Preventing Weather-Related Migraine Attacks

By Holly Harding

1 min read

From light and sounds to stress, there are many triggers that are avoidable. What do we do about the triggers we can’t avoid? Weather/barometric pressure changes are triggers that are unavoidable. What can be done to prevent the unpreventable?

In the comment section below, please share any strategies you have learned to prevent or treat weather-related migraine attacks.

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The Migraine.com team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

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justsomedude Member
Complete prevention, no. However, as I have found ways to predict these types of migraines with a fair amount of accuracy, I do everything possible before it starts. This includes making sure that I am well hydrated and nourished, and trying my best to ward off any other migraines in the meantime with my normal cocktail of meds.
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 Hi there, JustSomeDude- sounds like good preventative planning. A smart and important way to live when managing a life with migraine. Would you mind sharing the ways you've found to accurately predict these types of migraine attacks? That can be the hardest part! I have yet to find a good weather predicting app... Thanks for sharing! warmly, Holly (migraine.com team).
petmigraine Member
I have no idea how to avoid weather related migraines...it also worsens insomnia for me 🙁 IF I hear of incoming wind, rain, heat or humidity before it arrives, I tend to stay close to home. (always worse to be driving or at an event when bad weather/bad migraine begins..) I do have migraine helpers in my bag at all times just in case: current meds, vomit bag, sunglasses..because I don't want to be caught without them.
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 Hi petmigraine- yes! Such a good point about the difficulty of being out and about and then encountering a shift in the atmosphere. It then becomes quite important what we have in our bags and purses to help us out. Your comment brought to mind a video we published a while back on this very topic, which got a lot of traction in the comment section-- so many people shared their tricks of the trade when it comes to what they carry in their purses/bags-- you might have a look and see if it resonates: <a href='https://migraine.com/video/whats-purse-challenge' target='_blank'>https://migraine.com/video/whats-purse-challenge/</a>. Warmly, Holly (migraine.com team).
bbeschle Member
I will be talking to my doctor about Diamond, which is a diuretic, and used to treat altitude sickness. I will also be asking about treatment with Procardia and Dexamethasone, alleged to be effective on barometric pressure headaches. I have recently read studies on barometric pressure migraine that suggest a link a drop of 5-10 my of air pressure and migraine. I am keeping a barometric pressure diary along with significant migraine issues. When a migraine starts I check the barometric pressure drop. If the drop from one day to the next, or within the day, is 5 mb or more, I take a 20 minute session with my Cefaley. This seems to be helping. Also, I notice that if barometric pressure stays relatively constant, or rises 3-5 my, I have no migraine.
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 How wonderful that you are doing your own study on the topic. It's so good to become an informed patient on a condition that has such far reaching impact. How are you tracking these shifts in pressure? I'd be interested in doing the same. Glad you shared! Hope you'll keep in touch. Warmly, Holly (migraine.com team).
2. Melissa Arnold Community Admin
 I echo what Holly said, bbeschle -- it's fantastic that you have had success from doing your own research. I also want to add a thought: How fortunate we are to live in an age where barometric pressure and other weather changes are simply broadcast everywhere! I often think of former generations and how much they must have suffered without the advances we now have access to. It's a bittersweet thought -- hopefully things will be ever better for the coming generations. Thanks for sharing! -Melissa, <a href='https://migraine.com' target='_blank'>migraine.com</a> team
virginialady Member
I recently discussed this very topic via text with a gal I know who is a professional meteorologist. I wanted to understand why I dread the month of August every year, why summer in particular is so bad, and is anywhere in the country a magically-good place to live. She explained that high temperatures in summer create low pressure systems which can trigger migraines, humidity makes things worse, and the cycle of daily thunderstorms in my area is particularly bad. No magical good area I'm afraid. 🙁 Rats!
