Weather changes can play a major role in triggering migraine headaches for some people, according to specialists who treat the condition. In fact, for some people, weather can play a huge role in migraine headaches.

Ashley Workman is an advanced practice registered nurse with OSF HealthCare Illinois Neurological Institute (OSF INI). She works in the headache and cranial facial pain program and explains, “Specific weather changes that we see influence some of our patients’ migraine patterns are changes in barometric pressure, which we identify as any fluctuation or drop in the atmospheric pressure around us in our environment, extreme temperature shifts — so not only extreme heat waves, but also those cold snaps, or any more extreme shift in temperature from high to low.”

Workman says Illinois weather has offered recent examples of those quick changes when it was 90 degrees just a few weeks ago, but now it’s dropping into the 30s and most people have turned their heat on. While scientists understand parts of the migraine process, Workman stresses the relationship between weather and migraine isn’t fully understood.

Migraines are a complex disorder, and there are some theories out there that weather changes influence migraines. Workman points out that researchers have one theory in particular that is centered around the influence of barometric pressure.

“Does that shift in atmospheric pressure actually have an influence on the pressure within our skull? And that can then further influence how our blood vessels constrict and dilate. And those specific changes then can trigger those neurons and nerves signaling the pain process, which then leads to inflammation and causing that migraine headache for patients.”  

Testing those theories can be difficult because the brain and the nervous system are so complex.

“These neurons that we’re talking about are so teensy, tiny and can be influenced by so many factors, migraine being one of those that the sky is somewhat the limit on what triggers them and it’s very individualized to the person so that really adds a layer of complexity of giving someone sometimes a straightforward answer of why they have migraine or what their triggers are, because it can differ so much across the board,” Workman suggests.

• There is no cure for migraine headaches, so Workman says it truly is all about education and managing the condition by being prepared. Here are some approaches:
• Tracking headaches on a calendar can help identify weather-related patterns. She says that’ll help better identify triggers.
• Having medication readily available is also key. Workman emphasizes the importance of always having your medication with you in case a migraine comes on, especially unexpectedly.
• Managing stress and routinely getting enough sleep are important.
• Focusing on a better diet and drinking more water to avoid dehydration is also a key to better management of migraine.

Ultimately, Workman advises that there are things providers can do to help patients live a little better lifestyle, knowing that they have migraine headaches including prescriptions, including acute medications or preventative medications.

She adds, “A lot has evolved in the migraine world over the last five to seven years, with newer treatments on the market that we haven’t had that have been really, really so impactful for patients and leading to better migraine control.”

If you have been struggling with migraine headaches, Workman says there’s no need to suffer without support. Make an appointment with your primary care provider.

Ashley Workman

B-roll for migraine headaches

Some creators are promoting the “McMigraine meal,” a recommendation to go to McDonald's and purchase a Coke, along with French fries, to provide relief from a migraine.

The thought process? Creators are suggesting the caffeine from Coca-Cola, mixed with salt in fries, could work together to take major headaches away.

Ashley Workman is an advanced practice registered nurse with OSF HealthCare Illinois Neurological Institute (OSF INI). She works in the headache and cranial facial pain program and spends time as an advanced practice provider clinical educator for OSF HealthCare.

According to the American Migraine Foundation, approximately 39 million Americans live with migraine.

While there’s some surface level truth to the claim about caffeine, ordering a large soda isn’t your best bet, Workman says.

Caffeine is known as an adjunct therapy to help reduce migraines. Sometimes over-the-counter medications that have caffeine in them provide relief as well.

"In theory, purchasing a Coke from McDonald's is still not the healthiest option. But I can't argue that caffeine doesn't have a benefit when someone is having a migraine headache," Workman says. "Caffeine can also help with vasoconstriction. There is a vascular side of migraines, so that's where that comes in, to provide benefit." 

French fries: Full of salt

Sodium is both a mineral and an electrolyte (when mixed with body fluids), that along with potassium and magnesium, is known to fight dehydration. These electrolytes are known to prevent or help manage headaches. Salt (sodium chloride) is approximately 40% sodium, but Workman says a stack of fries, once again, shouldn’t be your go-to for sodium intake.

While this McMigraine combo might provide short-term relief for some people, the long-term risks are far greater. 

Long-term risks of ultra-processed foods

"Ultra-processed foods are connected with a higher risk of obesity, developing Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease," Workman says. "It can also impact people to live a sedentary lifestyle, which can affect our mental health. So, it can really have a spiral effect on our health from a long-term perspective." 

Migraines are very individual to the person. "What works for one person might not work for another," Workman adds. 

Instead of rushing through the fast-food line for a quick fix, it's important to get to the root of the problems and find a solution. Many causes of migraines, Workman says, come from lifestyle choices and environmental issues.

"We need to think about what in our lives could influence migraines. Whether that be our sleep pattern, stress levels, what we're eating and drinking and caffeine intake," Workman says. "From a female perspective, hormonal influence. We really need to step back and figure out what influences our migraines and then alter our lifestyle if we can." 

Exercise can benefit migraine patients:

"Any form of exercise is going to be beneficial for those with migraines,” Workman says. "So, it's about finding what works for you. Because some exercise, if it's too rigorous, can trigger a migraine."

Workman adds that keeping a consistent routine is also extremely important.

“That means getting up at the same time each morning and not sleeping in too much on the weekends. That can also trigger migraines,” she says.

