The temperatures are rising, and some parts of the globe are experiencing a heatwave that is unprecedented. While you’re likely focused on staying cool, a new study published in the Journal Neurology has revealed that migraine headaches are more common than usual. This study revealed three lesser-known triggers of migraine headaches, which can be more prevalent in the summer. The study’s findings and how doctors who treat migraine patients recommend protecting yourself are listed below. Researchers tracked weather conditions and participants’ daily exposures to air pollution during the study period. Researchers also examined how often people visited their primary care doctor or hospital with a headache (and when). The data was compared with the pollution and weather conditions of that day, as well as seven days prior. During the study period 2,215 people (32%), had at least one migraine-related visit to a hospital or clinic. Researchers also found that 47% had purchased triptan medications, which are fast-acting prescription drugs that are designed to stop migraines. Most participants used at least two tablets per month. They found that higher levels of pollution were associated with more visits to a clinic or hospital for migraines. The researchers also found that the days with the lowest number of visits to a hospital or clinic had lower pollution levels than average. The study found that people with short-term exposures to high nitrogen dioxide levels (a common pollutant emitted by traffic exhaust) are 41% more likely than others to seek medical attention for migraine symptoms. Researchers said that high temperatures and low humidity are linked to more headaches. This is likely because they amplify the effects of nitrogen dioxide. But doctors say that there is likely something to this.
