Heat Waves and Migraines: A Growing Concern

As the US experiences a record-setting early heat wave, people with migraines should be on high alert. A recent study published in the journal Neurology has identified three lesser-known factors that can trigger migraines, and these triggers may be more prevalent in the late spring and summer.

The study, which followed 7,032 people living in Israel for about a decade, found a link between higher levels of air pollution, temperature (including UV exposure), and humidity and an increased risk of migraines. The researchers discovered that people who were exposed to high levels of nitrogen dioxide (a common pollutant from traffic exhaust) were 41% more likely to visit a healthcare provider for migraine symptoms than those who weren’t.

The study also showed that people who were exposed to high levels of UV rays from the sun on a given day were 23% more likely to visit a healthcare provider for migraine symptoms than those who weren’t. High temperatures and low humidity appear to be linked to more migraine headaches, likely because they amplify the effect of nitrogen dioxide, the researchers said.

So, what’s behind the link between these factors and migraines? According to Dr. Sana Ghafoor, a neurologist at Tufts Medical Center, air pollution can spark neuroinflammation, which is a risk factor for migraine. This may cause a release of pain chemicals like calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and substance P that can lead to a migraine.

Dr. Clifford Segil, a neurologist at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California, explains that air pollution may be particularly problematic for people with allergies who also struggle with migraines. The body may see air pollution as an allergen and mount an immune response, which can spark a migraine in people who are sensitive to this trigger.

Heat can also impact blood vessels and nerves, causing irritation and leading to a migraine. Additionally, high humidity can trigger migraines by causing you to sweat and lose water, which can decrease the amount of blood in your blood vessels.

While these factors can be challenging to avoid, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk. Dr. Ghafoor recommends wearing a face mask like an N95 when you need to be outdoors, keeping your windows shut and running an air purifier, and tracking pollution levels throughout the day and staying inside during peak times. Dr. Segil suggests staying well-hydrated, especially during heat and humidity, and making sure that it’s not just water, but electrolytes too.

Ultimately, understanding your migraine triggers and taking steps to avoid them can go a long way toward helping to keep you more comfortable on a regular basis. Knowing and identifying migraine triggers is very important, says Dr. Ghafoor. It’s empowering the patient to understand their disease.

In addition to these three triggers, there are several other common migraine triggers to be aware of, including hormonal changes in women, bright or flashing lights, loud noises, strong smells, too much or not enough sleep, sudden changes in weather or environment, too much physical activity, caffeine or caffeine withdrawal, skipping meals, and medication overuse. Certain foods and ingredients can also trigger migraines, such as aged cheeses, some fruits and nuts, fermented or pickled goods, and cured or processed meats.

By being aware of these triggers and taking steps to avoid them, you can reduce your risk of migraines and take control of your health.