Headaches caused by barometric pressure - Headaches & Migraines Message Board

missy101 · 05-19-2007, 11:00 AM

I am certain that my headaches (which for years I have considered to be sinus headaches due to the areas of pain) are being caused by barometric pressure. For the past 2 months or so, whenever I have one of these particular headaches, I check the barometric pressure and it is 30 or a bit above. When it goes back to 29 or below I feel better.

Right now it is 30.17 and I am in serious discomfort. Advil, tylenol - none of them touch it. I also take zyrtec and nasacort for seasonal allergies and my allergist thought they would help with the headaches. I thought so for a while...but I am still getting them. I have a tachycardia so I cannot take anything with a stimulant. So I basically have to just live with it.

Wondering if others here have noticed the correlation between their headaches and barometric pressure. Also, what are somethings that can relieve this pain??

Would love to hear what others have to say.

FromSqueaky · 05-19-2007, 11:50 AM

Yep I've known about this for years. A study was done in 1981 about headaches caused by barometric pressure. It's true. There is alot of info out there if you look around. Blood vessels in your head expand or contract to compensate when there is barometric pressure. Changes in the size of your blood vessels is part of the flow of changes that happen when you get a migraine headache. This is also why you may get a headache when flying, hiking, or even travelling to a new location.

They suggest an ionizer or humidifier to help. Home remedies are cayenne pepper Put 1/2 to one teaspoon of cayenne pepper in a glass of water and drink slowly. This will dilate your blood vessels and improve circulation.

Ginger inhibits a substance called thromboxane A2 that prevents the release of substances that make blood vessels dilate. Use fresh or powdered ginger when you cook, eat crystallized ginger, or put grated fresh ginger in a drink. Ginger is useful for migraines as well as other headaches.

Honey contains potassium and magnesium which will help relax the arteries and allow more blood to flow to the brain.

Try a product called MigreLief which contains a combination of B-2, feverfew and magnesium

Andyck · 05-19-2007, 11:26 PM

I've suffered from migraines for over 30 years and some of them are triggered by changes in barometric pressure or overly high or low barometric pressure. Usually these headaches are not severe and can be alleviated by OTC meds such as Excedrin. I usually take two with lots of water and use a cold compress. Within a few (usually two) hours my headache is gone.

Hope this helps and hope you are pain free

Seraph · 05-20-2007, 12:15 AM

I have always had a headache before and during a humid change. never thought about it, just another thing to blame the weather for, LOL.

maggie0704 · 05-21-2007, 12:58 PM

Hi All:
I have suffered w/headaches/migraines since i was 16 (now 31yrs.old). From seeing so many drs. and taking so many different meds., i have pretty much figured out what works best for what kind of HA i am having.
I've even gotten so desperate i've gone to Diamond HA Clinic in Chicago 2 times (i live in FL.) and stayed in an in-patient clinic in hospital , which u stay in for 1wk. or more and they do all kinds of stuff to try & help & teach u.
Anyways, i definitely have worse HA's when weather changes, i usually take 2 Benadryl Severe Sinus HA caplets. I have tried all kinds of things, but when it's from weather, it is usually a sinus ha. So that really helps me. I've tried everything else for those types of HA but that worked the best.
I also lay down w/cold pack over eyes.
Never use a hot pack (per the clinic) - u need the cold over your eyes/neck to help the inflammation that causes headaches.