Migraine headaches are complex and can be triggered by one or more factors. Depending on your situation, anything from consuming too much caffeine to changes in the weather can cause a migraine headache.
If you experience migraines, understanding your triggers is one of the first steps in preventing and managing the frequency and intensity of your headaches.
Our team of pain management doctors and specialists at Republic Spine and Pain offers individualized care and treatment plans for migraine headaches. We have offices in three convenient locations, including Georgetown, Leander, and Austin, Texas.
Changes in the weather can trigger migraine headaches in some people. For example, bright lights can be a trigger, so while most people look forward to and enjoy a bright sunny day, for others it can cause a debilitating migraine headache.
Other weather-related migraine triggers include:
For some people, the weather may not be the primary trigger. Instead, it can make the symptoms worse. So taking a walk on a bright sunny day might not cause a migraine, but it could make it worse. And if you live in an area prone to wildfires, higher concentrations of smoke in the air may also trigger or worsen a migraine headache.
People with migraines tend to be more sensitive to environmental changes, and experts believe that weather-related factors can stimulate pain receptors in the brain or affect serotonin levels.
Once you’ve identified your migraine triggers, you can take precautions to manage exposure. You can’t control the weather, but if you know that certain conditions increase your risk of developing a headache or make an existing migraine worse, you can take steps to protect yourself.
Identifying migraine triggers can take time and require a little trial and error. If possible, keep a journal detailing your exposure to specific foods, time of day, and weather conditions right before and during a migraine episode to look for patterns. For some people, certain smells can act as a trigger for a migraine.
Our team can help you figure out if you’re sensitive to known migraine triggers and design a prevention and pain management plan for your needs.
For more information about migraine treatment and prevention, contact us today to schedule an appointment with a pain management specialist at one of three convenient locations in Georgetown, Leander, and Austin, Texas.
