Struggling with barometric pressure headaches? Weather changes might be the culprit. Learn how shifts in atmospheric pressure can trigger migraines and discover tips to manage and prevent these weather-induced headaches.

If you deal with migraine attacks, you probably already steer clear of triggers. But some migraine triggers, like the weather, are completely beyond your control.

Weather changes are actually one of the most common causes of migraine, affectingmore than one-thirdof folks with chronic migraine. These weather-induced headaches are known as barometric pressure migraine. And they can be a doozy.

So, what can you do when Mother Nature brings you pain? Let’s take a look.

What is barometric pressure migraine?

Whilemigrainecan be triggered by a variety of environmental or biological factors, a common cause among those of us who deal with migraine painis the weather.

When shifts in air pressure (aka barometric pressure) occur, it can mess with the pressure levels in our sinuses, ears, or other cavities. The result is migraine pain, which is (cue Jean-Ralphio voice) the woooooorst.

Research on exactly why a barometric migraine happensis mixed. Some researchers have found a direct link between barometric pressure and migraine attacks, while others suggest that air pressure changes must be accompanied by other migraine triggers.

There’s alsoresearchthat suggests that atmospheric pressure changes can induce these migraine attacksandaffect just how severe an attack is.

When it comes to migraine symptoms, it almost feels like nothing’s off the table (if you know, you know). But there are some very specific symptoms associated with migraine pain.

Common migraine symptoms include:

Barometric pressure migraine can cause all of the above and then some. When the weather’s got you down (literally), you may also experience:

Can weather changes cause headaches and migraine?

Migraine attackscan be brought on by a variety ofdifferent triggers, such as certain smells, bright lights, oreven stress.

Common weather forcesthat may be behind migraine attacks include changes in:

Barometric pressure changesare thought to alter the pressure balance in your sinuses and other small, air-filled cavities of your body. This can cause pain or discomfort and – you guessed it! –headacheor migraine.

Pressure changes may also constrict blood vessels in these tiny cavities, preventing them from getting enough oxygen or possibly overstimulating our brain’s pain receptors.

According to one 2015 study, even the teeniest, tiniest shifts in atmospheric pressure are enough to wreak havoc on your head. Researchers studied the effects of barometric pressure shifts on 34 patients who experienced chronic migraine and found that small drops in pressure were more likely to induce migraine than standard atmospheric pressure levels.

How to treat barometric pressure migraine

The weather shifts and BAM! A migraine hits. Now what?

People can experiencemigraineattacks differently, so treatment is generally based on your unique symptoms. Most folks tend to reach for an over-the-counter (OTC) remedy, while others need the added oomph of prescription meds.

You can also turn tonatural remedies for migraine relief, like:

For chronic and episodicmigraine, your doctor may recommend prescription-strength options to help treat or prevent migraine attacks. This could include:

Can you prevent a barometric pressure migraine attack?

Much like your local TV weatherman tracks weather patterns, you should be tracking your migraine patterns. This can help you understand your specific triggers and identify any symptoms that may occur before the full-blown migraine hits. Then you can prepare in advance — and possibly prevent the headache altogether.

Different medications and lifestyle changes may help you prevent a weather-related migraine attack from happening, such as:

Because every migraine attack is different, you may need to try a few of these tips and tricks before you find what works for your migraine.

When you should see a doctor

If nothing’s working to provide sweet relief from your symptoms, or if migraine attacks are messing with your quality of life, it’s def time to call your doc.

You should also contact your doctor ASAP if you experience:

While your doctor can’t control the weather, they canoffer you other solutions to ease your barometric pressure migraine woes.

This often includes prescription medications. Your doctor may also suggest alternative forms of treatment, likeBotox injections.

In severe cases, your doctor may recommend more aggressive forms of treatment, such as nerve decompression surgery.Researchsuggests that this procedure can help those with migraine by significantly reducing the number and severity of migraine attacks that they experience each month. Nerve decompression surgery may even help some folks kiss migraine attacks goodbye completely.

The takeaway

Barometric pressure migraine is a migraine triggered by changes in atmospheric pressure, which often happens when there are shifts in the weather.

Keeping tabs on the weather and being prepared for when shifts may occur can help in preventing barometric pressure migraine attacks. Eating a healthy diet, managing stress, and exercising regularly may also keep migraine at bay.

If weather-related migraine is becoming a problem and affecting your overall quality of life, your doctor can offer strategies and solutions to help you manage your symptoms.