Weather and Migraine

By: Brooklyn A. Bradley, BS; Medically edited by Dr. Deena Kuruvilla, MD

During the autumn season, so many people have had severe increases in migraine related to changes in barometric pressure and allergies. Weather changes can alter the balance of chemicals in the brain, which can lead to a migraine. In addition, weather-related triggers can intensify a headache brought on by other triggers [1]. Some migraine patients can be more sensitive to changes in weather, and some triggers related to weather may be bright sunlight, extreme heat or cold, high humidity, dry air, windy conditions, stormy conditions, or barometric pressure changes [1]. 

Barometric pressure headaches can be triggered by a drop in barometric (atmospheric) pressure. Typically these headaches feel the same as other headaches; however, they may have some additional symptoms [2]. These extra symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, facial numbness, neck numbness, and facial pain. When there is a decrease in the barometric pressure in the environment, it creates a difference in the pressure in the outside air and the air in your sinuses. As a result, this pressure change can cause pain [2]. A great example of barometric pressure change is when you are on a plane. As the plane climbs to higher altitude there is a pressure change, and you may feel that your ears are “popping” or you experience pain from this change.

A 2011 study measured the influence of barometric pressure in people with migraine [3]. A total of 28 migraine patients were instructed to keep a headache diary throughout the year. The study found that the frequency of migraine increased when there was a decrease in barometric pressure [3]. In addition, 64% of patients experienced weather change associated with their migraine attacks [3]. A 2004 study assessed headache patients’ beliefs about how weather affects their headaches [4]. 50.6% of patients were sensitive to weather; however, 62.3% believed that they were sensitive to weather conditions. In both conditions, patients were found to be susceptible to multiple weather variables, and more patients perceive weather to be a trigger [4].

Barometric pressure change seems to be a trigger for migraine. While we cannot change the weather, we can lessen its effects on migraine. For example, you can start keeping a headache diary and note any weather changes that may have triggered a migraine. You and your doctor may discuss treatments that can be used before weather changes to prevent these attacks from happening. Talk with your doctor about small lifestyle changes that can be made and treatments that can prevent migraine attacks with the changes in season.

 

References:

  1. How weather changes can affect your migraines. In: Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/migraine-headache/expert-answers/migraine-headache/faq-20058505. Accessed 28 Oct 2022
  2. (2017) Barometric Pressure Headaches: What You Should Know. In: Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/headache/barometric-pressure-headache. Accessed 28 Oct 2022
  3. Kimoto K, Aiba S, Takashima R, et al (2011) Influence of barometric pressure in patients with migraine headache. Intern Med 50:1923–1928. https://doi.org/10.2169/internalmedicine.50.5640
  4. Prince PB, Rapoport AM, Sheftell FD, et al (2004) The Effect of Weather on Headache. Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain 44:596–602. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1526-4610.2004.446008.x

By: Brooklyn A. Bradley, BS; Medically edited by Dr. Deena Kuruvilla, MD

 

During the autumn season, so many people have had severe increases in migraine related to changes in barometric pressure and allergies. Weather changes can alter the balance of chemicals in the brain, which can lead to a migraine. In addition, weather-related triggers can intensify a headache brought on by other triggers [1]. Some migraine patients can be more sensitive to changes in weather, and some triggers related to weather may be bright sunlight, extreme heat or cold, high humidity, dry air, windy conditions, stormy conditions, or barometric pressure changes [1]. 

Barometric pressure headaches can be triggered by a drop in barometric (atmospheric) pressure. Typically these headaches feel the same as other headaches; however, they may have some additional symptoms [2]. These extra symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, facial numbness, neck numbness, and facial pain. When there is a decrease in the barometric pressure in the environment, it creates a difference in the pressure in the outside air and the air in your sinuses. As a result, this pressure change can cause pain [2]. A great example of barometric pressure change is when you are on a plane. As the plane climbs to higher altitude there is a pressure change, and you may feel that your ears are “popping” or you experience pain from this change.

A 2011 study measured the influence of barometric pressure in people with migraine [3]. A total of 28 migraine patients were instructed to keep a headache diary throughout the year. The study found that the frequency of migraine increased when there was a decrease in barometric pressure [3]. In addition, 64% of patients experienced weather change associated with their migraine attacks [3]. A 2004 study assessed headache patients’ beliefs about how weather affects their headaches [4]. 50.6% of patients were sensitive to weather; however, 62.3% believed that they were sensitive to weather conditions. In both conditions, patients were found to be susceptible to multiple weather variables, and more patients perceive weather to be a trigger [4].

Barometric pressure change seems to be a trigger for migraine. While we cannot change the weather, we can lessen its effects on migraine. For example, you can start keeping a headache diary and note any weather changes that may have triggered a migraine. You and your doctor may discuss treatments that can be used before weather changes to prevent these attacks from happening. Talk with your doctor about small lifestyle changes that can be made and treatments that can prevent migraine attacks with the changes in season.

 

References:

  1. How weather changes can affect your migraines. In: Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/migraine-headache/expert-answers/migraine-headache/faq-20058505. Accessed 28 Oct 2022
  2. (2017) Barometric Pressure Headaches: What You Should Know. In: Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/headache/barometric-pressure-headache. Accessed 28 Oct 2022
  3. Kimoto K, Aiba S, Takashima R, et al (2011) Influence of barometric pressure in patients with migraine headache. Intern Med 50:1923–1928. https://doi.org/10.2169/internalmedicine.50.5640
  4. Prince PB, Rapoport AM, Sheftell FD, et al (2004) The Effect of Weather on Headache. Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain 44:596–602. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1526-4610.2004.446008.x
Published On: November 10th, 2022