Each season of the year presents a distinct challenge for those who suffer from idiopathicThe term idiopathic is used when there is no detectable reason for something. Click the term to read more intracranial hypertension (IIH). During the summer, dehydration can aggravate signs and symptoms of IIH and the cooler months of fall and winter can increase intracranial pressure from the drop of barometric pressure.
Barometric pressure is the measure of the weight of the earth’s atmosphere. The amount of pressure depends where you are in altitude. As you ascend above sea level, the atmospheric pressure lessens.
Depending on your geographic location, autumn brings natural disasters such as hurricanes, cyclones and typhoons. These events evolve from a drop in barometric pressure, intensifying wind speed. Atmospheric pressure changes affects the pressure in our blood, changing the size of our blood vessels to compensate. In normal circumstances, the body regulates itself and does not feel these effects. In the setting of IIH, the vasodilation of blood vessels in the brain will increase the blood volume in the brain and increase intracranial pressure.(1)
One with IIH can sense a rapid drop in barometric pressure by the aggravation or onset of headaches, fatigue, brain fog, neck/back pain, and visual changes.
Autumn also marks the beginning of the holiday season. Vacations make it difficult to keep a routine and may preclude you from being as active as usual. Making healthy dietary choices can be hard when travel and festive times are around the corner.
Be proactive by staying hydrated, making healthy choices and being an advocate for yourself during this season. You can read some of our tips from our article, Holiday Health and Wellness to help you tackle the holidays.
