Have you noticed in your own life that changes in daylight, barometric pressure, and temperature could be a possible trigger for fall weather headaches and full-blown migraines? Do you suffer from fall season migraine and headaches?
Fall has arrived! In some states and countries, fall is quite different to others. Here in Florida, our fall consists of temperatures in the 80’s, but with a difference in the morning temperature and less humidity (if we are lucky!!). Some parts of the country have even had early snow fall, even though it’s only October. Still, the arrival of fall pretty much everywhere, brings cooler temperatures, less humidity, windier days — and for some migraineurs, more headaches.
Unfortunately, this is true. Seasonal changes really can provoke migraines — that severe, throbbing, debilitating pain which is often accompanied by auras, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound. Not only have I shared this in a previous blog, but research confirms that weather is a trigger for approximately half of those migraineurs who are aware of their triggers.
While it may be clear that outside climate can cause head pain, trying to figure out just exactly what it is about the change in season that is the culprit is harder to do. With weather changes, it isn’t just about temperature, it is also the atmospheric pressure, winds, clouds, dust and even precipitation. In addition to this, we are also dealing with more allergens, mold and ragweed at this time of year.
Changes in Daylight Cycles
Changing daylight cycles could be also be a culprit. As our fall/winter days tend to shorten, some migraine experts have stated that this has a neurological effect on people.
During the autumn months, there are not only changes in temperature, but also in barometric pressure. Research has shown what many of us have already experienced – barometric pressure/change is probably the No. 1 culprit of migraines. Often, when a high-pressure system approaches, temperatures tend to fall, barometric pressure tends to go up, and humidity tends to fall, but when low pressure comes in, it does the opposite; with falling barometric pressure, temperatures and humidity rise, and then we start seeing storms and lightning.
Research has also shown that lightening itself is even a migraine trigger, and further studies showed that when lightning strikes within 25 miles of a person’s home, his or her migraine risk goes up 28 percent. That is a pretty staggering figure.
How do Weather Changes Lead to Migraine Pain?
Dr. Peterlin explains that it “probably has something to do with the activation of the “peripheral nociception pathways” in the brain (it may be that weather change itself activates these pathways, or weather change affects another mechanism in the body that activates these pathways).” To simplify, while we know weather is a trigger, the mechanisms for this are not yet fully known. At this point, experts still aren’t sure of all the different pathways involved in migraine stating that this is a “very complex biologic and neurologic event.”
So what can you do if you suspect the change in seasons is triggering your migraines? Well, as we know from experience, that is a tough questions since weather is something that happens and is not something we look for and can therefore avoid.
What Actions to Take
If you have already figured out that it’s the allergies to mold and ragweed that are the culprit for you, try to stay indoors more often to avoid exposing yourself to these triggers. Of course, staying inside will not help if barometric pressure changes are your trigger. Eventually, the barometric pressure inside will mirror what is outside.
The most valuable lesson to be given then, is to just be prepared. If you know weather is a trigger, make sure you have medicine or natural remedies that work for you wherever you go — at work, in your purse, in your car — and then be sure to treat early. This is something I can help you with also, with pre-treatment, regular routines to add to your day, and other preventatives that can help take the “edge off.” However, don’t wait until this season is upon you in full force. Think and plan ahead and be ready now. Schedule your complimentary breakthrough session with me by going to my Website.