A Migraine Survival Guide to Weather & Climate Changes
Key Questions
- What are the most common and unexpected weather-related migraine triggers?
- Are weather-triggered attacks more difficult to treat than other types?
- How do seasonal changes and environmental factors like dry air, smoke, or temperature shifts affect migraine?
- What nonpharmacological strategies help manage weather-triggered migraine attacks?
- When is preventive treatment recommended for anticipated weather-related triggers?
- Does tracking weather-triggered attacks contribute to anticipatory anxiety? How can this awareness be used effectively?
- What pharmacological options exist for acute, mini-preventive, and long-term treatment of weather-related migraines?
- Is there evidence that CGRP inhibitors or other “out-of-the-box” drugs (e.g., acetazolamide, spironolactone) help with weather-triggered attacks?
- Which medications or conditions may increase the risk of heat-related attacks or dehydration?
- How effective are nonpharmacological devices or interventions, such as cooling or compression strategies, in managing weather-related migraines?
Interview Notes
- Shivang Joshi, MD, MPH, RPh
- LinkedIn: Shivang Joshi, MD, MPH, RPh
- AccuWeather
- Study: “Treatment with fremanezumab attenuates the association between weather and headache in participants with episodic migraine: A post-hoc analysis of the HALO-EM study”
- Association of Migraine Disorders
- Great Lakes Regional Headache Society
- Headache Cooperative of the Northeast
- American Headache Society
- American Migraine Foundation
Treatments Mentioned
- Acetazolamide
- Antihistamines
- Atogepant (Aquipta, Qulipta)
- Blue light-blocking glasses
- Carbon monoxide sensor
- Cetirizine (Zyrtec)
- CGRP monoclonal antibodies (mAbs)
- CGRP small-molecule receptor antagonists (gepants)
- Compression stockings
- Dehumidifier
- Diuretics
- Electrolytes
- Fexofenadine (Allegra)
- Frovatriptan
- GLP-1 agonists
- Humidifier
- Hydration
- Ibuprofen
- Local honey
- Loratadine (Claritin)
- Nabumetone
- Naproxen (Aleve)
- Naratriptan
- Nasal steroid sprays
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Phenylephrine
- Pseudoephedrine
- Rizatriptan
- Screen protectors
- Sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) block
- Spironolactone
- Sumatriptan
- Topiramate (Topamax)
- Tricyclic antidepressants
- Triptans
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Disclaimer: The Migraine World Summit aims to bring you a variety of perspectives and expertise, free from bias or judgment. Alternative theories presented in this video have not been medically reviewed. Views expressed in this interview do not necessarily represent the views of the Migraine World Summit. Please always consult your health care professional and do your own research before making changes to your treatment plan.
Shivang Joshi, MD, MPH, RPh
Director of Headache Medicine & Clinical Research | Assistant Professor of Neurology
Community Neuroscience Services | UMass School of Medicine
Dr. Shivang Joshi is a doctor, pharmacist, and migraine and pharmacology expert. He is board-certified in neurology and headache medicine. Dr. Joshi is the director of headache medicine and assistant professor of neurology at Community Neuroscience Services at UMass School of Medicine.
Dr. Joshi is an award-winning researcher and teacher. He is the recipient of the American Headache Society’s 2012 Frontiers in Headache Research Scholarship Award for Cluster Headache Research, and the Outstanding Teaching Award from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine.
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Miles for Migraine is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with the mission of improving the lives of people with migraine and other headache disorders, and their families, by raising public awareness about this disease, and helping to find a cure. Miles for Migraine produces fun walk/run events, typically a 2-mile walk and 5K and 10K races to raise money for migraine research. We also host adult education days, and a youth program for kids and teens impacted by migraine and other headache disorders.
Lundbeck is a global pharmaceutical company focused exclusively on transformative treatments in neuroscience for people with high unmet need. Every day, we strive for improved treatment anda better life for people living with brain disease. We are committed to supporting the migraine community and helping to eliminate barriers that prevent people from being their best.
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