Migraine Headaches Support Group

Migraine is a neurological disease, of which the most common symptom is an intense and disabling episodic headache. Migraine headaches are usually characterized by severe pain on one or both sides of the head and are often accompanied by photophobia (hypersensitivity to light), phonophobia (hypersensitivity to sound) and nausea.

1,556 Members

3,347 Posts

0 Online

jcpmoore 06/16/2015

So in our area there has been an unusual heatwave over the last week. Record-setting days, several in a row, for the extreme heat. We've been in the triple digits for heat and around 106+ for heat index numbers.

Note, I do drink plenty of water--between 64 and 100 ounces per day, more on the really hot days. So I am doing what I can to combat the heat. But I have to go to work. That means stepping outside between the door and the car on both ends.

What I am wondering is does anyone find that this kind of extreme heat causes or exacerbates their migraines? I swear, it feels like if I step outside after 9am I am blasted by a furnace and my head starts hurting within minutes if not instantly. Last night I was fine before I went to pick up my kids. By the time we got there the headache was starting and by the time I got home I was in agony. Is this unusual?

YvetteK 06/16/2015

I know exactly how you feel. When I tell people that heat triggers my migraines, or makes them worse, I think they look at me like I'm lying about that but why the hell would I make up a lie like that? Really, 80 degrees and above is a sweat chamber for me, and I just won't go out in it. If I have to, I will, but don't expect me to feel good, or stay out in it a second longer than absolutely necessary. Then you add in the sun in my eyes, and you can guess why Summer is my most hated season, and why Winter is my favorite.
Anyway, try to stay cool. Hope the heatwave breaks. I'm sure the triple digits will hit me sometime in July. So much joy.

jcpmoore 06/16/2015

Thanks for responding, Yvette! I hate that you get this too, but good to know we're not alone. I am thinking of asking my doc for a note to work at home while the heatwave is here. It's insane to put myself through 100 degree heat just to work in an office that is hotter than my house where I can do the same work. Gotta love bureaucracy.

dancingsunflowers80 06/16/2015

Oh gosh that sounds horrible!! We haven't gotten that hot here, but I remember when we lived in Florida the heat with the humidity would just take your breath away and if I wasn't feeling good, the heat certainly didn't help. Bless your heart! Hope you feel better and the the temps lower soon!

mommato2lilmonkeys

NannieBe 06/16/2015

I too live in a very hot climate. The heat can and does trigger a migraine. My Neurlogist also recommended I wear sunglasses while outdoors. Apparently blue eyes are more sensitive to bright sunlight.
I hydrate throughout the day.
Living with chronic debilitating migraine for many years now, I am minimizing my exposure to any type of trigger. Sometimes, I cannot prevent a migraine. The migraine takes over, and is relentless.

LynnJ55 06/16/2015

I used to love summer, but much prefer cooler weather now. When I take a tryptan for my migraines, in addition to my daily narcotic, the heat makes me nauseous and like I have the flu. Not to mention, extremely stressed, feverish and irritable. I hate that I can't enjoy the sunshine and warmer temps like others but it really makes my headaches worse.

stevebo 06/16/2015

I live in Phily and the last few days have been really hot and humid and i have had 4 ocular auras without migraine during these days. Most were spent out on the golf course in the heat and bright lights and i am blue eyed. Maybe there is something to your thoughts. I hate it

angee7 06/16/2015

Heat has always been my trigger for migraines.

I had to get special medical accommodations at work, that states on heat Wave days I can stay home, with no penalty (written up/ punishment). I was absent 32 days this year.
I am a teacher, and our school doesn't have air conditioning. I live in Southern California where it averages 80 degrees, but quite often goes over 92.

jcpmoore 06/17/2015

Thanks for all the input, y'all. NannieBe--that makes a lot of sense. I am also blue-eyed, so I can believe that about the sensitivity being more. I never go outside without sunglasses, but dang, just breathing in the hot air is enough for me. Sigh.

I'll be seeing the doc for a follow-up today. Looks like I'll be bringing this up. I have started every day with a migraine for the last five days--the same number of days that the temp has been insane.

Do any of you keep a migraine journal? I started a few weeks ago so I could track triggers, meds, durations, etc. Just curious.

angee7 06/18/2015

I have been keeping a migraine journal since 2007.
I figure it will be needed when I file for disabilty.

jcpmoore 06/18/2015

That's a good point, angee. I am using an app on my tablet to track mine. How do you track yours?

angee7 06/18/2015

I use pen and paper. I made the chart using Excel on my laptop. Every month I print a new sheet, and fill it out daily.
I will end up having a huge paper trail. Disability bureaucrats like that!!

NannieBe 06/20/2015

I just installed a migraine diary on my iPad It had great reviews and my hope is I can find a pattern. Also I'm disgusted with well meaning friends that comment. "Sick again?" Like I am either a hyperchondriac or enjoy being sick. Who on earth would wish for this lifestyle.

calmpari 07/06/2015

Yes, Yes, Yes, from personal experience... HEAT DOES CAUSE MIGRAINES.

Unfortunately, I too live in a hot climate. Trying to convince my bf to move to a cooler state with me soon.

YvetteK 07/06/2015

I'm lucky half of the year. I live in NJ, so Fall and Winter are GREAT for me, but Spring and Summer is hell on earth for me. Especially summer where it can go from the 80's up into the 100's. Literally, the only times I leave the house during that time is to go to doctor appointments, and even then I feel like I'm melting and my headaches get worse.

I would LOVE to live somewhere where it never gets above 70 degrees. That would be my dream come true.

migmom 08/08/2015

Yes this is me. And I just read an article that said humidity is a proven trigger. Our climate is usually dry but this summer we've gotten lots of rain. It's been aweful! (For my migraines ). I have to take the kids outside because they want and need it. But then I'm done for the rest of the day.

Join the Conversation