Ever notice how when a storm is brewing, your head suddenly starts to pound? You’re not alone. For many, shifts in the weather aren’t just about rain or shine—- they can trigger splitting headaches that seem to come out of nowhere. Turns out it’s not just a coincidence.
Barometric pressure changes can wreak havoc on your body, leaving you feeling drained, in pain, and wondering if the weather is to blame. If you’ve ever felt like a human barometer, we’ve got the info you need.
Let’s go through how weather changes can lead to barometric pressure headaches and what you can do about it.
What Causes Barometric Pressure Headaches?
Barometric pressure headaches are caused by sudden shifts in atmospheric pressure, which lead to imbalances in the air pressure inside and outside the body.
When the barometric pressure drops, such as before a storm or during a rapid weather change, the air surrounding your body becomes lighter. This shift triggers physiological changes that can lead to a barometric pressure headache.
Barometric Headache Symptoms and Signs You Might Be Sensitive to Weather Changes
One of the biggest signs is a dull, throbbing pain, often localized in the forehead, temples, or behind the eyes. This pain can feel like a weight pressing down on the head , and may intensify with sudden drops or rises in atmospheric pressure.
In some cases, the pain can spread to other parts of the head and neck, leading to a more generalized headache.
In addition to head pain, many people experience symptoms similar to sinus headaches. These symptoms may include facial pressure or congestion, particularly around the nasal passages and eyes, even if no sinus infection is present.
One of the clearest signs of weather sensitivity is noticing a headache that begins just before or during significant changes in atmospheric pressure, such as the arrival of a storm, a cold front, or periods of high humidity. These headaches can occur suddenly and may feel more intense than your typical headaches.
People who are sensitive to barometric pressure changes may also notice additional symptoms like light sensitivity, dizziness, or nausea during weather shifts. These symptoms are especially common for those prone to migraines.
Help With Weather Headaches
The good news is that there are options if you’re searching for pressure headache remedies. By monitoring upcoming weather changes, especially storms or cold fronts, you can prepare in advance. This might mean adjusting your routine to avoid stress or physical exertion on days when you know a pressure drop is coming.
Over-the-counter pain relievers can also provide relief from the discomfort of barometric headaches. If you experience migraines triggered by weather changes, prescription medications like triptans or preventive treatments can help manage more severe symptoms.
Consulting a health care professional can help you find the most effective treatment plan based on your headache patterns and triggers. They can also help you uncover other migraine solutions that you may not be familiar with, like gammaCore™ non-invasive vagus nerve stimulator (nVNS), another great choice when you’re looking for personalized ways to reduce your headache pain, including migraine or cluster headache. gammaCore nVNS targets the vagus nerve, which plays a role in pain regulation. This non-drug solution is clinically proven to treat and prevent migraine pain so you can get up and on with your day, no matter what the weather looks like outside.
To see if gammaCore is right for you, visit our clinic finder to locate a health care provider near you, or contact our dedicated Customer Experience team at 888-903-2673 or customerservice@electrocore.com.
