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Can Migraines Be Caused by Changes in Humidity?

Migraine sufferers and doctors both believe humidity can be a trigger for migraines (See References 1). While high humidity can be a migraine trigger in some cases, studies show that low humidity and a combination of weather factors, including barometric pressure changes, are equally or more likely to cause migraines (See References 2).

  1. Significance

    • Migraine pain and symptoms affect about 16 percent of the population, as many as 303 million worldwide, according to the World Health Organization (See References 3).

    Triggers

    • Doctors treating migraines acknowledge that humidity can be what is known as a migraine "trigger" or cause, in combination with chemical and genetic factors. Other triggers include too much or not enough sleep, hormonal changes, stress and anxiety, or, ironically, relaxation after stress, alcohol, caffeine, or foods that contain nitrates, tryamine, MSG or aspartame. Not all migraine sufferers will react to all triggers, and sometimes a combination of triggers is necessary to cause a migraine (See References 1).

    Evidence

    • In a study of migraine sufferers, in conjunction with the New England Center for Headache in Connecticut, Dr. Patricia Birgeneau Prince found that a combination of high temperature and humidity was a trigger for 12 percent of participants; 22 percent were affected by a combination of low humidity and low temperature. Fifty-one percent of sufferers were affected by weather conditions overall (See References 4).

    Pre-emptive Treatment

    • Identifying which factors, such as high or low humidity, trigger their migraines may allow sufferers to pre-empt attacks. Sufferers may be able to avoid triggers, or, in the case of weather, take their migraine medication in advance of an anticipated attack brought on by weather conditions. (See References 4).

    Warning

    • Migraines can be a serious medical condition. Consult your doctor before taking any medication for migraine and do not adjust your prescription without your physician's approval.

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