Migraine Canada Logo
MIGRAINE MODE

Traveling to higher altitudes can trigger migraine attacks for some individuals. This phenomenon has been observed in studies involving people who climbed to high altitudes, such as a mountain in Colorado (4,300 metres high). Those with a history of migraine were 2.5 times more likely to develop a headache and 14 times more likely to experience a headache resembling a migraine compared to those without a migraine history. In this article, we explore how altitude can impact migraine and share strategies to manage and prevent altitude-related attacks.

Possible Triggers Related to Altitude

  1. Barometric Pressure Changes:
  • People with migraine often report sensitivity to changes in barometric pressure. At higher altitudes, air pressure drops significantly.
  • For example, traveling from sea level to Calgary (1,045 meters elevation) results in a barometric pressure drop of about 91 mmHg. Going from sea level to Cuzco in Peru (3,400 meters elevation) results in a drop of about 238 mmHg.
  • These pressure changes are much larger than those experienced during weather changes, even in extreme conditions like hurricanes.
  1. Reduced Oxygen Levels:
  • Higher altitudes have lower oxygen levels, which can trigger migraine.
  • The concentration of oxygen in the air remains 21%, but the air is thinner, meaning fewer oxygen molecules are available.
  • At sea level, the partial pressure of oxygen is about 150 mmHg, whereas in Calgary it is about 130 mmHg, and in Cuzco about 100 mmHg.
  • Although the body can usually compensate for lower oxygen levels, these changes can still induce chemical shifts that trigger migraine in susceptible individuals.

Preventing Altitude-Related Migraine

While direct research on preventing altitude-triggered migraine is limited, there are strategies derived from studies on acute mountain sickness that may help:

  1. Gradual Ascent:
  • Ascending to higher elevations gradually and spending time at intermediate elevations allows the body to acclimatize and may help prevent migraine.
  1. Reducing Other Triggers:
  • Avoid other common migraine triggers during ascent, such as sleep deprivation and dehydration.
  1. Medications:
  • Acetazolamide (Diamox): Taking 125 or 250 mg twice a day starting the evening before ascent is the most proven treatment for headaches related to acute mountain sickness.
  • Steroids: A short course of steroids like dexamethasone might be beneficial, but it is important to consult with a doctor before use.
  • Ibuprofen: Taking ibuprofen three times a day starting on the morning of the ascent may help, though it appears less effective than acetazolamide.

Post #2028