UAE temperature crosses 50°C: Headache, migraine cases surge during summer, say doctors

Patients frequently experience dehydration during summertime, which can strongly trigger the throbbing pain

UAE temperature, on Sunday, July 16, crossed the 50-degree mark. According to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) Bada Dafas (Al Dhafra Region) in Abu Dhabi was recorded the hottest temperature in the country so far this year. As the temperatures soar, UAE doctors say headaches and migraines tend to also rise during the summer season, resulting in a 10-20 per cent increase in the volume of patients seeking inpatient care. Dehydration, change in temperature, dietary triggers and altered routines can all contribute to headaches. Dr Najo Jomaa, Specialist Neurologist, Burjeel Farha Hospital, Al Ain, said: “Headaches are more common in summer as the heat can trigger it in general, as well as migraine headaches in patients who suffer from it. Patients frequently experience dehydration during summertime, which can strongly trigger migraine headaches.”

In a Harvard University study of more than 7,000 patients diagnosed with headaches, Dr Jomaa explained that the patients’ short-term risk of severe headache increased 7.5 per cent with every 9°F rise in temperature (12°C).

“Summertime headaches are mostly caused by dehydration and direct exposure to sunlight (which can also be a trigger for migraine headache) as well as changes in sleep pattern whether it is staying awake later at night, or sleeping more hours per day,” she added.

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