Fall Migraine Triggers
By: Brooklyn A. Bradley, BS; Medically edited by Dr. Deena Kuruvilla, MD
Fall is in the air! Fall began on September 22nd, and it can be a favorite time for those who love picturesque landscapes, candy apples, pumpkin spice lattes, the list can go on. However, for those with migraine and headache that are sensitive to seasonal triggers, this time of year can be difficult. In today’s blog post, we will dive deeper into fall triggers and what to do.
According to a study investigating the seasonal predilection of cluster headache, seasonal changes from autumn to winter increased the frequency of cluster periods [1]. Another study reported that seasonal migraine attacks were more common in adults during autumn than any other season [2]. The culprit may be the dramatic changes in weather that occur during fall. We can expect decreasing daylight, decreasing temperatures, late-season tropical threats, and even the first snow or freeze of the season during fall.
In addition, weather changes can also bring on allergies, and some people will suffer from both allergies and migraine [3]. Ragweed pollen is the source for many common fall allergy symptoms [4]. It grows across the United States and releases pollen from August to November – peak fall season! Another trigger for fall allergies is mold, which thrives in moist, damp environments [4]. The rotting leaves of fall create an excellent environment for mold growth, which can be detrimental to allergy sufferers.
As you prepare for weather changes this fall season, it is important to keep track of your headache triggers, which you can do by creating a headache diary. In addition, having your medications with you (preventive and rescue medications) will better prepare you in case something triggers your migraine. Further, monitoring the forecast to predict the times when you are most likely to have a headache can help you better manage if the headache does arise. Overall, it is important to talk to your headache specialist regarding your migraine triggers. Your doctor can review your headache diary and prescribe medication or create a treatment plan to prevent or greatly reduce your migraine symptoms.
We look forward to helping you at the Westport Headache Institute! – Dr. K
References:
- Lee Y-J, Chen Y-T, Ou S-M, et al (2014) Temperature variation and the incidence of cluster headache periods: A nationwide population study. Cephalalgia 34:656–663. https://doi.org/10.1177/0333102413520083
- Ozturk A, Degirmenci Y, Tokmak B, Tokmak A (2013) Frequency of migraine in patients with allergic rhinitis. Pak J Med Sci 29:. https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.292.3148
- Fall Seasonal Migraine and Headache Triggers. https://www.excedrin.com/headaches/causes/fall-headache-triggers/. Accessed 22 Sep 2023
- Spring vs Fall Allergies. https://www.flonase.com/allergies/spring-vs-fall-allergies/. Accessed 22 Sep 2023