Studies have shown that a rise in temperature by a few degrees — no matter what the season — can trigger headache attacks. Other weather features, including bright sunshine, humidity levels and shifts in barometric pressure are all also factors that can play a role.
According to Dr. Jerry Swanson from the Mayo Clinic, weather changes may cause imbalances in brain chemicals, including serotonin, which can prompt a migraine. Weather-related triggers also may worsen a headache caused by other triggers.
How frustrating this must be for those who are sensitive to the weather, since weather is not something we can control.
Dr. Swanson recommends the following tips:
• Keep a headache diary, listing each migraine, when it happened, how long it lasted and what could have caused it. This can help you determine if you have specific weather triggers.
• Monitor weather changes and avoid triggers if at all possible. For example, stay indoors during very cold or windy weather if these factors appear to trigger your migraines.
• If you have visited your doctor and have been given a prescription for migraine headaches, take your medication at the first sign of a migraine.
• Make healthy lifestyle choices — eat healthy foods, exercise regularly, get enough sleep and keep your stress under control.
These factors can help reduce the number and severity of your migraines.
