Air pollution is associated with increased migraine activity, according to a study published on April 15, 2026. Neurology®Medical Journal of the American Academy of Neurology. Both short-term and cumulative exposure to air pollution and climate factors such as heat and humidity were associated with increased migraine activity.
This study does not prove that air pollution causes migraine attacks. Just show the relevance.
These results help us better understand when and how migraine attacks occur. They suggest that environmental factors may play a dual role in people who are naturally prone to migraines. Medium-term factors such as heat and humidity can alter the risk of seizures, while short-term factors such as spikes in pollution levels can trigger seizures. ”
Dr. Ido Perez, research author PhD from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beersheva, Israel
The study involved 7,032 migraine sufferers living in Beersheba in the Negev desert, who were followed for an average of 10 years. The researchers looked at weather conditions as well as daily exposure to air pollution from traffic, industry, and sandstorms. They then looked at how often and when people had to visit a hospital or primary care office with an acute migraine, and compared that to pollution and weather conditions on that day and up to seven days earlier, as the effects of pollution can take several days to affect the body.
They also looked at cumulative exposure to air pollution and migraines. As another measure of migraine activity, the researchers checked pharmacy records to see how many doses of triptan migraine drugs participants needed.
During the study period, 2,215 people, or 32%, had at least one hospital or clinic visit for acute migraine. A total of 47% of people purchased triptans during the study period, with an average usage of 2 tablets per month and 2.3% using 10 or more tablets per month.
Researchers found a link between air pollution and hospital and clinic visits for migraines. On days with the highest number of visits to hospitals and clinics, air pollution levels increased compared to the average value during the study period. On that day, the level of particulate matter 10 (PM10), which includes dust, was 119.9 microns per square meter (μm/m3), compared to an average of 57.9 during the study period. For PM2.5, which includes particles from vehicle exhaust and the combustion of fuel from power plants and other industries, the level on that day was 27.3 μm/m3, compared to an average level of 22.3 during the study period. Nitrogen dioxide (NO2), a gas produced primarily from traffic emissions, was at 11.2 ppb (parts per billion) that day, with an average of 8.7.
Pollution levels were also lower than average on days with the least number of visits to hospitals and clinics.
After adjusting for other factors that may influence the risk of a migraine attack, such as gender and socio-economic status, the researchers found that people exposed to high levels of NO2 for short periods of time were 41% more likely to go to the hospital or clinic for a migraine than those who were not exposed to high levels. People who were exposed to high amounts of solar radiation, or ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, were 23% more likely to seek treatment for migraines than those who were not.
Those who were cumulatively exposed to high levels of NO2 were 10% more likely to use migraine medications frequently than those who were not cumulatively exposed to high levels. People who were cumulatively exposed to high levels of PM2.5 were 9% more likely to use drugs frequently.
Researchers have found that climatic conditions play a role in the effects of pollution. High temperatures and low humidity amplify the effects of NO2, while cold and humid conditions intensify the effects of PM2.5.
“These findings highlight the opportunity to predict what care will be needed,” Perez said. “With climate change intensifying the frequency of heat waves, dust storms, and pollution, these environmental risk factors must be incorporated into guidance for migraine patients. If a period of high-risk exposure is anticipated, doctors can advise people to limit outdoor activities, use air filters, take short-term preventive medications, and start taking migraine medications at the first sign of a problem to avoid attacks.”
A limitation of this study is that exposure to air pollution was measured by monitoring stations and did not take into account individual behaviors such as time spent indoors, use of air conditioning or air filters, type of work, or daily activities.
Additionally, because information on migraine activity was collected through hospital and clinic visits and pharmacy data, the results primarily reflect people with severe migraine and may not apply to people with mild migraine episodes or those managing it on their own.
This research was supported by the Israeli Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology.
sauce:
American Academy of Neurology
Reference magazines:
Perez, I. Others. (2026). Acute environmental triggers and intermediate-term regulators in migraine-related medical emergencies. Neurology. DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000214936. https://www.neurology.org/doi/10.1212/WNL.0000000000214936