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 Hi VirginiaLady- glad you shared this research and conversation with a meteorologist. Fascinating. I recently noted in my facebook memories that I mention having a lot of major migraine attacks from year to year in August as well. And like you, I live in a humid area with lots of thunderstorms, almost daily. I might've mentioned in the video above that one of my friends with migraine (a fellow advocate here at <a href='https://migraine.com' target='_blank'>migraine.com</a>) relocated from Seattle, the rainy capital of the US to Arizona in hopes of finding relief from migraine-- and while it helped some, it certainly did not provide the comprehensive relief she was seeking. If you find the magical good area- please let us know! Warmly, Holly (migraine.com team).
mamabear2 Member
Hi Holly, I was tracking the weather a few months ago and the best website I found was <a href='https://aviationweather.gov' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>aviationweather.gov</a>. It shows barometric pressure, humidity, dew point and more. On the desktop website (not mobile website), you can also see a 3 day history of barometric pressure. Which is helpful when I didn't have time to check what the pressure if doing throughout the day. Then if you scroll down to the bottom, click on "Forecast Discussion" sometimes it will say if a high pressure or low pressure system is on it's way. It's a government website, so it's nothing fancy and written for pilots. However I liked that it had all the info on one website. I started tracking weather because after 2 years of migraines, I suddenly realized I got a migraine a few hours before a thunderstorm came thru. It's funny how triggers can be right in front of you but we don't always see them. 4 weeks ago I got the daith piercing. So far, it's helped me a lot! I still take Boswellia and wear my migraine glasses because it's only been 4 weeks, but I'm down 4-6 migraines a month to 1 short one! So needless to say I'm not tracking barometric pressure anymore. I hope this website is helpful to others! Take care.
1. Cheryl Picerno Moderator
 <inline-mention username="jo1950" user-id="3722268"/> I understand how important it is for many of us to track different weather conditions. Barometric pressure changes are a triggering factor for many people. My husband is affected by that and he tracks it on his Migraine Buddy app. He has a prescription that he uses to help with those changes called Diamox. Pets can also be very intuitive so it never hurts to make those observations. It may be their way of alerting you to certain conditions or even helping to predict a pending migraine attack. Thanks for taking the time to share your experiences with us. I look forward to interacting more with you! Warmly, Cheryl <a href='https://migraine.com' target='_blank'>migraine.com</a> team
2. Melissa Arnold Community Admin
 <inline-mention username="jo1950" user-id="3722268"/> The support our animals can provide is so important! We've heard similar stories here about dogs and cats that seem to sense when a migraine is coming on and want to stay near us ... and of course, they are sensitive to weather changes as well. My new cat doesn't seem to mind, but my childhood cat would make sure the whole house knew when a storm was coming! I would definitely include your pet as part of your "migraine toolkit!" I responded to your other post about WeatherX but I'll say good luck to you here as well. 😀 -Melissa, <a href='https://migraine.com' target='_blank'>migraine.com</a> team
Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
3PomsMom- Thanks for the tip on those various apps for tracking pressure. I'm grateful you shared those with the rest of us. And for those who look at you like you're crazy to say there's a link between weather and migraine- send them a link to this or one of our countless other articles on the topic! You are definitely not alone in this. Warmly, Holly (migraine.com team).
superseabee95 Member
I cannot fly without going into a severe migraine attack. Any tips for this?
1. CrochetMama Member
 <inline-mention username="CrystalHarper" user-id="3710322"/> This link is not working. I am traveling this weekend and was so excited to read it, too!
2. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="CrochetMama" user-id="4131559"/> So sorry about that! Our site has been updating some previous articles so links that were provided previously are at times not available. Here is another article on the topic of traveling with migraine that might come in handy for you: <a href='https://migraine.com/blog/five-tips-traveling-chronic-migraine' target='_blank'>https://migraine.com/blog/five-tips-traveling-chronic-migraine</a>. Hope you find this useful and that you have a good trip. Warmly- Holly <a href='https://-migraine.com' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>-migraine.com</a> team.
