Barometric Pressure Headaches

Do you suffer from barometric pressure headaches? What in the world is that? Well when the clouds roll in and the pressure drops, you know what I mean!

Unfortunately, when this happens, many people think they are getting a sinus headache. This usually isn't the case. What you are really getting with barometric pressure headaches is migraine.

This idea is a bit complex, as the vessels dilate during a migraine no matter what the cause! The basic theory here is that the barometric receptors in the brain (which regulate blood pressure when you stand up and change position) might also be affected by atomospheric pressure changes.

None of this has been proven yet, but those of us with migraines are getting to the point where we can predict the weather almost as good as the arthritis patients!! Dr. Mindlin's report on barometric pressure migraine.

How Do We Manage Barometric Migraine?

1. If you are taking daily medication, like anti-seizure drugs, you could consider increasing the dose slightly when the weatherman says the pressure will change.

2. Increase your magnesium intake. This might help blunt the headaches during this time. We current recommend that patients take 600-800 mg per day.

3. At the onset of the headache, take your medication as fast as you can. If you are taking triptans (like Imitrex), add Naprosyn or Aleve to the mix. These drugs have a longer mode of action and may stay in your system long enough for the weather to blow over!

4. Exercise! By doing aerobic exercise you raise seratonin and endorphins which may blunt the headache. Besides if the weather is bad and you can't go outside..might as well do something productive.

Hopefully one of these suggestions with help!

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