Barometric pressure, temperature, bright sunlight and stormy weather can wreak havoc on headache and migraine sufferers.

Published: September 28, 2018 | Updated: March 10, 2023

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

Stuffy noses and allergies aren’t the only ailments that come with fall. It’s also a prime time for headaches.

“The change in barometric pressure may act as a triggering event for people who suffer from headaches and migraine,” said Brian M. Plato, D.O., neurologist with Norton Neuroscience Institute. “In addition to barometric pressure changes, bright sunlight, extreme heat or cold, sun glare, high humidity, dry air and windy or stormy weather can also have a significant impact.”

As you prepare for weather changes this fall, Dr. Plato recommends the following tips:

• Monitor other headache triggers: Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated, get adequate rest, exercise and keep your stress under control.
• Have your medication handy: With the changing weather, it’s best to keep your medications with you 24/7. Should a headache or migraine emerge, you are prepared. This can include preventive medications that help ward off headaches as well as rescue medications for when one starts.
• Look at the forecast: You can predict when you’re likely to have a headache and take a preventive painkiller a day or two in advance.

Highest level of headache expertise

Nine physicians in Kentucky are board certified by the United Council for Neurologic Subspecialties.  Three of those are in Louisville, and two of those are with Norton Neuroscience Institute. Headache sufferers from Louisville, Southern Indiana and beyond seek the expertise of Dr. Plato and Jeffrey H. Frank, M.D., as well as their staff of nurse practitioners who have received advanced recognition with the “Certificate of Added Qualification” from the National Headache Foundation.

Treatment is offered for those suffering from:

• Migraine headache
• Chronic daily headache
• Cluster headache
• Analgesic rebound headache
• Cervicogenic headache
• Menstrual-associated headache
• Tension headache
• Post-concussive/post-traumatic headache