Can Barometric Pressure Cause Migraines?

You Won’t Believe What the Weather May Be Doing to You

(AscendHealthy.com) – What causes migraines? While some people can attribute their migraines to light and smell sensitivity or home and work stressors, over a third of Americans blame specific weather patterns for chronic migraines. This post explores the relationship between atmospheric pressure and migraines, including what to do to minimize your weather-related headaches.

What is Barometric Pressure?

Barometric pressure refers to the weight or force of the surrounding air. At sea level, the barometric pressure equals 760 mm (29.92 inches) of mercury. When the barometric pressure reduces, it almost always signals the weather is worsening, while a rise could mean the weather is improving.

How Does Barometric Pressure Cause Migraines?

Pressure changes impact the small, air-filled systems of the body, such as the ears or sinuses. When the barometric pressure outside lowers, it creates an imbalance between the outside pressure and air in the inner years’ sinuses and chambers. In the process, blood vessels constrict, causing insufficient oxygen supply to the brain and the emergence of migraines.

A similar case is evident when in a place. As you take off, changes in altitude cause a shift in the atmospheric pressure, causing your ears to pop or sinuses to flare up.

What to Do If Barometric Pressure Triggers Migraines?

The remedies for barometric pressure-triggered migraines vary depending on your diagnosis. They range from medication to home solutions as described below:

Medical Treatment

Medical treatment for atmospheric pressure headaches depends on the severity of the migraines with time. Some people find relief from their biometric headaches through simple over-the-counter-drugs that include:

  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
  • Ibuprofen (Advil)
  • Excedrin (a combination of acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine)

If these don’t relieve your migraines, the doctor may prescribe stronger medications. The prescribed medications for chronic biometric-related migraines include:

  • Triptans
  • Anti nausea medications
  • Ergotamines
  • Codeine and other opioids

The doctor might recommend Botox injections or nerve decompression surgery for severe headaches. Not that all medications should be used according to the doctor’s prescription.

Home Remedies

Apart from medication, barometric pressure migraines patients could also manage their pain through the following ways:

Exercise

Exercising helps manage the triggers of barometric pressure migraine. By exercising, the body releases endorphins, natural painkillers that promote a sense of well-being and positive feelings, which are crucial for people with migraines due to increased anxiety and depression.

Exercise can also improve sleep quality and reduce the stress that might trigger a migraine. So, set a workout routine that blends into your lifestyle the best way possible. It always helps to warm up the muscles before exercising and to start from the least strenuous activity to the hardest.

Plan ahead

Life can be stressful. You may set goals or plans and never achieve them, which can be stressful and migraine triggers. Planning reduces the chances of failure and the stress associated with it.

Know your Limits

Don’t forget to take a break and recharge in the chase of money, freedom, and happiness. Spend time between the busier days and weeks to relax the mind as it can help reduce stress and anxiety that trigger biometric migraines. Also, learn to say no when the body feels it has had enough of something.

Spend Time around Positive People

Spend time with people who positively influence your life and bring joy and happiness. These could be family or close friends who can be there for you even during the most challenging times to help you find a way back to your usual self.

While migraines affect females more than males, biometric migraines can occur to anyone who doesn’t practice the proper lifestyle habits. Keep track of the triggers of your headache to help prevent or treat it. Don’t try any new treatments without seeking the advice of a medical professional. Your doctor will be able to help you to determine which treatments are best for your unique situation.

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