Migraine

Hi All,

I have noticed that weather changes really do a number on my head. The pain gets a lot worse when the pressure falls or if it changes rapidly. The other symptoms of migraine also get worse- (I sometimes expericen double vision , aphasia or nausea with my migraines.)

I am not at all sure how to treat this, other than symptomatically.

I have talked to my neuro and he basically told me to continue treating the sytoms as needed.

How do you deal with this?

pain free days
sconesail

HI Sconesail -

Seems like we've discussed this topic many times and I keep hoping someone will come up with something - we can't do much when weather or barometric pressure causes migraines. Since I am affected by weather I try to keep all my other triggers under control so the weather will be less of an issue (one trigger instead of one in a stack).

Someone asked Dr. K on "ask the clinician" where in the US you could live and not have major weather triggers. The answer was something like - maybe in the desert of Southern NM & Ariz. that's about it.

Other than that - I try to watch for upcoming storms, to be prepared in advance, and treat the migraines at first sign!

NOt much help, I'm afraid!

- megs

Sconesail--

I have the same problem. Barometric pressure is one of my primary triggers--particularly dropping barometric pressure. I monitor the weather channel, and try to arrange to have abortives available to use about 12 hours before the weather gets here which is usually when my migraines hit. Last week, my ha hit 12 hours before like I expected but didn't go away like normal. The next day when it was still awful it turns out the front had stalled right over us. Unfortunately my Dr, not being a specialist, was a bit surprised by this, but also being really proactive, he gave me permission to use more Zomig (almost twice as much as normal per week) and we got it under control. Weather's really hard. For me it's especially hard in the spring with pollens, molds, and other allergens, and wind!!!

Tracie

I believe some members have used Frova or Amerge as a short-term preventive for weather-triggered migraines with some success. Weather is one of my stackable triggers, but right now, I don't do much about it since my migraines are pretty out of control as it is. Not the best solution, I know.

You may want to talk to your neuro about using Frova or Amerge and see if that's a possibility for you.

Migraines Often Triggered By Change In the Weather

Hi All,

Thanks so much for the replies.

I know that the headaches are worse when the pressure changes. I guess all we can do is treat it and hope it evens out soon.

Pain free days,
sconesail

Hi sconesail,

Weather changes trigger migraines for me too. I bought a weather station from The Weather Channel to help me track the barometric pressures. I treat at the first sign of a migraine with an abortive. I also have a prescription of Diamox that I'll be trying soon.

Here's an Ask The Clinician question about barometric pressure:

Barometric Pressure

Take care!

My problem is that I also deal with severe sinus problems (two sinus surgeries). I struggle with is it sinus headache or is it a migraine coming on? I take my migraine medication (Maxalt) and it doesn't help. I then take my sinus medication and usually suffer the rest of the day. It's a constant daily thing here in the midwest. We have had one low pressure system after another. I've been up since 4 am this morning with a bad headache. It's getting old!!!

Renee, many people assume they are having sinus headaches when they are actually having migraines. Sinus headaches are actually quite rare unless there is an actual sinus infection in progress. See this article:

Sinuses Giving You a Headache? It's Probably Migraine.

I believe you are correct. I had a terrible one last night. Two Maxalt and a sleepless night. A hangover this morning..... I don't have the sinus drainage. Do have the ear pain and jaw pain. Just the allover head pain last night with nausea and flickering lights, a classic migraine. This makes 3 this week.

I have used up my prescription Maxalt for the month and may have to call my doctor to get my insurance company to get me more. That is frustrating to have to go through that to get medication.

Renee, I know a lot of members here have trouble with insurance limiting their triptans. Is it possible to get some samples? A lot of doctors are willing to help out so it may be worth asking. You may also find this helpful:

Doctor speaks out about insurance limiting migraine medications

Hi,

The weather or changing of the seasons also does a number on my headaches. At the change of every season I will have about a 2 week flare up of daily headaches. I have also noticed if there is a major shift in weather, such as a big storm or a heat wave, I will have a flare up.

To limit my seasonal related headaches, I make sure to take a good allergy pill such as claritin to reduce the risk of sinus headaches which can often trigger a migraine. I also use a nasal rinse and over the counter nasalspray called nasalcrom. I don't really have allergies but this does seem to inhibit my headaches somewhat.

I also have a coworker who gets migraines when the barometric pressure rises or drops. You may want to keep an eye on that as well. My doctor has told me that the best thing to do when the weather is triggering headaches is to make sure you don't switch from cold to hot temperatures or vice versa quickly. Also make sure your home is an ambient temp and put HEPA filters in your HVAC system.

I have had some success with these methods. Good Luck!!!!