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Barometric Pressure and Headaches

For years the link between environment and headache was unclear. Research published in 2009 confirmed that changes in barometric pressure can trigger severe headaches in some people.

  1. Definition

    • Air pressure is also known as barometric pressure because it is measured by barometers. Air pressure is caused by the weight of air pressing against the earth, and is affected by weather and altitude.

    Pressure Changes

    • Barometric pressure decreases at higher altitudes and when a storm is approaching. Pressure increases again after a storm has passed.

    Research

    • A study of 7,000 patients led by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center found that higher temperatures---and, to a lesser degree, lower barometric pressure---cause an increase in headache symptoms.

    Headache Types

    • Of the 7,000 patients observed, about 30 percent suffered from migraines; the rest were diagnosed with a tension or other type of headache.

    Causes

    • According to USA Today, sinus pressure headaches can be aggravated by changes in pressure when air becomes trapped in the sinuses. As barometric pressure decreases, the contrast between the air trapped inside and the air on the outside causes pain. Researchers aren't certain why weather changes cause other types of headaches, reports CNN.

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