Health experts warn of migraine risks amid climate change

Health experts have observed that changes in weather patterns — including fluctuations in air pressure, temperature, and humidity — can significantly contribute to the onset of migraines and other forms of headaches in sensitive individuals.

According to medical researchers, these weather-related shifts affect the human nervous system, hormonal balance, and blood vessels. When weather changes occur, particularly before rain or stormy conditions, the atmospheric pressure tends to drop or rise.

This change can lead to the contraction or expansion of arteries surrounding the brain, a physiological response that may trigger migraines in some people.

Extreme weather conditions, such as intense heat or severe cold, can also disrupt normal blood flow. Experts caution that dehydration during hot weather is a common factor behind the increase in migraine cases.

“When a person is exposed to high temperatures without adequate hydration, it places stress on the body’s regulatory systems,” said a neurologist at a local hospital. “Similarly, high humidity levels, combined with excessive sweating, can intensify this burden, especially in individuals prone to migraines.”

Allergic reactions linked to seasonal changes in spring and autumn can also be a contributing factor. Pollen, dust, and other airborne allergens increase during these seasons, aggravating nasal allergies and inflammation. Medical professionals believe that such inflammation can interfere with nerve pathways connected to the brain, potentially leading to headache episodes.

Read more: Power outages in Osta Muhammad endanger public health

In addition, exposure to intense sunlight or even filtered light through cloud cover may cause visual disturbances in some individuals. This phenomenon, known as “aura migraine,” is associated with flashing lights or blind spots and often precedes the onset of a migraine attack.

Doctors also highlighted the impact of weather-induced disruptions in sleep patterns. “Our sleep-wake cycle is sensitive to environmental cues. When this cycle is disturbed — either due to lack of sleep or oversleeping — it can increase the likelihood of migraine attacks,” the neurologist added.

While not everyone is affected by weather changes in the same way, those who experience recurrent migraines are advised to maintain hydration, monitor weather forecasts, avoid known triggers, and consult healthcare providers for preventive care.