Migraine after gardening - ie. bending down and standing up, blood pressure?
Hi there
Has anybody experienced this as a migraine trigger?
Whenever I clear the garden, weeding, picking up leaves etc - and spend a few hours bending down then standing up - it triggers a migraine the next day.
This has got me thinking again about the connection between blood pressure and migraine. I have low BP and often get dizzy on standing.
Recently had a conversation with another migraineur who said his migs disappeared after he started BP medication.
I suspect I may have some form of POTS however never had this tested, only a 24 hr heart monitor that identified ectopic heart beats.
Does this sound familiar to anybody?
(I'm female, age 58, struggling 14+ years with menopause symptoms).
With thanks for any input.
jems
Kent, UK
Hi jems,
Thank you for reaching out and sharing your story with us. I have heard from others after outdoor activity that a migraine attack was triggered. I wonder if it could be from dehydration, the heat or a combination.
Beta blockers can be used for migraine prevention, good to hear your friend has good results from them.
I would encourage you to seek out help from the doctor so you can get to the bottom of this.
Will you keep me posted?
Nancy Harris Bonk, Patient Advocate/ModeratorHi Nancy
Thanks for your reply.
Re: gardening, leaf picking - bending down and standing up.
m pretty certain it's not due to dehydration or heat. It's to do with the change in BP from bending / crouching down, then standing up.
Just experienced yet another hideous migraine after clearing the garden, it was cold at the time - I'm in the UK.
Definitely feel there is a connection with heart function and migraine - I have ectopic heart beats that I would like investigated further. However this will be difficult in covid times - getting a GP appt alone is an achievement.
Unfortunately I can't tolerate beta blockers as I have low blood pressure.
I've seen neurologists in the past and gone round and round in circles. I don't tolerate meds so just have to ride the migraines, can only take aspirin. It's a hideous, life ruining disability.
As we know, triggers are wide, varied, individual and many - just being alive really! - guess one of mine is bending down and standing up, ensuing BP changes = migraine. Ugh. Just wondered if anybody else had experienced this.
Thanks for listening.
jems
Hi
, UGH is right! I'm sorry you are dealing with this and hopefully others will be along to share their experiences with you as well.
We're here for you and, have a great day!
Nancy Harris Bonk, Patient Advocate/Moderator
