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Published on: June 2, 2014
Sun-induced migraine attacks in an Arctic population
Svein Ivar Bekkelund1, Kristian Hindberg, Hiba Bashari
1University Hospital of North Norway, Norway. svein.ivar.bekkelund@unn.no
Cephalalgia : an International Journal of Headache
|June 2, 2011
Summary
Sunlight exposure can trigger migraine attacks in some individuals. Further research is needed to understand the impact of light on sensitive migraineurs.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Environmental Medicine
Background:
- Migraine is a common neurological disorder.
- Weather conditions, particularly sun exposure, are suspected triggers for migraine attacks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between weather parameters, especially sunlight, and the occurrence of migraine attacks.
- To identify potential triggers for migraine in a cohort of women.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 1250 migraine attacks from a 12-month prospective diary study.
- Comparison of migraine diary data with meteorological records.
- Inclusion of 40 women meeting International Headache Society (IHS) criteria for migraine with and without aura.
Main Results:
- Patients reported more sun-induced migraine attacks on sunny days.
- No overall seasonal variation or correlation between general weather parameters and migraine onset was found.
- A subgroup of patients with 'sun-induced' migraine showed a significant increase in attack frequency during summer compared to winter (p = 0.04).
Conclusions:
- Sunlight is confirmed as a potential trigger for migraine.
- A subgroup of migraineurs may be particularly sensitive to light, warranting further investigation into light's impact on their condition.
