How does the weather affect migraines?

Tens of millions of people undergo chronic migraine headaches in the United States. A major way for those suffering from migraine to find relief is avoidance of triggers – the dietary, emotional, and environmental elements that lead to attacks. Marcia Cross, star of Desperate Housewives, found that cutting down on chocolate and red wine (1) was particularly helpful in curbing her frequency of attacks.

A study released earlier this year suggests that, unfortunately, not all triggers can be avoided. A team of neuroscientists at the University of Cincinnati collected evidence that shows a strong link between shifting weather patterns and migraine headache (2). They presented their findings in January in Cephalalgia, a publication of the International Headache Society. The research is fascinating and compelling.

Weather and Migraine: thunderstorms

The study by the University of Cincinnati team reveals that in a person suffering from headaches or migraine, an attack becomes 31% more likely to occur if lightning makes ground contact in the general vicinity of the individual. Initial occurrences of head pain disorders also become 25% more common in the context of a thunderstorm.

At first, it seems difficult to understand why lightning would have any impact on what's going on inside a person's nervous system. Neurologist Dr. Joshua Cohen explains that changeable barometric pressure is probably responsible (3) for the above-average attack numbers, making migraineurs "greatly susceptible" to shifts. In other words, it's not the lightning itself but the reduced air pressure that brings on head pain.

Migraine and Light: seasons

Another aspect of the connection between weather and migraine is the adjustments that accompany the seasons. Spring may be the season associated with animal mating and weddings and new beginnings, but it's also the season of increased migraine attack prevalence. That's the case because bright light is known to trigger migraine headaches, and spring is accompanied by longer daylight hours.

Summer is not a great season for the migraine either. Along with light, dehydration is a strong trigger, so it's crucial for migraineurs to keep water bottles with them at all times during the hottest months.

Migraine headaches: a solution for all seasons

Whether it's raining or shining, summer or winter, it's never the right time to have a migraine. Attacks are not just painful but can throw a wrench into one's daily life, making it impossible in some cases even to get out of bed.

The solution is MiRx™ Protocol. Recognizing that migraine is complex, MiRx meets the disorder with complexity of its own: a dual effort comprised of medication and therapy. Talk to your doctor today.

Sources:

(1)   http://blog.advancedmigraine.com/blog/bid/304293/Stellar-Migraines-The-Journey-of-Celebrities-with-Migraines

(2)   http://www.healthnews.uc.edu/news/?/21819/

http://www.weather.com/health/weather-headache-20130426