- Twenty-six (34 percent) were sensitive to a change in temperature or humidity,
- 11 (14 percent) to a changing weather pattern and
- 10 (13 percent) to a change in barometric pressure.
- One in 10 were sensitive to more than one type of weather factor.
A change in the weather can mean a variety of things, said Dr. Bigal. For instance, a bright day with 12 hours of sunlight followed by a cloudy day with seven hours of sunlight can trigger a Migraine in some people.
"We're realizing more and more that change - or fluctuation - is a major factor in Migraine triggers, whether it's a change in sleep patterns, estrogen levels or weather," said Dr. Bigal. "That's because the brains of Migraine sufferers are extremely sensitive and stimulation that has no affect on most people can trigger Migraines in those prone to them."
While they can't change the weather, people who recognize it triggers their Migraines can begin taking medication at the first sign of a Migraine, before it becomes entrenched, said Dr. Bigal.
Co-authors of a study Dr. Bigal is presenting at the AHS meeting are P.B. Prince, A.M. Rapoport, F.D. Sheftell and S.J. Tepper.
Resources:
Bigal, Marcel, MD; Prince, P.B., MD. Rapoport, A.M., MD; Sheftell, F.D., MD; Tepper, S.J., MD. “Migraines Often Triggered By Change In the Weather.” Platform Presentation, 46th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Headache Society. 2004.
Last updated July 10, 2007.
