06/04/2023
Many people who get migraines experience worsening symptoms during extreme weather changes, hot or humid weather, or changes in barometric pressure
By Hida Nierenburg, MD, Neurology and Headache Medicine, Nuvance Health
If you are living with migraines, you have probably noticed that certain triggers can bring on these debilitating headaches. Common triggers include dehydration, hunger, lack of sleep, certain beverages or foods, stress — and even weather changes.
Here is what you need to know about weather-related migraines, and how to manage migraine triggers.
Do you suffer from migraines? Book now with a neurologist.
Can weather cause migraines?
According to the American Migraine Foundation, more than one-third of people with migraines report that certain kinds of weather patterns sometimes trigger their migraines. In particular, people with episodic and chronic migraine consistently report worsening migraine symptoms with extreme weather changes, hot or humid weather, and changes in barometric pressure.
Related content: What are the types of migraine?
If you are one of these people, rest assured that many headache specialists recognize weather factors as potential migraine triggers. Although, researchers have been unable to find sufficient scientific evidence that identifies a clear correlation between migraine and weather.
Researchers are studying the correlation between migraine and weather
Several studies attempting to find a scientific correlation between weather and migraines have yielded conflicting results. There are several challenges that may cause these contradictory results and affect researchers’ abilities to establish a correlation.
For example, many people with migraine have several triggers that could potentially affect them at the same time, such as bright lights, loud noises or strong smells. So it is difficult for researchers to single out weather as the single cause of someone’s migraine symptoms. Also, the definition and description of weather changes can be different for each person, and some people may be more sensitive than others are to weather-related changes.
Related content: How to tell the difference between headaches and migraines
Minimizing weather-related migraine symptoms
It is impossible to control the weather — making it one of the more challenging migraine triggers to manage.
The first step to minimize weather-related migraine triggers is to pay attention to conditions that impact how you feel. Then, take steps to change how you react to the weather.
For example, if hot temperatures bring on a migraine, stay in a cool place with air conditioning during hot days. If you must be outside in hot weather, wear a hat, sunglasses and loose-fitting clothing and find shade to stay as cool as possible.
Related content: 5 ways to keep your skin safe while enjoying the sunshine
While you may have less control over weather conditions, you can focus on managing other migraine triggers that may be easier to control, such as:
- Avoid food triggers: While we need more research to determine how and why some foods may trigger migraine, researchers currently think that chemicals in certain types of food, such as chocolate and processed cheeses and meats, may trigger migraine.
- Eat regular meals: Hunger can trigger migraine. Eat regular meals and snacks in between rather than fasting for long periods.
- Get enough sleep: Most adults should aim to get seven to eight hours of sleep per night.
- Stay hydrated: Most adults should drink at least eight glasses of non-caffeinated fluids per day. Water is usually an ideal choice.
In addition to managing migraine triggers, it is also essential to have a rescue medication readily available in case a migraine strikes. See a headache specialist to determine what type of rescue medication is right for you. It is also important to know which interventions will help reduce migraine symptoms, such as staying in a dark, quiet room.
Related content: Should you go to the emergency department for a headache or migraine?
The bottom line: Although there is no clear scientific link between weather and migraine, some people with migraines report worsening symptoms in hot or humid weather and changes in barometric pressure. Managing the triggers you can control, tracking and preparing for the weather, and keeping a rescue medication on hand will give you the best possible chance of reducing migraine symptoms.
Learn more about headache and migraine care at the Nuvance Health Neuroscience Institute.