Allergies and heat identified as migraine triggers in recent studies

Scientific reviews have found that people who suffer from migraine are more likely to have allergic conditions such as allergic rhinitis, asthma and atopic dermatitis. Researchers suggest that the link may involve inflammation and histamine, a compound released during allergic reactions that also appears to play a role in migraine attacks.

Separate research from the Spanish Headache Foundation notes that high temperatures do not cause migraine on their own, but can worsen attacks in predisposed individuals. Factors associated with heat waves—including dehydration, intense sunlight, disrupted sleep, vigorous exercise, large meals and alcohol consumption—can trigger or intensify migraine episodes. Heat also causes vasodilation of cranial blood vessels, a key mechanism behind the pulsating pain of migraine.