pobo13 Member
Hi Holly. Weather triggered migraines are the bane of my existence. They're the uncontrollable trigger I can do absolutely nothing about. I even moved cross country which barely made a difference with West Coast weather becoming so volatile (originally from Los Angeles). My migraines didn't begin until my family moved to the East Coast when I was 7 (30 yrs ago) to MD which has a lot of changing high & low pressure weather) fronts seasonally i quickly learned as a kid. I was formally diagnosed with Migraine with aura at Children's hospital at age 7. The migraines became chronic 7 yrs ago and got so bad I had to retire from a senior federal scientist position and career I loved so much a few yrs ago (I'm a Molecular Biologist). Weather triggered migraines were one of the main reasons because there is no accommodation for those, so unpredictable, and cause the worst attacks for me personally. I also have other weather/seasonal related comorbitities (circadian rhythm sleep disorder & SAD) so weather and seasonality are a huge part of my life. I do what I can with what I've got to keep going. In response to your topic question, I also furiously track barometric pressure shifts like others said and try to find ways to mitigate the attack severity. I get different migraines with different symptom profiles depending on whether it's a pressure drop or increase so it's a must for me. Have you heard of or tried the WeatherX app? I recommend trying it. It's a free weather headache & migraine focused pressure shift monitoring app that you can set your personal pressure shift threshold (mine is ~0.10 - 0.20 inHG to trigger an attack) and the app will alert you prior to a pressure shift. It will also give you 3-5 days out pressure shift forecast of anticipated pressure shifts for your specific location as well as pressure shift data for previous week. This helps me tremendously to have an idea ahead of time and plan/prepare accordingly, keeping in mind pressure shifts can change the closer to "now" it is. It also helps me confim a pressure a previous attack and correlate the severity of an attack with a specific pressure shift value after the fact. I use this data to better help me predict my personal pressure shift tolerance, thresholds, and attack severity. The app is marketed for use with special earplugs the app company sells to insert prior to pressure shift to help lessen the attack. I haven't used them only the app. Personally, I like the all the data and forecasting at my fingertips, science oriented mind and all. Hope that helps someone.
1. jo1950 Member
 <inline-mention username="es0r7s" user-id="3723571"/> I just purchased the earplugs today at the WeatherX website as Amazon did not give me the option of sizes. I ordered a small and medium-size just to try both. I did read that they recommend using only for 3-5 days, which could become very expensive. 
2. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="jo1950" user-id="3722268"/> Please let us know how they work for you! We'd love to hear back and learn from you! We need more feedback on those. Thanks so much! Warmly, Holly (migraine.com team).
georgiana Member
Not Aimovig, that's for sure. I stay in ketosis: ketogenic diet + intermittent fasting + high intensity workouts. On top of this, I do heavy doses of CBD. I'm okay most of the time. I'm in the same weather pattern as Holly here (the EXACT same one), and after so many days of rain and storms it can get harder to fend off headaches. These do tend to be milder attacks with lots of warning that they're coming.
1. jo1950 Member
 <inline-mention username="georgiana" user-id="3744578"/> Hi Georgiana ~ I have used AIMOVIG successfully for the past 2 years. I guess not all CGRP's work for everyone. 
2. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="jo1950" user-id="3722268"/> That's right. Not all CGRPs work for everyone- but also- if one CGRP doesn't work for you, that doesn't mean another won't. Some are made slightly differently from others so if you run into one that doesn't work, it's worth trying another: <a href='https://migraine.com/clinical/cgrp-similar-different' target='_blank'>https://migraine.com/clinical/cgrp-similar-different</a>. So glad you've found one that works for you! Warmly, Holly (migraine.com team).
artistgoddess Member
I take CBD daily (RSO-filled capsules.) My migraines have almost been eliminated.
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 Hi ArtistGoddess- Thanks for sharing what works for you. We have had a number for community members share success on the CBD front. There are so many brands, versions, and dosages available it can be confusing as to where to start/what to use. Would you mind sharing what is working for you so that others might be able to do their own research and compare it to others? I personally had some temporary (short-lived) help on Endoca raw hemp oil CBD capsules 1500 mg. Again, thanks so much for sharing! Warmly, Holly (migraine.com team).
misssweetstory Member
I find the barometer is a big migraine trigger for me. I do use Aimovig and it has made a huge difference in the number of migraines I get each month. I still get some from the weather but usually not as bad or frequent now that I use Aimovig.
1. jo1950 Member
 <inline-mention username="misssweetstory" user-id="3834519"/> I just started back on AIMOVIG. My former insurance provider would not allow me to use AIMOVIG and put me on AJOVY which caused too many migraine breakthroughs. So, I changed health providers just to get AIMOVIG. I'll do anything to help manage migraine successfully. While on AIMOVIG I had partial auras, nothing else once every 3 months. It is a blessing to me. Thank you AMGEN !! 
2. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="jo1950" user-id="3722268"/> Oh my- So glad you were able to get back on what works for you. As I mentioned before- there are differences in the way the CGRPs are delivered- which you clearly learned firsthand- the result is that some work for some people and others don't work at all. What a relief that you're back on the one that works for you. A blessing indeed! Thank you for sharing some of your journey with us- so glad you're a part of our community. Stay in touch. Warmly, Holly (migraine.com team).
jmsmigraines Member
Because I have problems with medications (I either have severe side effects or I may as well eat candy--very little that actually works) one of my nurse practioners called me during a really rough time with migraines. She told me to start on a regimen of CoQ-10 and B2 (Riboflavin) 100 mg of each 3 times a day.
1. jo1950 Member
 <inline-mention username="jmsmigraines" user-id="3884475"/> Did this help you?
2. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="jo1950" user-id="3722268"/> I thought you might find this interesting: https://migraine.com/blog/should-the-weather-forecast-include-a-migraine-alert. Warmly, Holly (migraine.com team).
lesticia Member
I haven't seen this mentioned yet so I'll post. I get migraines when the pressure is above a certain point, not necessarily from sudden drops/increases in pressure. I use this app just called "Barometer" and on the first tab (a circle like a watch) I can "set" the measurement when I am up and above my "red zone". Then I keep tabs on the "trend" tab and see where my red line is in the chart. When I feel a migraine coming on, I open up my barometer app and look at the trend line for confirmation that I'm in my red zone. Then I know my migraine is from the pressure. If the pressure measurement isn't in my red zone, then my brain ache might actually be due to my neck/shoulders being tensed up. Then it's time for a trip to the chiropractor!
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 Hi lesticia- Thanks so much for sharing this resource with the rest of us. Sounds like a good way to get to the root of the matter and find which trigger is driving a certain attack. May I ask whether you treat different trigger-driven attacks in different ways? I'm assuming the neck/shoulder tension triggers equal a chiro trip, as you mention. How do you respond to a pressure related attack in terms of treatment/symptom management? Thanks for sharing so we can learn from you. Warmly, Holly (migraine.com team).
valeriecrawford Member
following....this weather thing is my only trigger. I live in PA and weather can vary from one hour to the next.
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 Hi Valerie- Hope this thread can be of assistance- glad to see all of the ideas that community members are offering, hope some might be of use to you. Glad you're with us. Warmly, Holly (migraine.com team).
2. bookseller Member
 Valerie Crawford, I live smack dab in the middle of PA. Haven’t these pressure systems awful!? I go to Jefferson’s headache center. They’ll be admitting me in the next week or so to reboot my brain w/ their lovely cocktails.
lucinda-jane Member
A few years ago I purchased a small weather satellite station. It sit in my kitchen window and among other things gives me a running graph of what the barometer is doing. It constantly fluctuates and the deeper the drops the more likely I am to get a migraine. I recently was started on Aimovig and it has been the only medication that has reduced the frequency and severity of my migraines. When I feel one coming, I slap on one of my migraine caps from the freezer and if it feels like a bad on on the way I also take ketorolac and Fiorocet. I have a bit more functionality since the Aimovig.
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 Lucinda- thank you so much for walking us through your prevention and rescue strategy. It sounds like you have it figured out about as well as it can be from initial signals all the way through to treatment. I've never heard of the small weather satellite station before. Sounds like a wonderful way to track changes for those of us who are moved by weather. Glad the Aimovig is working to reduce the frequency and severity of your migraine attacks. You really sound like you've worked hard to get your triggers and attacks down to a science. It takes a long time, focus, effort and energy to get to this point in the migraine journey. Good for you. Inspiring to hear. Warmly, Holly (migraine.com team).
