Weather-Related Symptoms: Dizziness and Discomfort Explained

When the weather gets cold, I feel uncomfortable all over?

Hello, doctor.
I do not have a thyroid condition, anemia, or any chronic diseases.
I underwent a comprehensive health check last year, and aside from mild gastroesophageal reflux, everything was normal.
I have never experienced dizziness or headaches before, but in June of last year, I suddenly felt dizzy (unable to stand steadily) while taking a shower.
Since I had no other discomfort, I did not seek medical attention, and it resolved on its own after 1-2 weeks.

In the past six months, I have started to experience dizziness intermittently, both during my menstrual period and at other times.
Occasionally, I also feel chest tightness and general discomfort, and sometimes I experience dizziness throughout the day, with a heavy, swollen sensation in my head.
I do not feel unstable or at risk of falling, and it does not significantly affect my daily life.

I consulted a neurologist and underwent an EEG, which showed no abnormalities.
Since I had a CT scan done earlier last year (before the dizziness started) that was normal, the doctor did not request another one.
I also had tests for autonomic nervous system dysfunction, which were normal.

Given that all tests have returned normal results, and considering that I occasionally experience dizziness, headaches, and a feeling of pressure in my head during my menstrual period, the doctor speculated that it might be a type of headache-related dizziness.
However, in recent weeks, I have noticed that the weather in the northern region has been fluctuating between cold and hot, and I have discovered that my symptoms seem to be related to the weather.
I experience general discomfort, fatigue, stiffness in my shoulders and neck, dizziness, gastroesophageal reflux, chest tightness, and nausea, particularly on the coldest days, or these symptoms feel more pronounced during those times.
My mood also tends to be lower during such weather.

Additionally, exercising in colder weather is quite uncomfortable, leading to dizziness and chest tightness.
Doctor, could these symptoms be related to temperature changes? Can fluctuations in temperature significantly affect the nervous system? If it is indeed related to temperature, how can I improve or avoid these symptoms? Thank you for your response.

Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/04/09

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology

Hello,
You mentioned that "headache-related dizziness" may need to consider migraine-associated vertigo (MAV), which is a type of dizziness associated with migraines.
Migraine is a common neurological disorder characterized by severe headaches and other symptoms.
In some migraine patients, dizziness may be part of a migraine attack, presenting as a sensation of spinning, loss of balance, or feeling unsteady.
MAV may be related to the pathophysiological mechanisms of migraines, such as vasoconstriction and vasodilation, neural hyperexcitability, or central nervous system dysfunction.

Symptoms of migraine-associated vertigo may include:
- Dizziness: This can last from a few minutes to several days and is usually associated with a migraine attack.
- Headache: Typically unilateral and pulsating, it may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, photophobia, and phonophobia.
- Aura symptoms: Symptoms such as visual, sensory, or speech disturbances may occur before the headache attack.
- Balance disturbances: You may feel unsteady while standing or walking.
If you are quite troubled, you might consider migraine prophylactic medications, which are clinically used for:
(a) Recurrent migraine attacks that significantly affect the patient's quality of life or daily activities, after excluding triggering factors, appropriately using acute treatment medications, and improving lifestyle.
(b) Frequent migraine attacks occurring more than four times a month or lasting more than eight days a month, with a possibility of progressing to chronic migraines.
(c) Failure of acute treatment medications, contraindications, or overuse.
(d) The patient's personal desire to reduce the frequency of attacks as much as possible.
There are mainly two types of medications for chronic migraine treatment, including preventive and acute treatments.
Oral preventive medications include serotonin agonists, anticonvulsants, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, or antidepressants.
Thank you for your inquiry, and feel free to discuss further.
I recommend consulting a neurologist for examination and treatment.
Wishing you good health and happiness.
Dr.
Jiang Junyi
Department of Neurology
Taoyuan Hospital

Reply Date: 2023/04/09

More Info

Weather-related symptoms, such as dizziness and discomfort, can indeed be influenced by various environmental factors, including temperature fluctuations. Your experience of dizziness, chest tightness, and overall discomfort during changes in weather is not uncommon, and it can be attributed to several physiological and psychological mechanisms.

Firstly, the human body is sensitive to changes in temperature and atmospheric pressure. When the weather shifts, especially from warm to cold or vice versa, it can lead to changes in blood circulation and blood pressure. For instance, cold weather can cause blood vessels to constrict, which might lead to reduced blood flow to the brain, resulting in dizziness or a feeling of lightheadedness. Conversely, hot weather can lead to dehydration and heat exhaustion, both of which can also cause dizziness and discomfort.

Moreover, the autonomic nervous system, which regulates involuntary bodily functions, can be affected by weather changes. This system is responsible for the fight-or-flight response and can become imbalanced due to stressors, including environmental changes. Symptoms such as palpitations, anxiety, and dizziness can arise when the autonomic nervous system is overstimulated or underactive. Your mention of feeling more discomfort during colder days aligns with the idea that cold weather can exacerbate stress responses in some individuals.

Additionally, psychological factors cannot be overlooked. Seasonal changes can affect mood and mental health, leading to conditions like Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which can manifest as fatigue, irritability, and physical symptoms like headaches and dizziness. The correlation you noted between your symptoms and colder weather could be partly due to these psychological effects, as well as the physical responses to temperature changes.

To manage these symptoms, consider the following strategies:
1. Stay Hydrated: Ensure you are drinking enough water, especially during temperature changes. Dehydration can exacerbate dizziness and discomfort.

2. Dress Appropriately: Layer your clothing to adapt to changing temperatures. Keeping your body warm can help maintain blood circulation and prevent discomfort.

3. Monitor Your Environment: If you notice that certain weather conditions trigger your symptoms, try to limit your exposure during those times. For example, if cold weather exacerbates your symptoms, consider staying indoors during particularly chilly days.

4. Practice Relaxation Techniques: Stress management techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga can help regulate the autonomic nervous system and reduce symptoms of anxiety and discomfort.

5. Regular Exercise: Engaging in regular physical activity can improve circulation and overall well-being, making your body more resilient to weather changes.

6. Consult a Specialist: Since you have already seen a neurologist and undergone various tests, it may be beneficial to consult with a specialist in environmental medicine or a rheumatologist, as they can provide insights into how weather changes may affect your specific condition.

7. Keep a Symptom Diary: Documenting your symptoms in relation to weather changes can help you identify patterns and triggers, which can be useful information for your healthcare provider.

In conclusion, while weather changes can certainly influence symptoms like dizziness and discomfort, it is essential to consider the multifaceted nature of these experiences. By taking proactive steps to manage your environment and health, you can mitigate the impact of weather fluctuations on your well-being. If symptoms persist or worsen, seeking further medical evaluation is advisable to rule out any underlying conditions.

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