Migraines can be triggered by many factors. Changes in weather or consuming too much caffeine can be the reason for your migraine. If you have migraines one of the first measures in preventing and managing the frequency and intensity of your headaches is to identify your triggers.
Specialty Care Clinics offer individualized plans and treatment for migraine. Consult our specialists for migraine treatment.
Changes in weather are one reason for migraine for some people. Bright light can also cause migraines. Other reasons include :
Dry conditions:– Although more research is required, weather affects people differently. The American Migraine Foundation states that the dry, cold winter air can cause dehydration and trigger migraine symptoms.
According to a 2019 study, higher humidity in warm weather is associated with a higher risk of migraine attacks.
Humidity:– Sudden changes in humidity trigger migraine. On warm, humid days, more people visit emergency departments for migraines, according to a 2017 study published in the International Journal of Biometeorology.
A 2015 study shows an increase in emergency rooms on hot, dry days. The reason could be dehydration, a recognized migraine trigger.
Hot and cold temperatures:– Although several researchers disagree, the temperature on its own may potentially cause migraine attacks.
Your reaction to temperature may have an impact on your ability to get migraines, according to a 2015 study. In the study, those who were sensitive to temperature experienced greater migraine attacks in the winter. Those who were not temperature-sensitive experienced somewhat more attacks in the summer.
Storms:– A 2013 research reveals a connection between lightning and headaches among migraine sufferers. However, the reason is not clear. Storms are associated with changes in air pressure.
In a small 2015 study, lowering barometric (air) pressure, which usually predicts the arrival of a storm, was linked to migraine.
High winds:– Although more research is required, the wind is one of the most common migraine triggers.
Changes in barometric pressure:– Pressure in the air is measured by barometric pressure. Increased barometric pressure means the air pressure is rising and if it is lowering, the air pressure is reducing.
What impact does barometric pressure have on headaches? Blood vessels narrow as pressure increases, and they widen as pressure decreases.
A 2015 small study from Japan reveals the slightest drop in barometric pressure increases migraine attacks. When the barometric pressure rises, blood vessels widen and serotonin is released. Aura is a visual phenomenon that develops when serotonin levels rise. The blood vessels swell when serotonin levels drop once more, which may cause a migraine attack.
The weather may not be the main cause of trigger for some, instead, it may worsen the symptoms. Walking outside on a bright day may not induce a migraine, but it may make one worse. High levels of smoke in the air also make migraine worse if you live in a wildfire-prone location.
Experts believe that weather-related factors can stimulate pain receptors in the brain or affect levels of serotonin since people who suffer from migraines tend to be more sensitive to environmental changes.
HOW TO PREVENT MIGRAINES?
After identifying migraine triggers, the next step is to take precautions to manage exposure. If you know the potential triggers of your migraine, you can take the necessary steps to protect yourself. Make sure you keep a migraine journal that details the foods, times, and weather conditions you experience right before and during migraine episodes. The smell is also a migraine trigger for some.
Our specialists can help you determine whether you are sensitive to well-known migraine triggers and can create a pain management and preventive strategy, especially for you.