliefcode.com/rewire
May 22 · 55 min
Gut Health and Migraines: Probiotics, Fermented Foods, and Histamine Sensitivity with Dr. Vincent Pedre, MD
In this episode, Dr. Amelia Scott Barrett, MD, and Dr. Vincent Pedre, MD, delve into the intricate connection between gut health and migraines, especially around histamine issues and food sensitivities. To find out if histamine or inflammation could be contributing to your migraines, go to https://theheadachequiz.com (0:00) Introduction, Dr. Vincent Pedre, and the gut-migraine connection (1:00) Fermented foods vs. fiber for gut health (2:41) Stanford study on fermented foods: limitations and findings (6:16) Irish psychobiotic diet study and stress reduction (10:21) Future research on gut-brain connections and treatments (11:05) Historical perspective on the brain-gut relationship (12:39) Inflammation from gut health impacting migraines (14:04) Managing histamine sensitivity and fermented foods (20:32) Probiotics for histamine-sensitive individuals (24:28) Dr. Barrett's multivitamin for migraine and spore-based probiotics (25:54) Food sensitivity testing for migraine sufferers (30:08) Surprising food triggers and patient stories (33:25) Peptides and gut permeability (38:39) Importance of mind-body healing (41:07) LCAT food sensitivity tests (42:26) Best fermented foods when histamine is a concern (45:04) Vagus nerve stimulators for gut and migraine health (48:30) Kombucha considerations for gut health (50:36) Recommendations for low secretory IgA (52:26) Additional recommendations for low secretory IgA (53:17) Availability of specialized gut health products (53:50) Upcoming self-serve gut evaluation service (54:19) Spore-based probiotics discussion (54:33) Closing remarks and gratitude
May 15 · 17 min
Brain Rest: Energy Centers
Lie down. Close your eyes. And join us for this live recording from my weekly Restore and Rewire Classes in Migraine Relief Code. This recording is from our weekly live nervous system regulation classes; to join us for the meditation followed by gentle yoga, go to: https://migrainereliefcode.com/rewire (0:00) Brain rest, breath technique, and guided exercise (2:21) Ujjayi breath explanation (4:10) Connecting with intuition and ancestral wisdom (5:38) Embracing inner knowingness and safety (7:12) Focusing on love and gratitude (10:31) Attention to the brain and planning for health (12:56) Visualizing habits of the healthiest version of you (15:52) Returning to the present moment and final breath
May 8 · 52 min
Is Meditation Basically Just a Secular Form of Prayer?
In this episode, Dr. Amelia Scott Barrett, MD, and Dr. Tanya Paynter, ND, explore healing modalities, focusing on prayer and meditation. They examine differences in brain activity and bodily effects, particularly concerning chronic stress and inflammation. The discussion highlights the roles of the amygdala and stress response, emphasizing prayer's impact. Balancing science and faith, they explore the mind-body-soul connection and the importance of nervous system regulation. Practical tips for integrating prayer and meditation into daily life are shared, along with reflections on various prayer types. For more info about how to heal from migraine, go to https://TheHeadacheQuiz.com (0:00) Introduction, guest Dr. Tanya Paynter, and healing modalities (0:41) The roles of prayer and meditation in healing (1:19) Defining prayer and meditation (2:03) Differences in brain activity: meditation vs. prayer (3:54) Bodily effects of prayer and meditation (4:27) Chronic stress, inflammation, and triggers (4:58) The amygdala, stress response, and prayer's impact (7:32) Locus of control: meditation vs. prayer (12:41) Surrender from a Christian perspective (18:12) Balancing scientific mindset and faith (24:08) Continuing the science and faith discussion (27:44) Mind, body, heart, and soul connection in healing (31:08) Integrating physical and spiritual approaches to healing (33:37) Importance of nervous system regulation (37:11) Understanding different spiritual orientations (40:18) Hyperactive nervous systems in headache patients (42:39) Types of prayer and their effects on the nervous system (44:39) Lamentation and anger prayers (47:08) Caution and considerations with trauma-related prayers (47:32) Continued discussion on trauma-related prayer effects (48:22) Establishing a prayer routine and its benefits (49:10) Integrating prayer into daily life (49:30) Effectiveness of focused prayer and meditation (49:56) Addressing doubts and misconceptions about God (50:33) Evaluating church teachings (50:55) Viewing God as a best friend (51:14) Practical tips for engaging in prayer (51:24) Dr. Barrett's reflections on prayer types (51:41) Gratitude to Dr. Tanya Paynter, ND (52:04) Dr. Paynter's closing remarks on her passion for discussing Jesus
May 1 · 13 min
If you have a migraine brain, it's Self-PRESERVATION, not Self-Care
Do you take care of everybody and everything... except yourself? And you probably know it's worsening your migraines when you stay up late and eat junk food and live in chronic stress... There just never seems to be enough time to do what you know you should do. Let's shift that mindset. Today's podcast ends with a challenge for you that I want you to start right now!! Go to TheHeadacheQuiz to learn more about the biology behind your migraines, and what you can do about it. (0:00) Introduction to migraine biology and migraine moms (0:41) Genetics, neurotransmitters, and stress response in migraine (2:08) Methylation, oxidative stress, and brain shutdown during migraines (2:51) Understanding biological systems and migraine root causes (3:19) The headache quiz and the "Ferrari brain" analogy (4:02) Lifestyle adjustments, chronification, and pain learning in migraine (5:57) Migraine as a disability and reframing self-care (7:16) Caring for your "Ferrari brain" and managing non-negotiables (10:01) Balancing self-care, responsibilities, and bedtime routines (11:54) Bedtime alarm challenge and closing thoughts
April 25 · 8 min
AAN Meeting 2026 Meeting Update: Dementia Risk, Biofeedback, Probiotics
