There is also a common mistake you’re probably making when it comes to the painkillers you’re taking
A doctor on BBC Morning Live has suggested that shifts in spring weather might be behind your headaches – and a common mistake could actually be making them worse.
Speaking on the show, Doctor Ranj Singh highlighted key warning signs that may appear hours or even days before a migraine starts. The NHS describes a migraine as “a very bad headache with a throbbing pain on one side.”
The GP and TV personality explained: “Migraines are one of the most common neurological conditions in the world and they are a very unique type of headache.”
He noted that your headache can be affected by daily factors such as:
- a lack of sleep
- stress
- diet
- a change in temperature
Can a change of weather make me ill?
Yes, weather can affect you. Pointing out that we are now in spring, the doctor stressed we’re seeing the sun more and more which means “the weather is changing and this can trigger some people.
“We have a change in temperature, atmospheric pressure, humidity and light levels. And that can have a knock on affect on sleep as well.”
Can I prevent a migraine?
Dr Singh says that you can try the following:
What types of migraines are there?
There are two types of migraines: with aura and without. Migraines without aura are the most common, while about one-third of people experience migraines with aura.
The doctor explained: “Different people get different symptoms with aura migraines. But it’s important to be able to recognise them so you can get on top of it.”
What are early signs of a migraine?
Signs and symptoms include:
- Unusually tired and yawning
- Food, cravings, and thirst
- Mood changes
- A stiff neck
- Going to the toilet more
Symptoms of a migraine with aura include:
- Problems with your sight
- Numbness
- Pins and needles
- Feeling dizzy
- Difficulty speaking
When should I see a GP?
The expert said that these headaches can last hours to days and as soon as you feel symptoms, you may be able to “use higher dose of medication as soon as you can” to prevent any other symptoms from happening.
He also said that there are certain circumstances where you should book a medical appointment. He said “I would see a GP if your headaches are”:
- getting worse
- lasting longer
- happening more than once a week
- if they are difficult to control
- you are using painkillers for more than two days a week
In an urgent warning however, he said: “I would make an urgent appointment though if your migraines are lasting longer than 72 hours, your aura symptoms are more than an hour at a time, you’re pregnant or you’ve just had a baby, you can’t control your headaches or if you can’t keep anything down in terms of eating and drinking or if you’ve got any signs of a serious illness.”
When it comes to the mentioned illnesses, he says these include meningitis or a stroke as a migraine with aura can “mimic symptoms”.
What can trigger migraines?
Triggers are different for everyone, but some common ones include:
- Cheese
- Red wine
- Alcohol
- MSG
- Artificial sweeteners
- Caffeine
- Chocolate
Painkiller warning
In a painkiller warning, the doctor concluded: “The one really important thing is that if you’re on painkillers like ibuprofen, paracetamol or aspirin for your headache, if you use too much, it can actually cause a headache – so it’s important to speak to your doctor about that.”