By Jack Irvin Published on September 27, 2022 06:00 PM
Brooke tells PEOPLE about learning how to relieve pain caused by migraines, creating her upcoming debut solo album and how she looks back on Fifth Harmony today
Fans know Ally Brooke‘s journey from auditioning for The X Factor and scoring hits as part of Fifth Harmony to finding success as a solo artist, actress and author. However, most of them probably don’t know she’s endured migraines throughout her career.
“I began dealing with them at such a young age, and it has really affected and impacted me every day,” Brooke tells PEOPLE, noting that the debilitating disease once nearly forced her to cancel a performance in Miami. “I felt an attack, and it was pretty terrible. But at that time, I had no option. I really had to push through, and it was nauseating, but you know what? I went out there, and I did my thing.”
After utilizing at-home remedies like sitting in a dark room with a wet towel to little success, the 29-year-old pop star is partnering with Nurtec ODT, which she currently takes to relieve the pain caused by migraines.
“It just changed everything for me, and I can just do what I love without fear,” says Brooke, who’s spent time figuring out exactly what triggers her intense headaches. “For me, it’s stress and lack of sleep. So, whenever I know I’m having a hectic schedule, I’ll be able to use it as a preventative. Or if [the migraine] does strike, I can take it.”