I've had migraines since I was a teenager. Here are 6 migraine apps I use to track — and prevent — pain.
- I've dealt with migraine attacks for years, so having tools at my disposal helps.
- Many apps can help reduce migraine frequency and manage symptoms.
I've been dealing with debilitating migraines since puberty. Over time, I've learned that when you have a chronic condition like migraines, you'll take all the tools you can get. Luckily, there are more and more types of treatments and resources that can help with symptoms.
It's helpful to have apps that can do things like help you track patterns to find triggers, predict migraines, and discover research that can help. Many of these apps also feature an online community, which helps me feel less alone and connect with others dealing with similar issues. While my partner is understanding when I vent about my pain, it's not quite the same as talking to people who share my experiences.
Most of these apps are free, with an option to subscribe to a premium membership. Here are the apps I use to help prevent migraines and reduce pain.
A migraine tracker to predict attacks and pinpoint triggers
Tracking my day-to-day activities and migraine attacks has given me a lot of insight into what my body needs and what my triggers might be. I like using the Migraine Buddy app because it will send me reminders to track my day. I can note factors such as stress or dehydration that can lead to a migraine, as well as track my sleep patterns.
When I have a migraine attack, I can report the length of time, what kind of migraine I'm having, the pain level, and more. I can also look back at reports on my migraine attacks over time. The app is free with the option to subscribe to MBplus, which offers advanced reports, coaching plans, and in-depth weather reports. The premium subscription costs either $10 monthly or $70 annually, with a seven-day free trial.
Migraine Monitor is another useful free migraine-tracker app. It lets you record migraine attacks, shares news, and connects you anonymously with other migraine patients.
Download Migraine Buddy: Apple | Google Play
Download Migraine Monitor: Apple | Google Play
A period app when migraines and your menstrual cycle are linked
For people with ovaries, migraines and menstrual cycles are often linked. I like using an app such as Clue to track my period so I can anticipate attacks that coincide with my period. Clue keeps track of your cycle lengths, makes it easier to find patterns, and allows you to record factors such as your mood, pain (migraine or otherwise), and energy levels.
The reports are in depth, and the interface is aesthetically pleasing. It's free to use, but a premium subscription costs $30 a year or $10 monthly and gives you cycle predictions (more than just the approaching month), access to pregnancy mode, tips and articles, customer support, and more.
Download Clue: Apple | Google Play
Weather apps to prevent attacks
Weather apps such as WeatherX and AccuWeather are useful for predicting shifts in barometric pressure, a common migraine trigger. AccuWeather also features forecasts for ways the weather can affect specific health conditions, such as migraines or asthma.
It's especially useful when I'm experiencing weather changes such as poor air quality, which often causes headaches. Both are free to download, but AccuWeather offers two premium subscription options. Premium removes ads and costs $2 monthly or $10 yearly with a seven-day free trial. Premium Plus is also ad-free and offers features including hourly forecast graphs and up-to-the-minute notifications. It costs $4 a month or $20 annually after the free trial.
Download WeatherX: Apple | Google Play
Download AccuWeather: Apple | Google Play
Protect your eyes during screen time
One of my biggest triggers lately is screen time. It's hard to avoid since my job involves being on the computer and I'm an avid TV watcher. On particularly screen-heavy days, I try to use a blue-light filter or night mode. Most phones come with this setting, but if not, Blue Light Filter - Night Mode is a great free option.
Download Blue Light Filter - Night Mode: Google Play
Meditation apps to reduce stress
Meditation has proved beneficial in reducing migraine frequency by reducing stress. It can also help lower anxiety and depression, which can lead to migraines. My favorite app is Balance because you can choose a series to follow along with or try a single session based on your mood. Balance also offers guided meditations or songs that can help you fall asleep. Your first year is free. After that, it costs $12 a month or $70 a year.
BetterSleep: Relax and Sleep is similar and features a sleep tracker, nighttime recorder, soothing sounds, music, and guided content. The app is free to use, but if you want to unlock more content, it costs either $10 a month, $60 a year, or $250 for life, paid once.
Download Balance: Apple | Google Play
Download BetterSleep: Relax and Sleep: Apple | Google Play
Apps to block out excess background noise
If you're a light sleeper like me, having something to distract from background noise can be the difference between waking up refreshed or tossing and turning all night. Studies have found poor sleep quality and migraines are linked. Having an app like White Noise Lite to filter out distractions is so helpful. There are a few kinds of white-noise apps, but I like this one because of the sheer number of options it has. It's free to download.
Download White Noise Lite: Apple | Google Play