If you feel that your migraines or headaches are sparked by warm weather, you may quite rightly feel frustrated. After all, such weather is inevitable (even in the UK!). As we enter the summer months, it is necessary to understand what it is specifically about warm weather that triggers head pain and, more importantly, what can be done about it.

What is the difference between a migraine and headache?

Where a headache is an uncomfortable sensation in the head that causes aching and feelings of pressure, a migraine is typically more severe. Indeed, they are known to have additional symptoms alongside the usual head pain of a headache. From nausea and seeing floaters in your vision to pain in the eyes and even temporary vision loss, migraines certainly pack a punch so and sufferers will typically do all they can to avoid them!

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Summertime headache and migraine
Warm weather can trigger head pains such as headaches and migraine.

How can the summertime affect migraines and headaches?

Whilst there is no conclusive science behind why the summertime can cause migraines and headaches, it is worth considering the many circumstantial triggers of warm weather. These include:

Bright light and sun glare

Light, whether it be from a big TV screen or a phone screen, has the potential to aggravate the pain felt during a migraine attack. The increased and more intense sunlight of the summertime can worsen migraine pain.

Changes in barometric pressure

Warmer, less dense air in the summertime means that barometric pressure can decrease. This lower pressure generates a difference between the pressure of the air around you and the pressure in cavities like your sinuses or ears. This imbalance can result in pain and headaches.

High temperatures

Studies surrounding the effect of temperature changes on migraine attacks are relatively inconclusive. Indeed, some suggest that colder temperatures play a role in increased migraine attacks, and others find no correlation between temperature and migraine at all. In spite of this, it is important to remember that with warmer weather comes more sweat and consequently an increased risk of dehydration. Dehydration headaches can be incredibly painful in themselves but can also act as migraine triggers.

Are there any solutions?

Migraines and headaches are undeniably complex conditions and thus do not affect everyone the same. Despite this, here are some things that may just help you to tackle that throbbing head of yours:

Accessorise

Floppy hats, baseball caps, or even a dainty sun umbrella will not only ensure you look the part this summer but also that you protect yourself against sun overexposure. Keeping the sun off your face and upper body this way will ensure you look cool whilst feeling cool. Win, win!

Sunglasses too, particularly polarized ones, can be a big relief when it comes to sun glare and intense light. Treat your eyes with kindness by blocking out as much sun as you can, and they’ll treat your head the same way.

Keep yourself hydrated

Make sure you stay hydrated to help ward off migraine and headaches.
Make sure you stay hydrated to help ward off migraine and headaches.

Though perhaps a relatively self-explanatory solution, it is most definitely one the most important. Increased sweating during the summer means it is pivotal that you replace those lost fluids by drinking enough water a day. 6-8 glasses is the recommend amount, and you can also consider drinking electrolyte infused beverages to aid in the process of (re)hydration.

Avoid overheating

Although not ideal if you enjoy a good sunbathe, staying out of the intense heat and light during the summer is easily one of your best bets at preventing migraines. Sticking to the shade as much as possible will save those eyes of yours and also keep you cool. Your tan may not be so good this year but at least your head will feel okay! You might also consider wearing a wet flannel or scarf around your neck, or even popping on a soaking wet hat. This option will certainly keep you refreshed throughout the day, if perhaps a little dripping.

Embrace your inner Bridget Jones and create a diary

Migraine attacks may seem to sometimes come out of nowhere. Really, however, there is likely always a trigger. To this end, it may be worth tracking your activities and the weather (temperature, atmospheric pressure, and all!) in a diary. Overtime this will help you build conclusions as to what causes those pesky migraines and will therefore make taking preventative action in the future an easier process.

Still struggling with summertime migraines?

Whilst these home remedies are easily accessible, they are not necessarily effective in helping to ease migraines once they have started. In this case it might be worth speaking to your Doctor, GP, or healthcare professional about finding the right kind of medication for you. One of the more commonly used migraine medications are known as Triptans.

The migraine process is kickstarted when blood vessels dilate, in order to counter this Triptan medications – such as Sumatriptan tablets for migraines and Rizatriptan – work to actively constrict vessels and ease any intense pain caused by a migraine attack. This medication’s effectiveness does not come at the cost of accessibility, however. Online resources such as e-Surgery online prescription service and pharmacy mean that migraine mediations are easily accessible from home. Simply select your treatment, fill in a two-min health questionnaire, and have your treatment delivered straight to your door.

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