Weather related Migraines
One of most common triggers of a migraine that is often under appreciated is the weather. There is no question that weather can precipitate a migraine in some individuals but how this exactly happens is not fully understood. In fact, many migraine sufferers do develop an instinct about bad weather and know exactly when a headache will start.
Because the bad weather can cause severe migraines, these individuals focus all their energy on following the climate obsessively. Unfortunately, avoiding bad weather all the time often leads to restrictions in lifestyle, and can lead to social isolation and difficulties in interpersonal relationships, especially if the partner or the family is more outgoing.
What happens during bad weather?
Over the years there have been many small studies showing that bad weather can increase the frequency of migraine attacks. In fact, there are even studies showing that bad weather that involves lightening even 25 miles away can trigger a migraine in some people. In places where heavy rain, thunderstorms, and lightning are common, the frequency of migraines also goes up.
What weather-related factors trigger a migraine?
The International Headache Society has identified several weather-related triggers that include the following:
- Sudden changes in temperature:
It has been observed that gradual changes in temperature are not a trigger factor but the sudden drop or increase in temperature are common factors. Both hot and cold weather can trigger migraines. In the majority of migraine sufferers, it is the sudden onset of hot weather which precipitates a migraine.
2. The level of humidity:
As the level of humidity increases so does the risk of precipitating a migraine attack. Humidity is more of a factor in the tropical parts of the world. In fact when the humidity persists, so does the migraine attack.
3. Wind Conditions:
Windy conditions are also known to precipitate migraine attacks. The windy usually has to be forceful and cold.
4 Stormy weather:
Anytime the weather is stormy and associated with thunderstorms or lightning, one can expect a migraine to develop. Often the headache will persist even after the stormy weather has subsided.
5. Arid conditions:
In some people, extremely dry and arid conditions can also trigger a migraine. For example, when people travel to areas of low humidity and dry weather, the migraine attack can often be severe and will not respond to any measures until the individual leaves that environment.
6. Bright sun:
A common trigger for a migraine is the glare of the sun and bright lights. Thus, a common reason why healthcare providers ask migraine sufferers to wear dark glasses is to avoid the bright rays of the sun. In some cases, one has to avoid going out when the sun is the brightest from 10 am to 3 pm.Change in barometric pressure is also a common cause of a migraine.
7. Barometric Pressure:
Change in barometric pressure is also a common cause of a migraine.
Keep a diary
Most people who have a migraine never associate the weather conditions to their headache. The only way to know if the weather is the trigger is to keep a diary and record the following:
– What was the weather when you developed your migraine?
– Was the temperature or cold?
– Was it very dry or very humid?
– Was there lightning?
– Was there a severe thunderstorm?
– Did the barometric pressure change?
– Was the sun bright, did you go out without sunglasses?
– Was it windy?
By keeping a diary, one can help make an association with the weather. The best way to avoid weather related migraine is to avoid the environmental conditions.
Why does weather trigger migraines?
The exact cause of this phenomenon remains unknown but experts believe that the weather changes may be associated with changes in pressure in the brain or generation of electromagnetic waves that may adversely affect the nerves.
How can one avoid weather-related migraines?
For those who want to avoid weather related migraine, here are some tips:
- Stay hydrated because in dry weather or in presence of extreme humidity, hydration has been shown to decrease the frequency of headaches
- Remain indoors to avoid the change in barometric pressure or electromagnetic waves. Staying indoors will also help limit your exposure to bright lights, humidity, and windy conditions
- For migraineurs who suffer from weather-related headaches, invest in a decent pair of eyeglasses that can block the glare of the sun and bright light. Also, make sure the lenses are wide so that they block the wind and dust.
- Do not go out unprepared. If the weather seems to be a trigger, always check the weather reports ahead of time and be prepared. Today most weather reports are pretty accurate for several days ahead of time.
- Invest in a Barometer – if you are sensitive to pressure changes in the environment, get a barometer. There are portable barometers for the home which work like a clock and tell you ahead of time what to expect when you walk outside the home.
Finally, learn to control your own triggers. If you know that the weather is going to be bad stay indoors. In addition, avoid stress, get adequate sleep and avoid other triggers like food, smoke or alcohol.
While you can always move to another part of the world; but this is an extreme maneuver and not really practical today. Fortunately, in most cases, one can decrease the frequency of weather-related migraines by being proactive.