The Link Between Weather Changes and Headaches

It’s summer storm season here in North Carolina, and if you’ve noticed your migraines or headaches coinciding with changes in the weather, you’re not imagining things!

Be it a drop in temperature, a sudden storm, or a shift in humidity, weather changes can significantly affect headache sufferers. Understanding this connection can be important for effective headache management.

Dr. Daljit S. Buttar is a triple board-certified expert in neurology, interventional pain, and psychiatry. He specializes in diagnosing and treating headaches influenced by weather changes at Raleigh Spine and Pain Center in Raleigh and Charlotte, North Carolina. 

Keep reading to learn more about the link between weather changes and headaches, and how you can find relief.

How the weather affects your headaches

Weather-related headaches are a common phenomenon, affecting many people who suffer from migraines and other types of headaches. The reasons behind this connection are complex, involving a variety of factors that can trigger or worsen headache symptoms, including:

Barometric pressure changes

One of the primary culprits of weather-induced headaches is changes in barometric pressure. 

When the atmospheric pressure fluctuates, it can lead to an imbalance in the pressure inside your sinuses and ears. This imbalance can cause pain and discomfort, triggering headaches or migraines.

Temperature fluctuations

Sudden temperature changes, whether it's a spike in heat or a sharp drop in cold, can also contribute to headaches. 

In addition, extreme temperatures can cause blood vessels in your brain to expand or contract, leading to the onset of headache symptoms.

Humidity levels

High humidity levels can make it difficult for your body to stay cool, leading to dehydration, which is a known headache trigger. 

On the other hand, low humidity can cause dry airways and sinus issues, contributing to headache pain.

Storms and lightning

Thunderstorms and lightning create an electromagnetic environment that may affect your brain’s activity. Researchers believe this activity change might trigger headaches in some people.

Additionally, the strong winds and pressure changes associated with storms can make headache symptoms worse in sensitive individuals.

Recognizing weather-related headaches

Identifying weather-related headaches can be challenging, but keeping a headache diary can help. 

Track your headache occurrences, noting the weather conditions each time you experience pain. Look for patterns that show a link between your headaches and specific weather changes.

Treatments for weather-related headaches

Finding relief from weather-induced headaches involves a combination of lifestyle changes, preventive measures, and medical treatments tailored to your specific needs. 

At Raleigh Spine and Pain Center, Dr. Buttar offers a range of treatments to help manage and reduce headache pain, including:

Botox® injections

Botox injections are an effective treatment for chronic migraines. By injecting Botox into targeted areas, Dr. Buttar helps reduce the frequency and severity of your headaches. 

While everyone’s treatment plan is unique, this treatment typically requires injections every few months to maintain relief.

Sphenopalatine and trigeminal blocks

Sphenopalatine and trigeminal nerve blocks involve injecting a local anesthetic into the associated nerves to block pain signals from reaching your brain. These blocks can provide significant relief for patients experiencing severe headache pain.

Trigger point injections

Trigger point injections target tight muscle fibers that can cause or contribute to headaches. Dr. Buttar injects an anesthetic and corticosteroid into these trigger points, helping to ease headache discomfort.

See a specialist for lasting headache relief

With a focus on both immediate relief and long-term management, the team at Raleigh Spine and Pain Center works to help you achieve a better quality of life.

Understanding the link between weather changes and headaches is just the beginning. Dr. Buttar and our team are dedicated to providing personalized migraine and headache care to meet your unique needs. 

We offer comprehensive evaluations to determine the root cause of your headaches and develop a treatment plan that works for you. From detailed medical history assessments to advanced diagnostic tests, Dr. Buttar considers every aspect of your health. 

If you’re struggling with headaches influenced by weather changes, don’t wait to seek help. Schedule a consultation at the Raleigh Spine and Pain Center location nearest you.