Dive into the latest insights from the American Academy of Neurology meeting, exploring non-pharmacological relief methods for migraines. Learn about the intriguing link between midlife migraines and dementia, and discover practical strategies to combat migraines. Delve into the effectiveness of biofeedback-assisted relaxation and the role of probiotics and gut health in managing inflammation. Explore the complex relationship between migraines, infertility, and fertility treatments. Conclude with actionable takeaways to incorporate into your migraine management plan. To find out your Headache Type and unlpck a personalized path to recovery, go to https://theheadachequiz.com (0:00) Highlights from the American Academy of Neurology meeting and non-pharmacological relief methods (1:09) Association between midlife migraine and dementia (2:14) Taking action against migraines (2:56) Biofeedback-assisted relaxation and its effectiveness for migraine (4:16) Probiotics, gut health, and inflammation in migraine management (7:11) Migraine, infertility, and the impact of fertility treatment (8:00) Closing remarks and actionable takeaways
April 23 · 12 min
What to do when you have an aura
Dr. Amelia Scott Barrett, MD, breaks down the mysterious phenomenon of migraine auras, detailing the sensations and the role of the visual cortex and brain energy. She emphasizes the importance of distinguishing stroke-like symptoms and knowing when to seek medical assistance. The episode provides practical steps to manage an aura, starting with reducing stimuli and incorporating electrolytes and magnesium glycinate. Dr. Barrett also addresses genetic factors and common concerns regarding magnesium supplementation. Comprehensive recovery strategies for migraines are discussed, offering personalized recommendations for effective management. Go to TheHeadacheQuiz.com to learn more. (0:00) What is an aura and how does it feel (1:24) How the visual cortex and brain energy relate to auras (2:35) When to seek medical help for stroke-like symptoms (2:59) First step during an aura: reducing stimuli (5:37) Second and third steps: electrolytes and magnesium glycinate (8:32) Genetics and common concerns with magnesium supplementation (11:15) Comprehensive migraine recovery strategies and personalized recommendations
April 9 · 15 min
BRAIN REST: Spaciousness
Close your eyes. And travel with me to a place where time doesn't exist... Where there is no rushing. Intentionally create spaciousness to allow yourself to receive your gifts. This recording is from our weekly live nervous system regulation classes; to join us for the meditation followed by gentle yoga, go to: https://migrainereliefcode.com/rewire (0:00) Introduction and guided breathing for spaciousness (2:01) Using breath and intentional spaciousness for healing (5:10) Visualization: stairway to your special place (6:44) Entering and exploring your place of support (9:06) Receiving nourishment, guidance, and healing (12:41) Returning and bringing spaciousness into daily life (14:57) Conclusion and gratitude
March 19 · 14 min
Brain Rest: SAFETY
Create SAFETY as you heal. Lie down. Close your eyes. Take a sensory break and allow your body to focus on healing. This recording is from our weekly live nervous system regulation classes; to join us for the meditation followed by gentle yoga, go to: https://migrainereliefcode.com/rewire (0:00) Brain rest, creating safety, and managing thoughts (2:44) Slowing the default mode network and enjoying mental spaciousness (5:37) Deep breathing and creating bodily safety (7:50) Understanding chronic headaches and nervous system dynamics (10:09) Physical cues and habitual responses for nervous system relaxation (12:12) The role of repetition and awareness in healing
March 11 · 20 min
BRAIN REST: Beliefs
What BELIEFS do you wish to change? Close your eyes, lie down, and join me for a sensory break for your brain. Reflect on the beliefs you have that no longer serve you, and begin to lay down the neural pathways for change. Align your beliefs with what is most deeply true for you in the here and now. This recording is from our weekly live nervous system regulation classes; to join us for the meditation followed by gentle yoga, go to: https://migrainereliefcode.com/rewire
March 9 · 12 min
A new molecule for migraine? Maybe!
Dr. Amelia Scott Barrett, MD, and Dr. Chris Burris delve into the intricate relationship between oxidative stress, mitochondrial function, and migraines. They explore recent genetic research, shedding light on potential breakthroughs in understanding migraines. Personal migraine experiences are shared, highlighting the benefits of new products designed to alleviate symptoms. The episode concludes with reflections and acknowledgments, providing listeners with insights into the evolving landscape of migraine management. To find out your Headache Type, go to https://theheadachequiz.com (0:00) Introduction and discussion on oxidative stress, mitochondria, and migraines (6:55) Genetic links and new research on migraines (9:40) Personal migraine experiences and new product benefits (11:32) Conclusion and acknowledgments

Migraine Relief Code with Dr. Amelia Scott Barrett, MD

The Most Underutilized Migraine Recovery Tool

Rebound Headaches: Top 5 Things You Need to Know

The Food Triangle: Nutrition Strategies for Migraine Relief

BRAIN REST: Focus

Do You Ever Wonder if There's Something Missing From Your Migraine Plan?

BRAIN REST: EXHALE

Migraines and Low Energy: What's the Link?

BRAIN REST: RESTORE

MTHFR and Migraine: What Do I Do Now?

BRAIN REST: Transcend

Gut Health and Migraines: Probiotics, Fermented Foods, and Histamine Sensitivity with Dr. Vincent Pedre, MD

Brain Rest: Energy Centers

Is Meditation Basically Just a Secular Form of Prayer?

If you have a migraine brain, it's Self-PRESERVATION, not Self-Care

AAN Meeting 2026 Meeting Update: Dementia Risk, Biofeedback, Probiotics

What to do when you have an aura

BRAIN REST: Spaciousness

Brain Rest: SAFETY

BRAIN REST: Beliefs

A new molecule for migraine? Maybe!