2. erineverafter Member
 What a wonderful idea!
nancy163 Member
This has been very informative for me as I have chronic migraines and barometric pressure is one of the main triggers that I am specifically aware of. I have tons of smell triggers (cigs, strong chemicals, etc) but I cannot avoid the weather. I usually take a triptan as soon as a plane takes off to try to stop a migraine before it starts. I also used to scuba dive and no longer will dive because of the pressure changes. I find if I stay inside during a barometric pressure drop it helps decrease the intensity of the migraine as if I'm outside, it comes on quicker and stronger. I have already download the suggested and apps and am going to track the changes. One note is that the LOWERING of barometric pressure has always been my problem and I have my best days when it is high pressure.
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 Hi Nancy- good for you for trying to become as aware and educated as possible as to your triggers and how to work around them proactively. This is the best we can do as migraineurs - to learn how to manage something that we are not in control of, ultimately. Good for you for doing your best to learn all you can about your triggers and this condition, in general. Warmly, Holly (migraine.com team).
bookseller Member
Valerie, I live about smack dab in the middle of PA. I go to Thomas Jefferson’s headache center. They are wonderful. This weather lately is killing me. The pressure only needs to change by .02 to send me. I’m set to go for inpatient treatment in a week or so. I’ll get my brain all rebooted, and my Emgality will work fabulously. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it! Be peaceful friends.
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 Hi bookseller- thanks so much for chiming in and best of luck when you head to Jefferson for your tune up! Please let us know how it goes. We'll be thinking of you and hoping it all goes according to your story and plan! Warmly, Holly (migraine.com team).
hildredrs Member
Another Jefferson Headache Clinic patient here. Very interested to read about the forecasting apps mentioned above. I usually just listen to the weather on tv or radio. In addition to monthly shots and maintenance medicine my doctor has prescribed Diamox for when I know a bad weather-related migraine is going to hit. I take Dexamethasone for flying-related headaches, although sadly in 2020 I haven’t had one of those. I also take B-2 and Magnesium to keep in balance. Thanks to all those posting on this site who make me feel like I am not alone.
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 Hi hildredrs- Thanks so much for sharing and indeed you are not alone! You've got lots of company here who are experiencing these challenges right along with you and learning from you while we go. Would you mind sharing a bit about your experience with Diamox? I talk about it in the piece above but haven't heard much real-world feedback about it. Any side effects? Is it effective for you? And I've never heard of taking a steroid preventatively for flying-related headaches. Interesting strategy. Do you take it in the days preceding the flight? Or day of? Does that work for you? Thanks again for sharing your experience and wisdom with us. Grateful you're a part of our community. Warmly, Holly (migraine.com team).
carynhathaway Member
Oh boy... I live on the OuterBanks of NC and rarely have a migraine free day. Aimovig helped, but I refuse to pay $600/month +the cost of imitrex, fiorecet, propranolol and fluextine(sp?)....my children live here....so.... I just pop pills, sleep a lot and push through....
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 Hi Caryn- I also live in NC - though in the Triangle- and have visited the coast often- the changing weather there does bring an uptick in migraine attacks for me. So sorry the cost of the CGRPs is out of reach- it is for so many. I'm assuming you know that most the CGRPs have savings programs? But they only are temporary so once they expire (usually giving you a year free supply at most) you are left footing the bill. We can hope that in the coming months/years, it will be made more affordable as more competitors come to market. Hope you'll stay in touch. Warmly, Holly (migraine.com team).
glassmind Member
Unable to view video. Transcript? Links? Thanks.
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 Hi <inline-mention user-id="3906820" username="glassmind"/> - so sorry you're having trouble accessing. This video, in a nutshell, is really just asking/inviting our community members to provide their input on how to handle the unavoidable trigger of weather related migraine. The one suggestion that is offered as an idea to explore is that of Diamox- here's some information on that resource: <a href='https://migraine.com/living-migraine/triggered-by-weather-this-medication-may-help' target='_blank'>https://migraine.com/living-migraine/triggered-by-weather-this-medication-may-help/</a>. Other than that, the best ideas will be found in the comment section below. Sorry storms have become a trigger for you! I know the feeling! Warmly, Holly (migraine.com team).
2. glassmind Member
 Thank you for the link. Will check the comments also.
