Weather sensitivity in migraineurs

Abstract

The scientific evidence for weather being a trigger factor for migraine attacks is inconclusive. We investigated the association between weather components and the onset and severity of attacks. Headache diaries of 20 migraineurs were analyzed retrospectively and correlated in 4-h intervals to atmospheric air pressure, temperature, and relative air humidity in Berlin (Germany) for a period of 12 consecutive months. Absolute values and relative changes within the preceding 24 h were analyzed. Migraine attacks started most frequently at 4 a.m. and reached the highest intensity between 4 and 8 a.m. A highly significant association between meteorological variables and the occurrence of migraine attacks was found in six patients. The onset of an attack as well as high headache intensity was associated with lower temperature and higher humidity. Our data indicate that a subgroup of migraineurs is highly sensitive to changes of certain weather components.