For most people, summer is a season of braais, outdoor sports and picnics. But for many headache and migraine sufferers, summer is a season of pain and misery rather than one of lazy afternoons in the sun.

That?s the word from Dr Elliot Shevel (B.D.S., Dip. M.F.O.S., M.B., B.Ch.) ; The founder and chairman of the South African Headache Society and medical director at The Headache Clinic.

He says that the heat of summer, combined with seasonal changes in the type of pollen in the air, serves to trigger headaches and migraines among many people.

?The good news is that most people can control summer headaches by taking sensible precautions against the heat,? adds Dr Shevel.

Headache trigger: summer sun

?Many people experience migraines and headaches after they have spent time in the summer sun without the protection of a hat or sunshade. The small arteries of the scalp are known to be the source of migraine pain for many people, and it is possible that summer heat triggers migraines by causing these arteries to dilate,? says Dr Shevel.

?When the body temperature rises as a result of exercise or the heat from the sun, the small blood vessels in the skin dilate to allow us to lose heat. This heat regulation system may also play a part in the dilation of the scalp arteries,? he adds.

Is there any way we could add something in this section about the article published on this subject by Dr Shevel. The article was co authored by Dr EH Speirings, Head of Neurology at Harvard Medical School. I?m not sure how one would include it, but if it could be woven in it may certainly lend some weight??

Headache trigger: dehydration

During summer, people who are prone to headaches and migraines should drink plenty of fluids. Dehydration is known to trigger migraines in some people, so be sure to remain properly hydrated in summer.

?It is best to drink plain water, as many carbonated soft drinks contain substances that can also trigger headaches. Substances that headache sufferers should avoid include common ingredients in soft drinks such as caffeine and aspartame,? says Dr Shevel.

Headache trigger: bright light

?Many headache and migraine sufferers are sensitive to bright light and avoid it when they have a headache. However, they should also remember that bright light may also be a headache trigger. It is wise to wear sunglasses for protection. Polarised lenses are recommended, as they are effective in cutting out glare. A suitable hat may also be helpful,? says Dr Shevel.

Headache trigger: seasonal change

A change in seasons also bring changes in the pollen types that are in the air and these may directly trigger headaches, or cause hay-fever with headaches and sinus congestion and pressure as a secondary condition.

Ice-cream headaches

Perhaps the most common summer headache of all is the ?ice-cream headache?, triggered by the ingestion of cold beverages and confections. These headaches are easy to control by avoiding cold fluids and ice cream, or simply by taking smaller and slower mouthfuls, so that the substance warms up quicker in the mouth. One can make an ice-cream headache melt away faster by pressing one?s tongue up into the palate of the mouth.

It is essential that anyone that suffers from headaches has a thorough medical and neurological examination, especially in the presence of fever and neck pain, or if the pain is becoming progressively worse.

For more information you can visit www.headacheclinic.co.za or call 0861 678 911