PsychicPhenom Member
This person used NOAA data and mapped it out. Not everyone has the same trigger, that is, although barometric pressure may be the general issue, how quickly, how much it changes, or what direction can be the problem. The author at the link has mapped .02 change in 24 hours, and number of days per year these type of changes occur. It does give some idea of weather volatility in some areas. I am often affected by storms that are over 150 miles away. I live near the Great Lakes, and have had "migraines" since I was 13. I have found that drugs used for migraine have frightening side-effects, so I am stuck with toughing it out. Excedrin used to be my go to, but I believe it may have hurt my stomach Personally, I believe migraine type pain is not a disease, but a symptom of several if not many conditions. The way most MDs treat it is therefore erroneous. What I have found helpful have been a 1mg dose of Valium at first awareness, (back when they actually prescribed Valium rather than the vastly inferior and addictive Xanax.) Walking outdoors in a quiet area can be helpful, and often regular chiropractic adjustment of my cervical spine. Oh,meditation and good sunglasses are a big help. <a href='https://securevideo.com/2016/03/18/global-barometric-variation-annual-maps-and-monthly-raw-data/' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>https://securevideo.com/2016/03/18/global-barometric-variation-annual-maps-and-monthly-raw-data/</a> to the mappers' credit, I have never had a headache when I visited California coastal areas, nor when in Hawaii.
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="PsychicPhenom" user-id="4539723"/> Thanks so much for sharing the wisdom you have earned and gained over your many years living with these symptoms. Glad that you have found some solutions to help you manage the challenges as they arise. Like you, I find walking to be so therapeutic as long as it's not too taxing. Again, thanks for sharing so many of your tips with us. Glad you're with us. Warmly- Holly <a href='https://-migraine.com' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>-migraine.com</a> team.
jo1950 Member
Does the WeatherX ear plug really work?
1. Melissa Arnold Community Admin
 <inline-mention username="jo1950" user-id="3722268"/> I also found this one story of someone that used WeatherX to help them while running the vacuum. Maybe this will be interesting for you. <a href='https://migraine.com/forums/vacuums' target='_blank'>https://migraine.com/forums/vacuums</a> Ultimately, each person with migraine is unique. They respond to different remedies and treatments, and what helps can change throughout your lifetime or even from migraine to migraine. So there's no real way for us to say if it will help you specifically. But I'll definitely keep my fingers crossed for you. Keep us posted about what you decide to do. All the best! -Melissa, <a href='https://migraine.com' target='_blank'>migraine.com</a> team
2. eazbailey Member
 <inline-mention username="jo1950" user-id="3722268"/> My husband tried the WeatherX ear plugs and they didn't really do much for his migraines, unfortunately.
justjenifr Member
I am extremely susceptible to weather related migraines. The slightest change and is migraine time for me. Oddly enough my Samsung watch has helped me. I bought one years ago and it has a feature that tells you when the barometric pressure changes. When I get that notification I take Excedrin Migraine (all I can take cause I'm severely allergic to triptans) and it will either lessen the severity or stop it completely. 
1. paigethepoundhound Member
 What do ear plugs do for you?
2. Cody Leach Community Admin
 <inline-mention username="paigethepoundhound" user-id="3665743"/> I believe the goal is that the earplugs help you cope with changes in barometric pressure. However, I cannot verify if there is any current scientific evidence which supports that using ear plugs is an effective tool in the prevention of migraine. You may have to explore if there is any evidence supporting this yourself. Best, - Cody (Team Member)
justjenifr Member
Thanks Nancy, I'll look into those.
2u9sex Member
I have barometric pressure triggered migraines and neck pain that can also trigger my migraines. For years I thought my migraines were hormone related, until a new doctor encouraged me to carefully track my headaches for two months and look for triggers. I finally figured out my migraines were weather related. I was so miserable with my headaches and constant pain one summer I was ready to quit my job. Instead I took a leave of absence and visited half a dozen different doctors for both my migraines and neck pain. I had always visited neurologists for my headaches, but it turned out a pain doctor and a physical therapist found the right treatment plan that included neck strengthening exercises, therapeutic massage, steroid injections and CGRP injectable meds (once a month), with low dose of gabapentin as a preventative, and muscle relaxers and sumatriptan as needed. I finally have relief! Not that I never get a headache, but they are rare - and now I know weather is my trigger - I pay attention to the barometric pressure and plan around it. I never take summer vacations because summers are the worst time of year for my migraine breakthroughs. I also do daily exercise to stretch and strengthen my neck and use heat and Nsaids if the neck pain persists. At some point I may consider neck surgery, but not now. I also found a small firm pillow and good medium firm mattress gives my neck the best support while sleeping, which helps a lot too. All in all though the CGRP meds were my saving grace. My previous doctor had suggested them, but we could never get the insurance to approve them. My pain doctor seemed to know how to navigate the insurance and I have not had any problems getting prescriptions. Once I retire I may move to Arizona as the dry air and warm consistent climate is good for any weather related aches and pains. 
