Dr. Natalia Kadimova, a neurologist, points out that the reason for the increase in migraine attacks in the summer is due to the high temperature and suffocation.
According to her, migraine sufferers are more prone to attacks in the summer due to a confluence of several triggering factors. The most prominent summer migraine triggers include heat, stuffiness, sudden changes in temperature and atmospheric pressure, and dehydration.
The doctor explains that migraine is a type of primary headache, a chronic neurological disorder characterized by recurring attacks of severe, throbbing headache. The pain is usually on one side of the head, ranges in intensity from moderate to severe, and worsens with physical exertion. Attacks are often accompanied by other symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and increased sensitivity to light (photophobia) and sounds (phonophobia).
She says: “Every 5-degree Celsius increase in air temperature is associated with an almost 19 percent increase in the risk of a migraine attack. Higher temperatures contribute to a rise in body temperature and dilation of blood vessels, and the body loses fluids more quickly in hot weather. Moreover, in the summer, people tend to change their usual daily routine, sleeping in later, traveling across different time zones, skipping meals because the heat reduces appetite, spending more time in bright sunlight, and consuming more alcohol. All these factors increase the likelihood of a migraine attack in susceptible individuals.”
According to her, simple preventative measures should be taken in the summer, such as staying hydrated, not skipping meals, avoiding excessive heat exposure, wearing a hat and sunglasses, and trying to maintain a regular sleep schedule even while on vacation. Of course, it's impossible to completely eliminate all triggers, but their impact can be minimized.
She says: "If migraine attacks occur regularly, such as four or more times a month, lifestyle modification alone may not be enough. In this case, it is advisable to discuss the possibility of preventive treatment with a doctor, which can help reduce the frequency and severity of attacks. In addition to non-drug measures, drug treatments are currently available, including gepants. However, following the principles of a healthy lifestyle, such as getting enough sleep, eating regular meals, maintaining fluid balance, moderate physical activity, and moderate alcohol consumption, remains an important part of prevention."
