Tuesday, December 09, 2025

Can changes in the weather cause migraines?

I know that AI is not recognised as an authority in academia, but all the same, I asked CoPilot the above question. Tomorrow we are promised a heavy storm. On Saturday, yesterday and today I had headaches; on Saturday I didn't take a sumatriptan pill and so suffered from lunchtime through the evening and into bed. Yesterday and today I was wiser and took half a pill (my normal dose) as soon as possible; after an hour or so of dysphoria, I began feeling normal again. The fact that sumatriptan made me feel better shows that I was suffering from migraines as this medicine doesn't work on 'ordinary' headaches. So what does CoPilot have to say on the subject?

Yes — changes in the weather can trigger migraines for many people. Shifts in barometric pressure, humidity, temperature, and even bright sunlight are commonly reported triggers. Studies show that 30–50% of migraine sufferers identify weather changes as a factor in their attacks.

🌦️ How Weather Affects Migraines

  • Barometric pressure drops (like before storms) can cause the brain’s blood vessels to expand or contract, leading to pain.
  • Temperature extremes — both hot and cold — may stress the body and trigger attacks.
  • Humidity changes can affect hydration and electrolyte balance, increasing susceptibility.
  • Bright sunlight or glare can overstimulate the nervous system.
  • Wind patterns (such as chinook winds in Canada) are reported triggers in certain regions.

I always wear sunglasses when I'm outside as my large pupils absorb more sunlight than most people. But I have no protection against barometric pressure drops.



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