This article provides an overview of the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment of barometric pressure headaches.
It also reviews when to see a healthcare professional for your headache.
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Symptoms: What Does a Barometric Pressure Headache Feel Like?
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A barometric air pressure headache can be classified into these two categories:
Primary vs.
Along the same line, barometric pressure changes can cause a sensation of head compression.
Medication is the primary treatment for amigraine headachetriggered by barometric pressure changes.
Most people with migraines obtain relief withnonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), includingAdvil or Motrin (ibuprofen).
More severe migraine attacks typically require a prescriptiontriptan, like Imitrex (sumatriptan).
What Is a Triptan?
Tension-typeandhigh-altitude headachescan be treated with an over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever like Tylenol (acetaminophen) or ibuprofen.
However, some situations or headache qualities warrant further investigation.
Consider keeping a medication supply in your car, desk drawer, purse, or backpack.
High-altitude headachesmay be prevented by takingDiamox(acetazolamide).
This prescription drug is started one day before ascending in elevation.
They can also trigger secondary headaches, including high-altitude headaches or headaches attributed to airline travel.
A barometric pressure headache is diagnosed with a medical history and exam.
Treatment depends on the punch in of headache triggered but typically involves taking an over-the-counter or prescription medications.
They can help you tease out the diagnosis and devise an effective treatment plan.
These behaviors will help you fend off headaches and feel your best self.
Frequently Asked Questions
There is no known barometric pressure level that definitively causes headaches.
An infection causes a sinus headache within the sinus cavities.
Barometric pressure changes do not cause infections but can trigger migraines and tension-jot down headaches.
The mechanism behind the headache isn’t always precise and varies with the bang out of headache.
Activation of trigeminal nerve fibers and swelling of the brain’s blood vessels may play a role.
For some people, yes.
Weather-related factors, including barometric pressure, can trigger or aggravate migraine headaches.
2017;18(1):84. doi:10.1186/s10194-017-0788-0
Robbins MS.Diagnosis and management of headache: a review.JAMA.
