Air pollution may be one of the main causes of severe migraine attacks that lead patients to the hospital, according to a new scientific study.
The research, published in the journal Neurology, shows that on days when air pollution levels are higher, the number of hospital visits for migraine treatment also increases. On the day with the most cases treated, pollution was twice as high as the limits recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).
In contrast, days with fewer doctor visits had lower than average levels of air pollution.
Migraine, a widespread problem
In the UK, around 10 million people suffer from migraines – a condition that causes severe headaches, often accompanied by nausea and vomiting. In more severe cases, symptoms can include numbness, neurological disorders and even resemble a stroke.
About 1 million people suffer from chronic migraines, where severe pain lasts more than half the month.
Pollution and climatic factors as causes
The study also reveals that the effects of pollution are not just immediate. Long-term exposure to air pollution above WHO limits is linked to an approximately 10% increase in migraine medication use.
According to researcher Ido Peles from Ben-Gurion University in Israel, these findings help doctors better predict treatment needs and take preventive measures during periods of high risk.
He emphasizes that environmental factors play a role on two levels: heat and humidity can increase the risk in the medium term, while sudden increases in pollution can immediately trigger migraine attacks.
Experts suggest that on days with high pollution, sensitive people should limit their time outdoors and use protective measures to reduce exposure to polluted air. /GazetaExpress/
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