Feeling ‘under the weather’ shown to be a genuine physical response

If you see dark clouds on the horizon, it might be worth popping a bottle of aspirin in your bag along with an umbrella. The latest research says that bad weather does trigger headache symptoms in those susceptible to migraines and tension headaches.

According to new research from Children’s Mercy Hospitals and Clinics in Missouri, USA, there is evidence that certain weather patterns – rain and high humidity – exacerbate symptoms in sufferers of migraines or tension headaches.

Previous studies have focused on onset of symptoms in relation to barometric pressure, but this study found no link between headaches and changes in pressure.

The researchers aren’t sure why or how weather affects certain people in this way, but they are planning to investigate further to see if anything could be done to prevent the headaches or relieve them.

Facts

Around 90% of headaches experienced are ‘tension headaches’. These stem from overwork or stress, and can be linked to your eyes, neck or shoulder muscles, or psychological stress.

Migraines differ from headaches in that they can last for many hours, sometimes days. Symptoms can also include feelings of nausea.

saga.co.uk