We know that weather affects our body. Over the years I've written about how some can feel, even predict, weather changes based on how their hip, hands, or other joints swell and contract. I've never heard from someone with an "old football injury" who could tell you what is going to happen the next 5 days, still some can out forecast the local meteorologist on same day rain events.
I am not a doctor but when I read the research about migraines it was very interesting. Turns out that yes, weather changes can cause headaches. More than 32 million Americans - 1 in 8 adults - suffer from Migraine disease, according to the American Headache Society (A.H.S.).
In a recent scientific meeting to the A.H.S., a weather and headache research project was explained. Dr. Marcelo Bigal, M.D., PhD said, "Most people in the study thought they could predict which type of weather factor (temperature, snow, etc.) triggered their Migraines, but they really couldn't ...
Ironically, we found the one constant in weather-triggered Migraines was change. For instance, even though the heat, high humidity or a storm can cause the headaches in some people, it's usually the change in temperature, humidity or barometric pressure that brings Migraines on in most sufferers." Changes in the atmosphere pressure causes the swelling and constricting of blood vessels. This causes a change in the amount of oxygen and trigger headaches.
A site on the Internet, www.relieve-migraine-headache.com has some informative information on this matter. They encourage sufferers to keep a log on when migraines occur and to closely monitor the barometric pressure.
Interesting enough, they also have a link where you can go and buy an overpriced barometer. Next time I have a headache, I will not assume it is stress or my boss, but check the weather, and the overpriced barometer I already own.
If you have a weather question, send it to me at: askdan@kjrh.com
