Why Does Migraine Increase in Summer? [Health Planning for the 100-Year Life]

[Financial News] Housewife Kim Mo-she (in her 40s) had a migraine on the left temple for several days. It got better with painkillers, but the headache recurred when the effect wore off. On severe days, even the eyes ached, and there was a feeling of nausea. Although there were occasional headaches, migraines occurred more frequently in the summer.
Is there a reason why migraines worsen in summer?
Migraine is a condition that causes moderate to severe pain, usually on one side. It can cause sensitivity to light or sound, and in severe cases, symptoms such as nausea and vomiting may accompany. It is said that 1 in 5 women suffer from migraines and headaches. However, since most of the pain occurs temporarily and disappears, many people lightly pass it by suppressing the symptoms with painkillers. But if unexplained headaches occur repeatedly more than twice a week, it's good to visit the hospital to identify the nature of the headache you are experiencing.
The causes of migraines are diverse. In summer, the increase in body temperature due to high heat expands the cerebral blood vessels, causing vascular headaches. The reduction of body fluids and electrolytes due to sweat discharge causes changes in brain pressure and blood flow, which is a major cause of headaches. Also, changes in humidity and air pressure, stress, lack of sleep due to tropical nights, and air conditioning sickness act in combination.
Migraine can accompany severe pain that disrupts daily life, so immediate response is important. When symptoms occur, taking painkillers quickly is effective. It is good to lie down in a quiet and dark room or close your eyes and rest. If the pain is due to heat and dehydration, symptoms can be prevented by sufficient fluid intake. However, if migraines worsen or occur frequently enough to interfere with daily life despite sufficient fluid intake and rest, it is advisable to consult a specialist. Especially in the middle-aged and older age groups, it may be a precursor to cerebrovascular diseases such as stroke, so special attention is needed. If a sudden and unprecedented severe headache occurs, or if there are abnormal symptoms such as blind spots in the field of vision, double vision, unilateral eye congestion, tearing, or runny nose, you should quickly visit the hospital.
To prevent summer migraines, sufficient fluid intake is important. Since it occurs sensitively to environmental changes and lifestyle habits, it is good to maintain appropriate indoor temperature and humidity. Avoid caffeine intake, maintain a regular sleep routine, and engage in appropriate diet, exercise, and meditation. Migraine is a chronic disease that requires consistent management. If the usual medication does not work well due to long-term abuse of painkillers, it is also good to find a solution through consultation with a specialist.   

Kim Ju-yeon, Director (Bareun Sesang Hospital Brain Nerve Center / Neurology Specialist)


kim091@fnnews.com Kim Young-gwon Reporter