Many individuals who suffer from migraines experience them as the barometric pressure drops before it starts to rain. Based on a study conducted, most cases of migraines that are triggered or aggravated by the changes in the barometric pressure are incorrectly managed as sinus headaches.
What you need to know about migraines
Any changes in the barometric pressure can trigger the manifestation of migraines. Take note that a migraine is a type of headache that is triggered by abnormal activity in the brain. An episode of a migraine attack usually starts with nerve pathways and chemicals in the brain that affect the flow of blood in the brain as well as the surrounding tissues. The blood vessels in the brain can dilate or constrict as a response to these neural nerve and chemical changes. The individual can experience pain on one side of the face or head during a migraine attack. You can register for first aid training so that you can learn more about pain management measures.
What is a sinus headache?
Changes on the barometric pressure can result to sinus headaches. The cold and damp weather can aggravate the pain in the sinuses while the changes in the barometric pressure can initiate a sinus headache if the sinus cavities are sluggish in equalizing the air pressure within the sinuses. The symptoms of a sinus headache include pain in the front part of the head and around the eyes. Other symptoms include yellow or green nasal discharge and fever.
Studies on barometric headaches
The barometric headaches might be migraines that are mistaken as sinus headaches. It is important to note that changes in the weather can trigger half of migraine cases. The dry and cold weather can trigger migraines aside from the changes in the barometric pressure and other related changes. With this in mind, it is important to keep a track of the weather changes and consult a doctor for proper diagnosis that will identify if it is a migraine or sinus headache.
How the individual copes
It is recommended to keep a journal in order to cope with the headaches that can be triggered by changes in the barometric pressure. The individual should list down all headache episodes along with details when it occurred and how long it lasts. All the possible causes must be indicated especially the weather conditions.
You should also monitor the alterations in the weather and encourage the individual to avoid the triggers by remaining indoors or providing him/her with migraine medications at the initial indication of an attack. In some cases, the doctor can even prescribe stronger medications that can help relieve the pain.
The doctor will also recommend a healthy diet, adequate rest and regular exercise. These lifestyle modifications can help minimize the episode of migraine attacks and severity that can be due to barometric pressure changes.