Here we are, in the midst of summer, and many of us are even experiencing some “freak” weather patterns at the moment. Many us of are bombarded with rain and high humidity. So, with that being the case, I wanted to give you something useful to help you through this time of year when you are suffering from atmospheric/barometric changes that affect your migraines. Actually, one of the most common migraine triggers is the weather. Studies have shown that 75% of migraine sufferers have migraines that are triggered by changes in the atmospheric pressure. While it may be a lot simpler if, for example, you know your migraines are triggered by cheese, but what can you do about headaches that are triggered by fluctuations in the barometric pressure?
What Is Barometric Pressure?
First of all, what is barometric pressure? Well, it’s a combination of that air and water pressure in the atmosphere which changes according to the prevailing weather conditions. Air pressure is the force exerted by the weight of air overhead — which is why high altitudes tend to have low air pressure. Water pressure actually refers to the same thing – which is why deep-sea divers can feel an increase in pressure when they dive deeper because of the weight of the water.
However, with that said, being in either low or high pressure levels isn’t the main challenge with migraine sufferers. Most people have pain triggered by the change in air pressure. You may have noticed that you can pretty much predict the weather according to how you feel. For example, some of you probably can sense the arrive of a storm. I know I can!
So when the weather forecasters speak of fronts which are referring to changes in barometric pressure (with blue usually indicating low pressure and red indicating high pressure fronts), you may know that the low or falling pressure is association with deteriorating weather conditions or storms approaching. The air pressure can fall quickly and migraine suffers often detect this quick change. Rising barometric pressure usually indicates better weather, but usually with an increase in temperature and probably higher humidity levels. As you are probably fully aware, high humidity is another common migraine trigger.
How Does Barometric Pressure Affect Migraine Sufferers?
There is no one definitive explanation of why these types of headaches occur, but several suggestions have been made:
- A change in electrical charges in the atmosphere (positive ionization, for example, which is linked to the release of serotonin)
- A change in oxygen levels caused by low or high humidity. High humidity reduces oxygen levels, making it hard for us to receive the right amount of oxygen to function properly, and blood vessels expand or contract to compensate.
- Pressure differences in air trapped in the inner ear or in blocked nasal cavities cause pain similar to sinus headaches
Migraine triggers and symptoms of migraine need to be tracked so that you can learn how to better manage them, and have insight into what your migraine triggers and symptoms are.
How Do You Cope with Barometric Pressure Migraines?
Sometimes, just knowing a migraine is on the way can help you ward off the symptoms by taking measure early in the cycle. This can include medication, or natural remedies which we have talked about in the past. Although it is harder to deal with weather-related migraines — because you just can’t avoid this type of circumstance — don’t lose hope. There are some steps you can take.
- Monitor the weather (you can use your Smartphone/tablet or just watch the weather reports
- Keep a weather migraine diary. If you are not sure to what extent weather patterns affect your migraines, keep track of episodes, noting the weather conditions, and this can help you identify common patterns. Did you know there is even something out there — a migraine barometer — that alerts you to falling or rising pressure once you know what your individual pattern is so that you can program it accordingly?
- Control indoor humidity levels. Dehumidifiers can help to regular humidity levels in the home.
- If possible, avoid trigger situations like going out in high winds or extreme heat or cold.
- Stay hydrated. Hot, humid weather can lead to heat exhaustion as well as dehydration, both of which can lead to migraines and headaches. Sip water at regular intervals, and remember that by the time you are thirsty, you are already dehydrated
- Try carrying some of the essential oils I have mentioned before, like lavender, peppermint and some of my proprietary blends (check them out by clicking HERE.)
It’s not always easy to be able to stop the beginning of a migraine with unpredictable weather patterns, but if you incorporate some of these strategies into your life, you may be able to minimize the “damage” and even prevent the triggering of a migraine with the barometric changes. As the saying goes, “forearmed is forewarned!” And in these types of situations, being forearmed can certainly work to our advantage.