What You Need to Know About Heat-Induced Headaches and Migraines

Dehydration, mineral loss, sun glare, and heat exhaustion can all cause heat-induced headaches and migraine.
Headaches seem to be even more likely to happen in the summer months when temperatures are elevated. Headache frequency may rise when it’s warmer out for a number of underlying reasons, including dehydration, environmental pollution, heat exhaustion, and even heat stroke being more prevalent as temperatures rise.

Heat itself may be a trigger for headaches, although research results vary.
A heat-induced headache may feel like a dull, thudding ache around your temples or in the back of your head.
Heat-induced migraine
A heat-induced migraine is not the same as a heat-induced headache, because the two have some differences in their symptoms. What heat-induced migraine and headaches have in common is that they’re both triggered by the way that heat affects your body.

Heat-induced headache causes
A heat-induced headache may not be caused by hot weather itself, but by the way your body responds to heat.
Weather-related triggers of headache and migraine include:
• sun glare
• high humidity
• bright light
• sudden dips in barometric pressure

Heat-induced headaches can also be caused by dehydration. When you’re exposed to higher temperatures, your body needs more water to make up for what’s being lost as your body sweats. Dehydration can trigger both a headache and a migraine.
Weather conditions can also cause changes in your serotonin levels. These hormonal fluctuations are a common migraine trigger, but they can cause a headache, too.

Prolonged exposure to high temperatures also puts you at risk for heat exhaustion, one of the stages of heat stroke.
Headache is a symptom of heat exhaustion. Any time you’re exposed to high temperatures or spend a long time outside under the hot sun and get a headache afterward, you should know that heat stroke is a possibility.

Heat headache symptoms
Symptoms of a heat-induced headache can vary according to the circumstance. If your headache is triggered by heat exhaustion, you will have heat exhaustion symptoms in addition to your head pain.

Heat exhaustion symptoms include:
• dizziness
• muscle cramps or tightness
• nausea
• fainting
• extreme thirst that won’t subside
Medical emergency
Heat exhaustion is a medical emergency and can lead to heat stroke if it’s not treated. Seek immediate medical help.
If your headache or migraine is related to heat exposure, but not connected to heat exhaustion, your symptoms may include:
• a throbbing, dull sensation in your head
• fatigue
• sensitivity to light
• dehydration

Heat headache relief
If heat tends to trigger your headache or migraine, you can be proactive about prevention.
If possible, limit your time outside on hot days, and protect your eyes with sunglasses and a hat with a brim when you venture out. Exercise indoors in an air-conditioned environment if you’re able to do so.
Drink extra water as temperatures start to rise, and consider drinking sports drinks to replace your electrolytes.

If you already have a headache, consider home remedies like:
• lavender or peppermint essential oils
• cold compresses
• iced herbal teas
• herbs like feverfew or willow’s bark
Over-the-counter acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil) can also be used as needed for pain relief.