Experiencing Painful Headaches Due to Climate Conditions?
Struggling with migraines caused by shifts in atmospheric pressure? Learn about weather-induced headaches and discover tips to manage and prevent these pesky headaches.
Migraines can be a real pain in the neck, especially when your weather-obsessed friend is continuously complaining about sunny days and rainy spells. But it turns out they might actually be onto something. Weather changes affect a whopping one-third of people suffering from chronic migraines, known as barometric pressure migraines.
While there are various triggers for migraines, weather conditions are among the most common culprits. So, what can you do when old man Winter - or even springtime showers - give you a headache between the eyes? Here's what you need to know.
What’s a barometric pressure migraine?
You might already be familiar with migraines, but did you ever wonder if the weather could be behind your pain? Migraines can be triggered by a range of environmental and biological factors, including changes in atmospheric pressure, also known as barometric pressure.
When there are changes in air pressure, it can cause discomfort in your sinuses, ears, or other body cavities. This pain results in a barometric migraine, a type of migraine that literally makes your head feel like a balloon about to pop.
Research on what exactly causes barometric migraines varies. Some scientists have found a direct link between barometric pressure and migraines, suggesting that even the slightest changes in weather can lead to headache misery. However, others believe that weather changes must be combined with other migraine triggers, such as hormonal fluctuations or specific smells, to induce a headache.
What's more, there's research suggesting that weather patterns can not only cause migraines but also affect the severity of the pain symptoms.
Symptoms of weather-related migraines
Migraines can certainly be a mixed bag when it comes to symptoms, but there are some common signs that point to barometric pressure migraines specifically. These symptoms include:
- Headaches lasting from 4 to 72 hours (yes, you read that right - 3 whole days of pain)
- Vision changes, such as kaleidoscope or blurred vision
- Light sensitivity
- Sensitivity to sounds, smells, or touch
- Dizziness
- Difficulty focusing
- Trouble sleeping
- Mood changes
- Nausea or abdominal pain
- Excessive yawning
- Changes in your speech
- Memory problems
In addition to these common symptoms, a barometric pressure migraine may also include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- More intense light sensitivity
- Pain in your temples
- Face or neck numbness
- Auras, or temporary visual disturbances
- Ringing in your ears
- Tingling sensation in your hands or feet
Can weather changes cause headaches and migraines?
Migraines can be triggered by various factors, from certain smells to stress. Common weather forces associated with migraines include changes in:
- Temperature
- Altitude
- Humidity
- Strong winds
- Air pressure
It appears that changes in atmospheric pressure disrupt the body's pressure balance in sinuses and other small, air-filled cavities. This imbalance can cause discomfort or headaches.
Pressure changes may also restrict blood vessels in these cavities, restricting oxygen flow or possibly overstimulating the brain's pain receptors.
According to a 2015 study, even the slightest changes in atmospheric pressure can cause headaches, making it clear that you can't always escape the impending barometric pressure migraine when you hear Eurovision is back on TV.
How to treat barometric pressure migraines
When that barometric pressure drops and your headache follows in its wake, you'll want some relief - STAT. The good news is that there are several options to help you nix the pain.
Medications like over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, are popular treatments for migraines. Herbal remedies, such as essential oils, meditation, and acupressure, may also provide relief.
For chronic or episodic migraines, you may need prescription-strength options to help treat or prevent migraine attacks. These might include prescription migraine medications, botulinum toxin (Botox) injections, or even surgery to decompress nerves.
Can you prevent a barometric pressure migraine?
To prevent barometric pressure migraines, you'll want to first identify your specific weather-related triggers. Tracking your migraine patterns can help you understand your personal triggers and identify any warning signs before a full-blown migraine hits.
Different approaches may help prevent weather-related migraines, such as:
- Monitoring the weather and planning ahead for changes
- Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids
- Maintaining a healthy diet and avoiding skipping meals
- Avoiding alcohol and caffeine
- Getting adequate sleep nightly
- Managing stress with techniques like mindfulness, meditation, or regular exercise
Every migraine is unique, so you may need to experiment with different tips and tricks to find what works best for your headaches.
If your migraines are continuing to impact the quality of your life, it may be time to consult a healthcare provider. They can offer strategies for managing symptoms and help you find the best treatment approach.
- Barometric migraines, caused by changes in atmospheric pressure, affect a whopping one-third of people suffering from chronic migraines.
- Weather changes can not only cause migraines but also affect the severity of the pain symptoms, such as nausea, light sensitivity, and dizziness.
- To prevent barometric pressure migraines, it's essential to identify your specific weather-related triggers, and strategies may include monitoring the weather, staying hydrated, maintaining a healthy diet, managing stress, and consulting a healthcare provider if necessary.
