Why do we get headaches during thunderstorms?

Weather of Arabia - Have you noticed that you sometimes suffer from headaches before or during thunderstorms? It is possible that the weather is the cause, and we will explain this in the following lines.

Do thunderstorms cause headaches?

The difference in temperature or the drop in atmospheric pressure, which often accompanies thunderstorms, may increase the chances of developing a headache and trigger a migraine attack, and several studies have found evidence that changes in pressure and temperature, increase the likelihood of headaches.

A 2017 study suggested a link between barometric pressure and the amount of migraine pain a person experiences.

Another study analyzed data from more than 7,000 patients diagnosed with headaches over a seven-year period. When researchers looked at weather data, researchers found that fluctuations in temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure occurred within 72 hours of the headache.

They also discovered that the chances of developing a headache increased by an average of 6% with each drop in atmospheric pressure of five millimeters.

Low barometric pressure can cause headaches by creating a pressure difference between the air-filled sinuses and the surrounding atmosphere.

You may also be interested in: Low atmospheric pressure and its effect on health

What is the relationship between lightning and headache?

Dr. Sonal Shah, a GP and lifestyle expert, explains that a research team looked at 90 cases in Ohio and Missouri and found that on days when there was lightning, headaches were 31% more frequent and migraines 28% more than on days when there was no lightning.

She continues: "It is not entirely clear how lightning or related atmospheric factors can cause headaches. However, according to the authors, it may be related to the low-frequency electromagnetic waves emitted by electric lightning strikes, which ionize the air and produce allergenic aerosols such as nitrogen oxides and ozone. , as well as the presence of fungal spores.

It is also believed that changes in atmospheric pressure that cause disturbances in the weather lead to chemical and electrical changes in the brain. This irritates the nerves, leading to headaches.

If you suffer from headaches at the time of thunderstorms, what is the treatment?

Although there is not much you can do about weather changes, you can check the weather forecast so that you can predict when you might have a headache, and then take appropriate measures, such as: take a pain reliever, walk, breathe fresh air Stretching the head and neck muscles to loosen tight muscles, or doing some light exercise, these measures can help relieve a headache.

I wish you good health

For more: Weather headaches are linked to weather fluctuations, and their treatment is simple and effective