Video: Simple steps for preventing winter migraines

Have you noticed more migraines as the temperature drops? You're probably reacting to the extra triggers that come with winter weather.

The good news: You can take steps to protect yourself. Watch to learn what Mayo experts recommend for keeping migraines at bay this winter.

Show transcript

Simple steps for preventing winter migraines

Keep tabs on weather changes. The biggest culprits: pressure changes, extreme temperatures and glare from sun or snow.

Carry a water bottle. Dehydration from dry air can trigger migraines. So sip water all day.

Don't let your sleep slide. Shorter days disturb routine. Stay on schedule to avoid sleep-related headaches.

Watch those comfort foods. Canned soups and packaged foods may contain add-ins like MSG, a known trigger.

Keep moving. Resist the urge to hibernate: Regular exercise may help people with migraines.

Guidance from the experts in neurology and neurosurgery at Mayo Clinic.

Shimada A, et al. Headache and mechanical sensitization of human pericranial muscles after repeated intake of monosodium glutamate (MSG). The Journal of Headache and Pain. 2013;14: 2.
Migraine: What causes migraines? U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/migraine. Accessed March 23, 2018.
Barbara Woodward Lips Patient Education Center. Migraine headaches. Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.
Cutrer M, et al. Pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, and diagnosis of migraine in adults. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed March 23, 2018.
Cioffi I, et al. Effect of weather on temporal pain patterns in patients with temporomandibular disorders and migraine. Journal of Oral Rehabilitation. 2017;44:333.
Elcik C, et al. Relationship between air mass type and emergency department visits for migraine headache across the triangle region of North Carolina. International Journal of Biometeorology. 2017;61:2245.
Chillemi S. Weather-related migraines. Brain&Life. https://www.brainandlife.org/the-magazine/article/app/9/3/4/this-way-in-weather-related-migraines. Accessed Oct. 29, 2018.

VID-20414415