Winter cold headaches are more often a concern for women and people suffering from migraines. Neurologist Igor Matsokin shared recommendations for combating this issue.
“The mechanism of cold-induced headaches is not fully understood. It is believed that they may be triggered by the thermoregulatory response of blood vessels (constriction or dilation) or irritation of the branches of the trigeminal nerve. Typically, this type of pain occurs when exposed to a provoking factor (cold) and gradually subsides after its removal.
Therefore, if you encounter a cold headache, the first step is to try to move to a warm room and, if possible, drink a hot beverage. If the pain does not go away, it is recommended to take a pain reliever and anti-inflammatory medication. If the episodes of cold headache persist or occur frequently, it is advisable to seek medical help from a specialist. Since cold headaches are more commonly observed in patients with migraines, therapy adjustment may be necessary.”
There is also an opinion (not all doctors agree with it) that one can get used to cold headaches by training the temperature receptors on the skin. To do this, it is beneficial to sleep in a cool room, regularly take cold showers, and wash one’s face with cool water. Such training may help reduce the sensitivity of temperature receptors.
