"Why Do I Get Headaches Whenever I Feel Cold?"
Headaches that occur with cold exposure may be caused by vasoconstriction and insufficient blood supply to the brain due to the cold stimulus. However, they may also be related to primary headache disorders such as migraines and tension headaches.
Non-pathological Factors:
Vasoconstriction: When the head is exposed to cold, it can trigger vasoconstriction in the capillaries of the scalp, affecting local blood circulation and subsequently inducing the aforementioned symptoms.
Insufficient Blood Supply to the Brain: In individuals with cerebral arteriosclerosis, cold exposure may exacerbate cerebral hypoxia, leading to insufficient blood supply to the brain, accompanied by symptoms such as dizziness and headaches.
Pathological Factors:
Migraine: Typically triggered by genetic or environmental factors, migraines involve pain on one side of the head, often accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Symptoms tend to worsen with colder weather.
Tension Headache: Usually stemming from prolonged mental stress or muscle spasms, tension headaches manifest as dull pain in the back of the head or the entire head. Cold exposure can exacerbate the discomfort, and they may also be caused by intracranial tumors. If this occurs frequently, it is advisable to seek medical attention and undergo relevant examinations, such as head CT or MRI, to identify the underlying cause.
It is also essential to maintain proper insulation and avoid cold exposure to safeguard one's health.
