Barometric pressure headaches

What exactly are barometric pressure headaches and what causes them?

The main thing that makes pressure headache different from common headaches is the cause, since the changes in the air pressure are the main reason for their occurrence. These changes usually follow the changes in the weather, which can change the level of oxygen to which the blood vessels react, by contracting and expanding. That way they try to compensate for the decreased levels of oxygen that may cause additional exertion, which results in migraines. Also, a theory says that the brain contains barometric receptors, which are responsible for regulating the blood pressure in certain situations, and that they react to the changes in atmospheric pressure. High temperatures, high humidity, and other elements might also contribute to this problem. It is not uncommon that these changes in the weather affect various chemicals in the body and cause changes in their levels as well. Besides the fact that headaches usually involve the area of eyes, back, neck and other muscles in the body, these pressure headaches can be episodic or chronic, and are followed by constant pressure. It is not uncommon that people who suffer from this kind of headache are able to predict certain changes in the atmospheric pressure.

How can they be treated and can they be cured?

The fact is that barometric pressure headaches cannot be cured for good, but there are some things that can be done, to make the symptoms less uncomfortable and painful. First of all, it is important to consult a doctor and if he sets this diagnosis, he will probably prescribe certain anti-seizure medications as well. When the person feels that the headache is about to occur (and people who suffer from barometric pressure headaches are usually able to recognize that in advance), it is necessary to take the medications as soon as possible. It might be helpful to check weather forecasts regularly, because sometimes it can help if the dose is slightly increased before the pressure actually has changed. Magnesium and exercising might be of importance here as well, which is why it might be a good idea to increase the intake of this mineral to 200-400 mg on a daily basis and to do aerobic exercises in order to increase the levels of serotonin and endorphins. These are all measures that might make the headaches tolerable or less painful.