loader image
Saturday, October 25, 2025
83.2 F
McAllen
- Advertisement -

How Weather Plays a Role with Migraines

Translate to Spanish or other 102 languages!

More than 37million people here in the United States suffer from migraines. Image for illustration purposes
More than 37million people here in the United States suffer from migraines. Image for illustration purposes
- Advertisement -

CLEVELAND CLINIC – More than 37million people here in the United States suffer from migraines. 

If you’re one of them, you know they can be caused by different factors like the weather. 

But how exactly does the weather play a role? 

- Advertisement -

“The sudden change in barometric pressure tends to be one of the most crucial elements when it comes to weather. And how does that manifest? Any time we go from temperatures like in the 50s or 60s, all the way to the 80s within a 48, 72-hour window or vice versa, that in itself can induce migraines,” explained Emad Estemalik, MD, headache and migraine specialist at Cleveland Clinic.

Dr. Estemalik said extreme weather in the winter and summer, along with sudden rain and storms, can also cause migraines. 

So, what can people do to help prevent them? 

There is no one-size-fits-all solution. 

- Advertisement -

However, he typically recommends trying to identify any triggers and then seeing what can be eliminated or modified. 

For example, sometimes a person may need to change their diet and cut out certain foods, or maybe they need to get more sleep. 

If lifestyle changes don’t work, Dr. Estemalik said there are medications and other treatment options available. 

“You also have the abortive or the rescue therapies that are available. Migraine patients typically don’t respond well to over-the-counters, so there are triptans that are available — they’re prescribed meds. We also have new abortive monoclonal antibodies — different than the preventive ones; they work wonderfully for patients,” he said. “DHE is also available. So again, there are so many options. We’ve seen a revolution in treatment since 2018 in terms of what’s available for this patient population,” he said.

And as the temperatures heat up this summer, don’t forget to stay hydrated. 

Dr. Estemalik said dehydration can trigger migraines too. 

- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -

- Advertisement -

More Articles

Why You Should Avoid Doomscrolling

“Doomscrolling is when you’re so intensely focused on social media that it becomes problematic. You lose time, and you lose a sense of clarity in terms of what you’re actually reading and how it’s affecting you,” explained Adam Borland, PsyD, a psychologist with Cleveland Clinic. 

Common Toxin Linked to Liver Disease 

Now, a new study published in Liver International from Keck Medicine of USC reveals that tetrachloroethylene (PCE), a chemical used in dry cleaning and found in consumer products such as adhesives for arts and crafts, spot cleaners and stainless steel polish, may also be harmful to the liver.

Just Knowing Help Is There Makes All The Difference

 People who feel supported by family, friends and colleagues tend to have better mental health, perform more effectively at work and experience positive outcomes in other areas such as physical health, education and risk-taking behaviors, according to research published by the American Psychological Association.

Cold, Flu, RSV or COVID? A Parent’s Guide to a Child’s Symptoms

As we head deeper into fall and toward the holiday season, your little one may start to exhibit symptoms like a runny nose, cough, or fever. But with the overlap between the common cold, influenza (the flu), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and COVID-19, it can be difficult to know what is behind their illness and how to treat it.
- Advertisement -
×