Peoria Standard

Weather changes are being identified as a significant trigger for migraine headaches, according to specialists at OSF HealthCare Illinois Neurological Institute. Ashley Workman, an advanced practice registered nurse in the headache and cranial facial pain program, said that fluctuations in barometric pressure and sudden temperature shifts can influence migraine patterns among patients.

“Specific weather changes that we see influence some of our patients’ migraine patterns are changes in barometric pressure, which we identify as any fluctuation or drop in the atmospheric pressure around us in our environment, extreme temperature shifts — so not only extreme heat waves, but also those cold snaps, or any more extreme shift in temperature from high to low,” Workman explained.

She noted that recent weather in Illinois has provided examples of such rapid changes, with temperatures dropping from 90 degrees to the 30s within weeks. Although some aspects of migraines are understood by scientists, the link between weather and migraines remains unclear.

“Migraines are a complex disorder, and there are some theories out there that weather changes influence migraines," Workman said. She highlighted one theory focusing on barometric pressure: “Does that shift in atmospheric pressure actually have an influence on the pressure within our skull? And that can then further influence how our blood vessels constrict and dilate. And those specific changes then can trigger those neurons and nerves signaling the pain process, which then leads to inflammation and causing that migraine headache for patients.”

Testing these theories is challenging due to the complexity of the brain and nervous system. “These neurons that we’re talking about are so teensy, tiny and can be influenced by so many factors, migraine being one of those that the sky is somewhat the limit on what triggers them and it’s very individualized to the person so that really adds a layer of complexity of giving someone sometimes a straightforward answer of why they have migraine or what their triggers are, because it can differ so much across the board,” Workman added.

There is currently no cure for migraines. Workman emphasized education and management as key strategies for dealing with migraines. She recommended tracking headaches on a calendar to help identify possible weather-related patterns and keeping medication readily available at all times. Additional management strategies include managing stress levels, maintaining regular sleep habits, improving diet quality, and staying hydrated.

Workman also pointed out advances in treatment options: “A lot has evolved in the migraine world over the last five to seven years, with newer treatments on the market that we haven’t had that have been really, really so impactful for patients and leading to better migraine control.”

She encouraged individuals suffering from migraines not to endure symptoms without support but instead seek help from their primary care provider.