1. Rebecca C Moderator
 <inline-mention username="2u9sex" user-id="3828070"/> You really did the work in finding what the issue is and then treating yourself appropriately! I applaud you. How is it planning around the barometric pressure? Do you find days the weather a problem and keeping it low-key helps? So glad the CGRPs are helping as I recently began using them and the jury is still out. I hope they continue to work for my migraines. As for Arizona - I am from Arizona and the barometric pressure can still be a very big problem, especially in the summer when Haboobs (dust storms) roll in quickly without warning during monsoon season. The heat can also be an issue for some and cause migraine attacks. Seems this year the Barometric pressure was all over the place. Not to burst your "bubble", but hope this helps you before investing in a move far from home. Maybe come visit for a few weeks during monsoon and see how it goes? May help. Rebecca (comm advc)
laurel0887 Member
The Barometric pressure is one you can't change, but you can keep track of it by checking a weather site or watching the weather on the news - that's one I wouldn't count on to be correct! The weather sites are usually more accurate, and knowing the weather coming is a big help. I'm at least 3 days ahead of the TV weather people, and my percentage of correct weather reports is much higher! When I know what's coming, I can change appointments, cut down my "to-do List", keep things as quiet as I can with a spoiled Shih-Tzu, cut down or cut out my 4 mile/day fast walk, and kind of make it an "easy day" and not feel guilty about it. 
1. Rebecca C Moderator
 <inline-mention username="laurel0887" user-id="3800115"/> - its great tracking the barometric pressure and planning ahead. I haven't attempted this too much in the past but find over the summer months of monsoon in Arizona it really helps. When BP is up and down, I use my earplugs and watch the pressure quite closely to medicate and ward off episodes. Managing them is key. thanks for sharing what works for you. Rebecca ( comm advc) 
2. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="laurel0887" user-id="3800115"/> I like your strategy of doing your best to stay ahead of the weather and lightening the load on days you know will be more challenging. Great tips coming from someone who I assume has a lot of earned wisdom with migraine! Thank you for sharing. Warmly- Holly <a href='https://-migraine.com' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>-migraine.com</a> team.
virginiaresident Member
I watch the weather and take Nurtec (preventative as well as treatment for migraine) before the day the bad weather is due to come and seems to help a bit. I also follow this site <a href='https://www.accuweather.com/en/us/denver/80203/migraine-weather/347810' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>https://www.accuweather.com/en/us/denver/80203/migraine-weather/347810</a> to determine when some weather patterns can increase the severity and frequency of migraines, although sometimes I've had a migraine when site indicates migraine severity low, but then it was probably another trigger not related to weather. p.s. when I searched Diamox, the first result that displayed indicated: Status: Discontinued
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="virginiaresident" user-id="3685223"/> Thanks so much for sharing the site you use to track the weather and migraine likelihood. That's a helpful resource. And yes, Diamox is a brand that has been discontinued, evidently, but you should still be able to find it under Acetazolamide. Thanks so much for sharing the weather resource! Warmly- Holly <a href='https://-migraine.com' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>-migraine.com</a> team.
2. Melissa Arnold Community Admin
 <inline-mention username="Cheryl Picerno" user-id="3673232"/> <inline-mention username="Holly Harding" user-id="3755969"/> Thanks, you two, for the info about Diamox. I'd been telling people about it and now I know what's current. I appreciate you! -Melissa, <a href='https://migraine.com' target='_blank'>migraine.com</a> team