The importance of drinking water

Swap the soda out with an ice cold glass of H2O.

"Water is so important. Drink lots of water, 40 to 80 ounces depending on the person. Especially if you exercise or are working outside, you need to be drinking more water and maybe even mixing in electrolyte drinks," Workman says. "And avoid artificial sweeteners because those can trigger migraines as well." 

Magnitude of magnesium

Workman calls magnesium a wonderful supplement that can be implemented in a day-to-day routine. She will recommend magnesium oxide (400 mg a day) to certain patients who are undergoing migraines. Sometimes it can be hard on the stomach, so it needs to be taken with food. Magnesium complex is sometimes handled better from a stomach perspective, which is a mix of different types of magnesium. 

If pharmacy-based options aren't working, there are some devices available that can be used to treat migraines. 

Neuromodulation

Neuromodulation is a non-pharmacologic option for migraine management.

“There are several different types, and they can vary significantly in cost. Specifically, the Cefaly is an FDA-approved, over-the-counter neuromodulation device, which can be used for migraine prevention or acute relief. It utilizes external trigeminal nerve stimulation (eTNS) by delivering mild electrical impulses through an adhesive electrode placed on the forehead,” Workman says. “For individuals seeking a non-pharmacological approach to migraine management, this is certainly one option. The device is available for purchase online without a prescription, providing greater accessibility for patients.”

If you're missing work or family functions due to migraines, Workman says to seek care from a medical provider. There are treatment options available, and you shouldn't be in pain when you don't need to be. 

To learn more about resources available for those with headaches or craniofacial pain, visit the OSF HealthCare website.

Video Interview Clips

Peoria, Illinois-based OSF HealthCare is partnering with the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) to award six grants totally more than $460,000 to support projects funded through the Community Health Advocacy program, with a goal to improve outcomes and reduce health care disparities. The latest grants seek to generate solutions focused on new models of care that improve access and reduce barriers for individuals from all racial and ethnic backgrounds. The projects also explore prototypes that can transform care and community-based initiatives that address the social determinants of health. The CHA program is also aimed at improving outcomes and reducing health care disparities.

The CHA program is a partnership between OSF HealthCare and The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC).

The funding supports research involving clinicians, engineers and social scientists to rapidly develop technologies and devices that could revolutionize medical training and health care delivery. A requirement of the grant applications was for solutions that could be deployed quickly, within four to six weeks.

Spring 2023 CHA Grant Projects

Automated Seizure Detection in Ambulatory EEG

• Huan Huynh, MD, OSF HealthCare
• Biswajit Maharathi, PhD, University of Illinois Chicago

Ambulatory EEG is a powerful tool to evaluate seizure propensity in patients with epilepsy within natural community settings and residential environments. This goal of this pilot project is to build a semi-automated seizure screening system using modern machine learning-based computational approaches to significantly reduce the physician’s time evaluating these events by providing faster and more accurate screening methods and improving the patient care experience.

BRIDGeS (Building Resourceful Interactions Despite Grief and Stress)

• Eileen Knightly, MHA, RN, BSN, OSF HealthCare
• Carolyn Dickens, PhD, APRN, ACNP-BC, University of Illinois Chicago

This project addresses the growing issue of violence and incivility in the community and its impact on patient care in hospitals. It utilizes findings from a 2022 community health needs assessment to address cultural and communication barriers affecting nursing staff and patients. Nurse burnout, caused by prolonged stress, has worsened due to staffing shortages, documentation burden and increased violence.

Developing Tools to Empower Patient Understanding, Management and Communication of Condition

• Jonathan Handler, MD, OSF HealthCare
• Michael J. Scott, PhD, University of Illinois Chicago

This project will focus on social determinants of health (SDoH) and consider solutions that empower the patient to more accurately track and communicate their conditions before they reach the reactive state. The approach is to change the way patients engage with their health-related data and provide better tools to convey this information to their care provider.

Harnessing Mobile Technology to Diagnose Migraines in Rural Communities

• Hrachya Nersesyan, MD, PhD, OSF HealthCare
• Yelena Nersesyan, MD, PhD, University of Illinois Chicago

The goal of this project is to test and improve the MiGRO app that enables providers to quickly and accurately diagnose and treat migraines, resulting in better health outcomes and improved patient satisfaction. The app also streamlines the referral process, allowing providers to quickly refer patients to migraine specialists, reducing medical costs and improving access to care in rural areas.

Improving Cancer Screening in Underserved High-Risk Populations

• Lisa Barker, MD, FACEP, OSF HealthCare
• Elizabeth Papautsky, PhD, MS, University of Illinois Chicago

This project seeks to characterize the current barriers to completion of screening recommendations among patients at high risk for breast cancer, then use that data to create and pilot test an “intervention bundle” to optimize rates of breast MRI completion for eligible high-risk patients. With attention to the underserved communities within the OSF service population, this project will contribute to reduced health disparities by reducing barriers to care in the context of timely breast cancer diagnosis.

UI Health Pancreatic Cancer Screening Initiative

• Jason Bill, MD, OSF HealthCare
• Paul Grippo, PhD, University of Illinois Chicago

The project aims to develop an infrastructure of early community engagement with clinical trials for all types of cancer. The goal is to address the increasing technological development in screening modalities without simultaneously widening the gap in morbidity rates of cancer within underserved communities. With this health care protocol in place, the team hopes to increase accessibility of clinical trials using methods that are showing promising results in pancreatic cancer detection.