Do You Suffer With Weather-Related Migraines?
We have talked a little before about how weather can trigger migraines and the effect weather can have on us as migraine sufferers. I know that since moving to Florida many years ago, it became apparent to me that certain weather patterns trigger a migraine for me. Having lived in England until the time I moved to the States with my husband, and subsequently moved to Florida, the weather did not affect my migraines. However, once I moved here, the weather patters took a toll on my migraines. Still, it was many years before I learned this was a trigger for me. Once armed with that crucial information, it became easier to prepared for that type of trigger. Most definitely, the barometric pressure and weather changes, plus humidity and storms affect me here in Florida. I am sure many of you can relate to that – and in fact, some of us can even predict the weather/storms, etc. before other people can.
According to a 2013 University of Cincinnati study that was conducted, there was shown to be a 31% increased risk of headache and 28% increased risk of migraine on days lightening struck within 25 miles of the participants’ homes. In addition that, researches at a Japanese university found that 64% of patients they tracked throughout a year of storms experienced migraines when the barometric pressure dropped.
So if people have told you “It’s all in your head,” meaning they don’t believe there is any validity in what you are saying, science shows that there is a definite correlation between weather patterns and migraine.
According to the International Headache Society, there are seven identified triggers for weather-related migraines:
- Temperature changes
- High humidity
- High winds
- Extremely dry conditions
- Bright lights and sun glare
- Stormy weather
- Barometric pressure changes
Wow! I don’t know about you, but I can relate to most of those!
Weather changes can cause imbalances in brain chemicals – including seratonin – which can trigger a migraine. Those who are exposed to weather triggers can also find that migraines may worsen a headache that was originally caused by other triggers. (You know — that little nagging headache that all of a sudden has turned into a full-blown migraine.)
It is thought that high humidity and extremely dry conditions can cause migraines because those conditions exacerbate dehydration, and dehydration is one of the most common migraine triggers. Bright lights and sun glare also activate painful sensitivity to light with migraine sufferers. For those of you who live in warm climates with a lot of sun, this definitely is one to watch out for. I know that here in Florida, especially in the heat of the summer, when the sun is so bright and those of us who are avid beach-goers who love to sit and relax in the gorgeous beach surroundings, have to be particularly cautious with the heat and sunlight triggering a migraine.
With all that said, here are 8 quick tips to help you avoid your next round of weather-induced migraine.
1. Stay hydrated. It is essential that you keep yourself filled up on water – and not just in the summertime. This should be a daily habit for migraine sufferers.
2. Invest in a barometer. I have heard that the Ambient Weather Barometer is a good one (available on Amazon). The advantage of having a barometer on your work desk or in your home is that it gives you a visual “heads-up” to the barometric changes coming your way.
3. Stay Inside. I know that doesn’t sound like much fun, and it won’t prevent the triggering of a migraine in some instances, but if you are having extreme temperatures, high humidity or the sun is particularly bright, it is better to stay indoors and avoid the migraine trigger.
4. Check your glasses. As you are probably aware, even indoors, if you are exposed to fluorescent lights or particularly bright lights, this could trigger a migraine. You can block that indoor light and sun glare with “migraine glasses.” These are made with a tint called FL-41 from TheraSpecs or Axon Optics. These can be worn anywhere and they might help you prevent your next migraine.
5. Be prepared for the unexpected. Actually, there is a new feature on AccuWeather.com called “The Migraine Forecast,” and a similar one on Weather.com called “Aches and Pains Forecast.” I have heard that the Migraine Forecast can be very accurate. Check it out – it might be another resource for you to avoid your next migraine.
6. Limit triggers. Once you know that a storm is on the way or you are in the midst of a storm, what you need to do is limit your exposure to any other migraine triggers you might have. For example, avoid stress, make sure you get adequate sleep and stay away from foods which are known migraine triggers for you. You should also make sure you are getting in a regular exercise routine and taking advantage of that stress and headache reducer.
7. Monitor the weather. I have heard recently of an app called “A Barometer for iPhone” which will read the pressure exactly where you are at. It’s not like weather apps which predict weather in the surrounding area, but this is specific to right where you are at.
8. You may have to move! I have told my husband many times, that the only way to avoid these weather triggers is if we moved out of state. Since all my family and precious grandchildren are close by, for me that is not an option! But, if you have chronic migraines which are totally ruining your life, this may be an option to consider. Do a Google search of the best places to live for migraine sufferers! This may be an option that fits into your life right now.