Tips to Prevent Winter Migraines

Migraine headaches may be triggered by weather changes in some people. According to the Mayo Clinic website, there are studies that indicate that some people with migraines appear to be sensitive to weather changes. The winter months, with the changes in temperatures, humidity and barometric pressure may be a migraine trigger for sensitive people.

Migraines are chronic headaches that can last for days. There is not cure for migraines, but some medications can break the pain cycle. Since migraine headaches cause so much misery, prevention is a wise step to take. Consult a physician for correct diagnoses and medication.The reasons that weather changes might cause migraines is not clear. The weather change may cause changes in the oxygen level, which causes the blood vessels to expand and contract.

The diagnoses for migraines is not clear cut. I had migraines for years, but did not have all the classic symptoms so the doctors did not think that migraine medication was appropriate. Finally one physician prescribed a migraine medication. After just a few months, the migraines ceased because the pain cycle had been broken. Many people do not have such clear success. Some people experience a temporary period of pain relief only to have the headaches return.

It is worth it to find a doctor who takes your headache pain seriously, as suffering from migraines can cause a poor quality of life. There are several migraine medications, so speak to your physician to find if one is appropriate for you.

In the case of winter, or weather related migraines, there are some simple steps that can help prevent the headache. The most important step is to keep the head and hands warm. Cover your head with a hat and/or scarf before going out into the cold. The neck should also be protected, so wrap a scarf around the neck, making sure that this sensitive area is protected from drafts. It may not look fashionable, but wrapping a scarf over the mouth and nostrils warms the air before breathing it in. The warmer air is not such a shock to the system and helps to prevent a headache from starting.

The extremities also need to be protected to prevent the headache. My doctor told my that cold hands can aggravate a headache, so wear gloves or mittens whenever you go out into the cold weather. If fact, you should dress warmly at all times in the cold weather. I even tuck my hands under the covers at night to keep them warm.

If the air in the house is dry you can humidify it with a humidifier or a vaporizer, to keep moisture in the air and make breathing easier. This might help lessen the effects of the changes in the atmosphere.

Dehydration can aggravate a headache, so drink water and/or hot tea so you get enough fluids during the winter time.

Migraines are a perplexing problem because so much is not understood and there is no real cure. Some good self care can help to prevent a headache from starting. In the winter time, keeping your head, neck hands and body warm may be the ounce of prevention that you need.

Resources:
Mayo Clinic
WebMD
Personal experience

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