For thousands of Dutch people, summer is far from carefree, because they get a headache or migraine if they sit in the sun for too long. Is there such a thing as ‘summer headache’ and can you prevent it, especially now that a heat wave is on the way? “The weather is just one of the possible triggers,” says neurologist Jan Versijpt.
One in five people suffer from migraines, and women three times more often than men. Those who suffer from ‘summer headaches’ often have no idea why. “That term is popularly used, because various factors that trigger migraines are linked to summer: heat, sunlight, a different (bio) rhythm. They trigger an attack, but are not the cause, ”says neurologist Jan Versijpt.
“Summer headache is not a scientifically proven condition. Research has already been done into climatic triggers and migraines, but it remains a mystery to science why they cause problems for one person and not for another. ”
,, On average, migraine patients have two to three triggers that can trigger an attack. Climatic conditions, such as bright sunlight and heat, are only ranked fourth in the ranking of most common neural changes in this area. Stress, hormonal changes and biorhythm changes make up the top three. Although it is not always the same factors that lead to an attack. ”
Several factors can trigger an attack
At the World Health Organization (WHO), migraine ranks second on the list of conditions that have the greatest impact on everyday life. Versijpt: ,, One speaks of migraine with one-sided, throbbing headache that worsens with exertion, which is accompanied by nausea or hypersensitivity to light or sound. These symptoms last between four hours and three days without treatment. Patients who are hypersensitive to light are more at risk of a migraine attack during the summer months. The attack can be triggered by multiple factors. It has been clearly shown that alcohol plays a role, and some people simply drink more during the summer months. Also a lack of moisture, so drinking too little water, can be that push, just like a shorter night’s sleep. ”
Preventing migraines is not always easy, Versijpt says. “Because you cannot cure it, we recommend ‘trigger management’: getting to know and tackling your triggers. Although that is of course easier said than done: regular living, avoiding stress, eating healthy, getting enough sleep and exercising regularly: at least three times a week. ”
Exercising regularly may seem paradoxical to those suffering from exercise-induced headaches, but a warm-up and cool-down may be enough for some. “In any case, avoid switching to heavy efforts very quickly.”
Medication not necessary for everyone
Despite the pain, not everyone immediately needs to reach for medication. ,, For some it is enough to rest, to crawl into bed or to hold a cold compress or washcloth to the head. Painkillers such as paracetamol, ibuprofen and acetylsalicylic acid can help, but unfortunately not always catch on with a part of the population. Those who have chronic migraines benefit from migraine-specific painkillers such as the so-called triptans. You can also take medication to prevent migraines. Anyone who has regular or long-term seizures can take preventive medicines every day. ”
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