Neurologist warned of increased risk of migraines and stroke due to temperature fluctuations

Autumn is a time when the weather changes especially quickly. Sudden temperature changes, windy and rainy weather, as well as fluctuations in barometric pressure create a significant burden on the human vascular system. Many people have headaches during this period, which can be either a manifestation of a common migraine or a signal of more serious disorders, including stroke. This was reported to Izvestia on October 4 by Galina Chudinskaya, a neurologist at Medicine JSC (Academician Roitberg Clinic).

"Migraine is one of the most common diseases of the nervous system. It is manifested by throbbing pain in the head, photophobia, hypersensitivity to sounds, nausea and irritability. Migraines are often accompanied by aura — temporary visual disturbances (for example, flashes of light, spots in front of the eyes), numbness of the extremities or tingling," the specialist said.

According to her, migraine attacks increase in autumn due to sudden changes in temperature, pressure and reduced daylight hours, which affects the circadian rhythms of the body.

Chudinskaya drew attention to the fact that a stroke, unlike a migraine, requires immediate medical attention. The main signs include sudden severe headache, numbness or weakness of the extremities, impaired speech, vision or coordination, as well as confusion. She explained that the symptoms of stroke appear abruptly and are accompanied by severe neurological dysfunction, whereas migraine develops gradually and has a recurring character.

The mechanism of autumnal vascular sensitivity is related to the fact that temperature and pressure fluctuations cause peripheral spasms, impair microcirculation and increase the risk of blood clots. People with chronic vascular diseases, hypertension, diabetes, or obesity are particularly vulnerable.

"For prevention in autumn, it is important to maintain a stable indoor temperature and avoid sudden hypothermia; regularly monitor blood pressure and blood sugar levels; include moderate physical activity — walking, swimming, light gymnastics to improve blood circulation," the doctor said.

In addition, it is important to monitor your diet, keep a headache diary, and pay attention to sleep quality, stress reduction, and hydration.

Chudinskaya stressed that careful attention to vascular health and the distinction between migraine and stroke can reduce risks and maintain working capacity even in unstable autumn weather.

On September 12, Anna Koptseva, a neurologist at the Vidnovskaya Hospital, told how to help herself with a migraine attack. According to her, both adults and children suffer from this disease. Seizures vary in frequency and intensity, but there are general rules for pain relief. She noted that pain should not be tolerated: it is better to take the medicine at the very beginning of the attack, but the doctor should prescribe the drug.

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