Migraines are painful headaches often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, fatigue and sensitivity to light. A migraine can last from four hours to three days, occasionally lasting even longer. Migraines can be triggered by emotional stress, weather conditions, excessive fatigue, food, menstrual cycles, and other factors. A change in seasons can also trigger migraines. This article will summarize some of the ways to avoid seasonal migraines. It is not meant to constitute or replace medical advice.
Studies have shown that patients can experience an increased sensitivity to or frequency of migraines in different seasons. Spring seems to be the time that triggers migraines in most patients (14%), followed by fall (13%), summer (11%) and winter (7%). Seasonal weather changes have been linked to increased migraines, with conditions such as the increased heat and humidity of summer, the onset of pollens in the spring, and other seasonal factors. One study showed that weather changes were the trigger for migraines in 43% of the patients.
Try these following ways to avoid the onset of seasonal migraines:
Treat your pain. If you suffer from seasonal migraines, ask your doctor to prescribe medication for you to take at the onset of the season. Pain relief medications for your migraine should be taken at the first sign of a migraine. Triptans are one commonly prescribed form of these medication. These work by relieving pain, nausea and sensitivity to light and sound. Brands of triptans include Maxalt, Amerge, Zomig, Frova and Relpax.
Ibuprofen, aspirin, acetaminophen and caffeine are all found in over the counter medications that can bring you relief from the pain of your migraine, too. Try Advil, Motrin, Tylenol, and Excedrin. Many brands carry migraine specific versions of their pain relievers (for example, Advil Migraine.) However, if you need to take these medications more than three times a week, you should discuss this with your doctor. If taken too long, some of these drugs can lead to ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding and rebound headaches.
Treat your seasonal allergies. An allergic reaction leads to the release of histamine, which causes the blood vessels in your brain to dilate, triggering or worsening your migraine. One study showed that people with allergies were fourteen times more likely to suffer from migraines. A link has also been shown between migraines and allergic asthma. Nasal sprays and allergy shots may help if your migraines are triggered by seasonal allergies, so discuss these options with your doctor.
Keep track of your migraines. Keep notes of the weather, temperature, pollen count and humidity on the days you experience migraines. This will be helpful to your doctor in prescribing a treatment plan. And try to eat on a regular basis, get enough sleep and exercise regularly, especially during the season that brings on your migraines. All of these have been shown to reduce migraine attacks. Good luck!
Source List:
http://women.webmd.com/guide/migaines-headaches-migraines
http://www.weather.com/activities/health/allergies/helpclinic/help_allergy_migraine.html
http://www.drdonnica.com/faqs/00008982.htm
http://www.headachedrugs.com/archives/precipitating_factors_migraine.html
