The news of the arrival of monsoons is usually welcomed by most in different parts of India.  However, if you suffer from migraines, you might find yourself worrying about the arrival of the monsoons. 

What are migraines? A migraine (माइग्रेन in Hindi) is a neurological disorder that causes a severe throbbing headache, commonly on one side. It is usually accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, extreme sensitivity to light and sound, visual disturbances (also called an aura), numbness, tingling, and difficulty in speaking. The pain can be debilitating and last for days.

Though the exact cause of migraines is unknown, researchers believe that genetics and several environmental factors, including stress and weather changes, play a role. 

Many weather changes, such as temperature changes, high humidity, stormy and windy weather, sun glare, and extremely dry conditions are known to act as triggers for migraines in people. 

Some reports suggest that the arrival of the monsoons also triggers migraines. Let’s find out more about this connection.

Is There a Relationship Between Monsoons and Migraines?

The shift between seasons is accompanied by certain weather changes which may exacerbate migraine in some individuals. One of these changes is a fall in the atmospheric or barometric pressure and an increase in humidity during the monsoon season. 

Research suggests that the change in atmospheric pressure (the force exerted on a surface by the air above it) during monsoons creates a difference between the pressure in the outside air and the air in your sinuses and results in pain in your head.

Another theory also suggests that the barometric change may have an effect on the pressure on your brain and how your brain blocks or fails to block that pain.

Yet another report states that the brain becomes hyperexcitable in migraines, and individuals with migraines need consistency and balance in their daily activities. When this balance is upset, a migraine is triggered. 

The monsoons bring a dramatic change in the weather and this inconsistency or imbalance can also result in a migraine headache. 

There are various theories at work to explain how this season could be causing more migraine headaches in individuals. However, more research is needed to substantiate them with scientific evidence.

What Can You do to Reduce The Effect of Monsoons on Your Migraine?

Whether the effect of monsoons on migraines is scientifically validated or not, if you believe that they may trigger your migraine, you can take a few preventive measures to reduce the effect of the season. 

Although you cannot avoid the weather, you can keep these steps in mind to prevent migraine headaches and handle them better.

  • Eat a balanced diet and stay away from any foods or drinks that trigger your migraine.

  • Sleep for at least 7 to 8 hours every night.

  • Drink a minimum of eight glasses of water per day as dehydration may trigger a migraine.

  • Stay active by exercising regularly.

  • Keep your migraine medication handy in case a migraine develops suddenly. 

  • Practice relaxation techniques to calm your mind as stress is one of the causes of migraines.

  • Avoid being outdoors for long to prevent weather changes from triggering your headache. 

  • Maintain a migraine diary with the timing, duration, and possible causes of each migraine, to help you recognise and avoid specific triggers.

The saying “prevention is better than cure” is highly valid, especially in the case of migraines. 

The more you observe and understand the specificities of your migraine, the easier it will be to anticipate and avoid them. 

This monsoon season, stay home, stay safe, and stay healthy!


References:

1. Cleveland Clinic. 2021. Is There a Migraine Headache in Your Forecast?. [online] Available at: <https://health.clevelandclinic.org/do-you-get-a-migraine-headache-when-it-rains/> [Accessed 4 August 2021].

2. Mayo Clinic. 2021. How weather changes can affect your migraines. [online] Available at: <https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/migraine-headache/expert-answers/migraine-headache/faq-20058505> [Accessed 4 August 2021]. 


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