New Data Reveals Weather Can Trigger a Migraine
Headache, a peer-reviewed journal published on behalf of the American Headache Society, features the most carefully done study on the influence of weather patterns on headache. The study, conducted over a two-year period by Dr. Prince and a number of headache specialists at The New England Center for Headache in Stamford, CT, concluded that 51% of patients with headache were affected by weather, although a higher percentage of patients thought they were. Patients were not always able to accurately pinpoint their trigger. It is known that various trigger factors, like wine, chocolate, caffeine, stress and changes in sleep, can set off a migraine attack in susceptible sufferers.
The study delved into the affects of weather patterns on headache as well as investigating whether or not patients could predict their own sensitivity to weather, and which weather patterns were most significant. The majority of headache sufferers in this study believed that certain weather patterns affected their headaches, while the weather triggers they reported did not correspond to the weather tracked in the analysis. Interestingly, of the migraine sufferers affected by weather, it was clear that they were sensitive to a combination of temperature and humidity changes. The most common factor affecting patients was low temperature and humidity or high temperature and humidity. The second was major changes in the weather over a 1-2 day period and the third was high or low barometer. Several patients were sensitive to more than one factor.
“Identifying trigger factors, such as weather, is important as it can lead to preventive strategies such as trigger avoidance or taking acute care medications very early in the attack or even in advance,” states Prince. The study findings demonstrate that there is a relationship between weather and migraine, and provides another piece of information on migraine triggers. Based on the data, patients and their physicians can track weather patterns and personal sensitivity, which may help sufferers prevent the onset of a migraine in many situations.
About the Author
Patricia Bireneau Prince, MD, graduated from Yale School of Medicine in 2001. She is currently a senior resident in the Boston Combined Residency in pediatrics, and is about to join the faculty of the Boston University School of Medicine in Pediatrics. Dr. Prince completed this study at Yale with Dr. Alan M. Rapoport, co-founder and director of The New England Center for Headache in Stamford CT. Dr. Rapoport, a clinical professor of Neurology at Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons in NY, has authored more than 200 articles, chapters and posters on headache, and has appeared on national radio and TV, such as Today and Good Morning America. For questions and interviews, please e-mail Dr. Rapoport at alanrapoport@nech.net.
Media wishing to receive a PDF of this article, please contact MedicalNews@bos.blackwellpublishing.net.
How Women Can Avoid Migraines During that Time-of-the-Month
The American Council for Headache Education (ACHE) launches its new Patient Education Page (PEP) in the journal, Headache. The page is a public service of ACHE, the patient education affiliate of the American Headache Society (AHS) and includes concise information that is useful for both patients and physicians. January’s page covers Menstrual Migraine: What You Should Know.
This first patient handout outlines migraine definitions, what to do, and various therapies that women can follow to help alleviate pain and symptoms during their menstrual period. Sufferers are encouraged to keep a calendar to track menstruation and migraine headaches while avoiding triggers, such as lack of sleep, alcohol or skipping meals.
Examples for treatment are provided as well, including information on various medications like triptans or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin. Although the information offered is not intended to be a diagnosis or recommended treatment, the Patient Education Page (PEP) can be an effective tool between physicians and patients to talk about healing.
PEPs are laid out in an easy-to-read format and are perforated, making it easy for physicians to tear out the page, copy and distribute them to their patients. Finally, physicians have something they can easily give to patients to quickly educate them on migraines, and patients know they can access easy-to-use information.
This study is published in Headache. Media wishing to receive a PDF of the article contact medicalnews@bos.blackwellpublishing.net.
