"Some people suffer from weather headaches. Although for the longest time this was not an understood phenomenon it seems to now be a well-recognized headache trigger. They are commonly referred to as barometric pressure headaches. Although it has not yet been proven whether these headaches are caused by the constriction or swelling of the blood vessels in the head there is no doubt that those changes in the blood vessels are the cause of weather headaches. Evidence shows they the change in blood flow is caused by the increased oxygen level that occurs with the pressure changes. This can cause migraines or just headaches. These pressure changes are also the reason people get headaches when they fly.
"A recent study of weather headaches was conducted at an American university. A comparison was done between those who do not commonly suffer from headaches and those who were known to be migraine sufferers. The results were that not only was pressure found to affect headaches, particularly migraines, but so did a rise in temperature. This only confirmed a study conducted in the early 1980s the results of which were that particular weather changes definitely increase migraine headaches. These weather fronts include low pressure, high temperatures, high humidity and cloudy skies. Most evidence also pointed to lightening being a trigger for migraines. This has prompted some websites to now not only tell you the weather but to include in their forecasts warnings about how the weather fronts will affect weather sensitive conditions like headaches or arthritis. "
--www.migraineinformation.org
I stayed home today due to one of these headaches. I've always had migraines... but in the last couple of years I've noticed I get bad headaches on the days when it rains, and rains, and rains... For awhile I thought I was nutty to associate my headaches with rain. It's not like it's arthritis! And, I feel like most people don't believe me when I say I have a bad headache... sometimes a migraine... on a rainy day. Seems like an excuse to stay in bed and read a book, right?
Well, no. I can't read - my head feels like it would explode. I can't watch tv - the noise and light make me want to hurl. The pounding of the rain on the roof and windows makes me want to cry. It's not a nice way to spend the day. While I used to love a rainy day... Now they're just torture.
And I haven't found any meds that do anything. I've tried Excedrin migraine and ibuprofen. Barely dulls it. I've tried several migraine meds - they only seem to work if I get them injected. Rest and darkness is my best bet at this point... and waiting for the sun to return!
Why am I posting this? If you know someone with "barometric pressure headaches" and they tell you their head is going to explode on a rainy day - please believe them. They're not nutty. This is real. Give them a little space and pray for the rain to break soon!
Meanwhile... I'm waiting for some sun.
Megs
Things I am thankful for:
1. An understanding boss.
2. A bedroom that darkens reasonably well.
3. A dog that cuddles.
4. Avocados.
5. Quiet.
6. Aveda tea.
7. Three of our orange lilies are blooming!
9. My Grandma's quilt... I've been wrapped in it all day.
10. A hubby that makes me laugh when I don't feel good.
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2 comments:
I hear that sun is on its way! I know you are not a nutcase... its real! hang in there!
I'm glad Grandma's quilt was a comfort.
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