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Migraine is a neurological problem in which severe pain is felt in one part of the head. Along with this, problems like nausea, discomfort from light, dizziness or sensitivity to sounds can also be seen. An increase in migraine cases is seen with the onset of winter. This effect is not only on migraine patients, but people who do not have migraine can also feel headache, heaviness and slight change in blood flow in cold. As the weather changes, the risk of migraine attack increases for many people, making both caution and information necessary.
in winter migraine During this period, symptoms like pricking pain in the head, heaviness around the eyes, irritation from light, nausea, stiffness in the neck and irritability are more visible. Due to cold, the muscles of the body start contracting and the nerves of the brain can also get tightened, which intensifies the headache. Diminished light and shorter days also affect serotonin levels, which can alter mood and trigger migraines. In many people, pain also increases due to cold wind, fog and sudden drop in temperature. Spending more time indoors in cold, less exposure to sunlight and irregular daily routine can also trigger migraine symptoms.
Why does the risk of migraine increase in winter?
Dr. Gangesh Gunjan in the Department of Neurosurgery at Sarvodaya Hospital. It is said that due to low temperature in winter, the veins of the body shrink, due to which there is a slight change in the blood flow to the brain. This change can trigger migraine. Sudden change in weather, exposure to cold air, common cold like blocked nose or infection can also increase headache.
Apart from this, due to less sunlight in winter, the level of serotonin falls, which keeps mood and brain activity balanced. This hormonal change also increases the chances of migraine attacks. Running the heater increases the dryness in the room air, which causes dehydration and makes migraines feel worse. Even though not all people are migraine patients, the risk of headache can increase due to cold because the brain is very sensitive to cold.
How to protect?
Cover head and ears from cold air.
Be sure to sit in the sun for 1520 minutes.
Drink enough water, do not let the body get dehydrated.
Avoid very cold rooms, heaters or temperature fluctuations.
Maintain regular sleep and routine.
To reduce stress, do meditation or light exercise.
Limit migraine triggers like too much caffeine and fast food.