Weather factors

Migraine sufferers have always believed that their headache attacks are brought on by adverse weather conditions. A recent study by Prince et al. (2004) supports the influence of weather variables on headache. These authors showed that patients are susceptible to multiple weather variables, but that more patients thought weather was a trigger than was the case. Meteorological parameters can thus, at least in some patients, trigger a migraine attack. Against this background, it is worth recording that three sufferers with a diagnosis of definite (subject #230), probable (subject #62) or possible (subject #44) persistent aura without infarction reported that for them certain weather conditions reproducibly trigger a transient worsening of their persisting neurological symptoms.

Definite persistent aura without infarction

"Well I haven't really kept track but it has really been rainy here for days and this VS is worse than ever... along with pressure in my head, confusion, headache, dizzyness, comprehension etc. Before I was just thinking well of course I feel better on sunny days, that's when I don't notice the VS as much (only floaters) but I've learned to tune out those guys thank god! Now I'd trade them for VS anyday but I guess in time I will be able to tune the snow out just like the floaters. So psychological or physiological??? as far as the weather is concerned? I think both for sure in my case."

(StormeBrwneyes [subject #230], Ezboard forum Visual snow or static – discussion – inquiring minds, January 6, 2007)

"I guess being that this VS and related symptoms (in my case tinnitus) are migraine related it makes perfect sense that the weather (which has been horrible here the last few days) would make things worse and more pronounced. Well my ears are screaming and it's snowing hard in my head so I guess I've just answered a few of my own questions."

(StormeBrwneyes [subject #230], Ezboard forum Visual snow or static – discussion – inquiring minds, January 6, 2007)

Probable persistent aura without infarction

"I suffer a lot more from it when it is misty, grey weather. When it is warmer, 25 degrees or so, I am also experiencing an increase in the depersonalisation. Though the static only intensifies when it is misty. Otherwise it is pretty constant."

(Nick [subject #62], Ezboard forum Visual snow or static – Discussion – VS intensity and wheather changes, July 29, 2006)

Possible persistent aura without infarction

Barometric pressure in Portland, Oregon, in July 2006. © 2006 The Weather Underground Inc. (larger image see here)

"I started getting tinnitus exactly when the barometer had plunged and started back up (Sunday PM) [July 23, 2006]. Cannot be totally conincidental..."

(SwedeP [subject #44], Email to viper123456 [subject #42], July 25, 2006, 4:22 PM)

"BTW: Zero tinnitus today, or nearly so. Haven't looked at baro data, but my bet is that it has risen this AM."

(SwedeP [subject #44], Email to viper123456 [subject #42], July 26, 2006, 12:22 PM)

"Vision is much better. Less eyestrain/muscle weakness, brighter images, richer colors. Cannot believe this is not convulsive/vasospastic in some ugly combo."

(SwedeP [subject #44], Email to viper123456 [subject #42], July 26, 2006, 1:05 PM)

"BTW: Barometer sharply up today."

(SwedeP [subject #44], Email to viper123456 [subject #42], July 26, 2006, 1:08 PM)

"FYI, I have been tinnitus free since the low baro pressure turned around a few evenings ago."

(SwedeP [subject #44], Email to viper123456 [subject #42], July 28, 2006, 12:32 PM)

"My visuals are a bit worse and tinnitus is much worse during periods of barometric pressure change. Below is a plot that I follow from a web site that tracks local barometric pressure. Generally I find tinnitus is trigered by pressure going from high to low, and relieved by the reverse. In the month of July, below, episodes started just before the 10th and the 24th, and were relieved a few days later.

Regarding the length of the episodes: I think they last three to four days, on average. Interestingly, both the visual and tinnitus disturbances seem to occur at the same time, and are relieved at the same time. Of course, when there is a complex pattern of barometric changes occurring, this average duration can be shorter or longer.

As you may know, I live in the northwest corner of the United States. Although I live in Portland, Oregon, the larger city of Seattle, Washington, is only a few hours' drive away. Seattle is known as the 'migraine capital of the US' because, being on the Pacific Ocean the changes in weather, including barometric pressures, are very abrupt."

(SwedeP [subject #44], Email to Klaus Podoll, July 28, 2006)

References

Prince PB, Rapoport AM, Sheftell FD, Tepper SJ, Bigal ME. The effect of weather on headache. Headache 2004; 44: 596-602.

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