• image.alt
  • With Mayo Clinic neurologist

    Jerry W. Swanson, M.D.

    read biography

Mayo Clinic Health Manager

Get free personalized health guidance for you and your family.

Get Started

Free

E-Newsletter

Subscribe to receive the latest updates on health topics. View sample

Question

Migraine headaches: Are they triggered by weather changes?

Can weather changes trigger migraine headaches or other types of headaches?

Answer

from Jerry W. Swanson, M.D.

Several studies suggest that weather changes trigger migraine headaches in some individuals. Study results indicate that some people who have migraines appear to be more sensitive to weather changes, such as changes in weather patterns, temperature, absolute humidity and barometric pressure. The reason these factors may trigger migraines in certain people isn't known.

If you feel your migraine headaches are triggered by weather, you may be understandably frustrated. After all, you can't change the weather. However, you may be able to lessen the effects of your migraines by recognizing your specific weather triggers early and taking your migraine medication at the first sign of a migraine.

There's no clear evidence of a link between weather changes and other types of headaches.

Next question
Nighttime headaches: What causes them?

AN00751

March 7, 2008

© 1998-2009 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.com," "EmbodyHealth," "Reliable tools for healthier lives," "Enhance your life," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.

Print Share Reprints

Text Size: smaller largerlarger