Tips to Manage Migraines in the Summer Heat
Migraines are the sixth most disabling illness worldwide, affecting nearly 40 million Americans and one in four households. While migraines can strike in any season, summer brings its own surge in cases. In fact, one study found that for every 10°F increase in temperature, migraine likeliness rose by 6%.
So why does heat make migraines worse, and how can you manage symptoms while staying active this summer? VSI Neurologist, Dr. Ella Akkerman, recently joined Fox5 DC to break it down.
Why Migraines Are More Common in Summer
“A migraine is more than just a headache, it’s a complex neurologic disorder,” says Dr. Akkerman. “In the summer it can be triggered by heat, dehydration, light exposure, and shifting routines. Certain triggers can alter the brain’s ability to maintain its chemical balance. Once this balance is overwhelmed, a migraine may occur.”
This combination of environmental and lifestyle stressors makes summer one of the most common seasons for flare-ups, especially among women, who are two to three times more likely than men to experience migraines.
Warning Signs You’re About to Get a Migraine
Migraines often begin with early signals before the pain sets in. These may include:
- Light and sound sensitivity
- Vision changes
- Difficulty concentrating
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fatigue or irritability
When the pain develops, it typically feels like pounding or throbbing on one side of the head, often behind the eyes, along the temples, or at the base of the skull. Unlike everyday headaches, migraines can last between 4 and 72 hours and significantly disrupt daily life.
Why Migraines Spike in the Summer | Neurologist Explains
Tips for Preventing Migraines in the Summer
Migraine prevention often starts with recognizing triggers. “It’s important to know what causes the migraine first, the triggers,” Dr. Akkerman explains. “Avoiding them plays a major part in managing attacks. Once you identify your triggers, you can work on reducing them — and reducing the number of migraines.”
Some of the most common migraine triggers include:
- Stress (a factor for nearly 70% of migraine sufferers)
- Irregular sleep schedules
- Hormonal changes
- Caffeine and alcohol
- Skipping meals or dehydration
Many patients find it helpful to keep a migraine diary, noting when symptoms occur and what might have contributed to the flare-up. This can help identify patterns and guide prevention strategies. For example, some people experience silent migraines (migraines that occur without head pain but still involve visual disturbances, nausea, or sensitivity to light and sound) which can be easier to miss without careful tracking.
How to Stay Active While Managing Migraines
Heat and activity don’t have to mean migraines are inevitable. Dr. Akkerman recommends a strategy she calls “Headache CPR”:
- H — Hydrate: Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- C — Cool Down: Use air conditioning, avoid peak sun hours, and apply ice packs if needed.
- P — Protect: Wear hats, sunglasses, and lightweight clothing to reduce sun exposure.
- R — Routine: Stick to regular meals, sleep, and exercise habits.
By following these steps, many patients are able to stay active while minimizing flare-ups.
Signs It’s Time to See a Doctor for Migraines
Most migraines can be managed with lifestyle adjustments and medication. But if you experience frequent attacks — or if pain lasts more than 10 days, or is accompanied by fever, weakness, or numbness — it’s important to see a specialist.
“Many people experience day-to-day headaches, but those lasting 4 to 72 hours, occurring at least five times, and having some of the warning signs we talked about… can be considered a migraine,” notes Dr. Akkerman. “That’s when you need to bring in a neurologist to identify problems and talk about possible treatment.”
Migraines are more than a seasonal inconvenience. This it’s a neurologic condition can dramatically affect quality of life. The good news: with Dr. Akkerman’s prevention strategies, those managing migraines can reduce their risk of flare-ups and stay active despite the summer heat.
Dr. Akkerman’s Tips to Prevent Migraines in the Summer Heat
If you’re struggling with frequent headaches or suspect your pain may be migraines, our team at VSI is here to help. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Ella Akkerman to start finding relief today.
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