Overheat causing headaches

I am grateful to read about this topic. I, too, get terrible head aches when I exercise and get over heated. It was a relief to hear that other people not only get this heat/exertion induced head ache, but that -- like me -- the head ache does not go away easily, even after one has stopped the activity, cooled down, and re-hydrated. I find that these head aches do not quit and do not really respond totally to analgesics. I usually carry the head ache with me the rest of the day and it does not go away until the next day at the earliest. I'm going on a hiking trip this summer and very worried that I will be plagued with these throughout the trip. So one thing that I read today is about the importance of hydrating BEFORE the activity begins. Not just a glass of water, but perhaps a serious and very heavy influx of liquids. So I am going to try that. Hoping I can figure this out. I very much want to enjoy my trip!

I always got these as a kid too. Sports days outside were the worst, I'd be completely debilitated. I haven't quite figured out how to stop these completely especially when I have to do work outside when it's hot, but I know for me drinking lots and lots of water actually makes it WORSE. What I've come to understand, even though it's a combination of different things, (maybe hormones, sugar levels etc?) is SALT intake is really important during these hot days. TOMATO JUICE my friend. You may go 'elch!', but please try it. If you know it's going to be hot, down a bottle early on, and keep some handy along with your water. A cold towel can help cool you off, wear a hat, and try not to exert yourself too much when its that hot out. I get these during exercise too (as I overheat) but if I can keep my body temperature and salt levels under control, as well as not skip out on any food (regular snacks and meals, don't ever get too hungry), I'm MUCH less likely to suffer an attack and still enjoy myself. I love summer!

~Dana

Yes, being to warm is one thing, will bring on a migraine,

There are products on the market that you can buy that you wear that keep you cool.
neck wear, head bands, wrist coolers, and even vest

http://industrialsavings.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=heat_stress

I make my own cool ties , and send them to our military
http://watersorb.com/polymer_cool_neck_bands.htm

I get these heat-induced headaches you're talking about. When it begins, there's no turning back until I sleep it off or go to the walk-in clinic for narcotic relief. If I am careful though, and do not overheat in the sun, I rarely get one now. I walked today (I live in Florida) and procrastinated as the morning (cooler) hours ticked by, so I went out after the temp rose above 80 degrees. I know better. Fortunately, I have learned I MUST wear a hat in the Florida sun, if I'm out walking, so although I can feel the beginning of one, I am in much better shape than if I had not.

I can almost feel my blood vessels dilating when I am out in the heat too long exerting myself. Be careful! I used to run 12 miles in the heat in my 20's and felt so invincible. Now that I'm 47, I can't do anything in the sun unless it's cool enough. That's just the way it is for me. Once I had my first migraine, my blood vessels in my head seem primed for any opportunity to manifest.

Drink lots and lots of water. I've even stuck my whole head in a sink full of ice water, which was painful at the time, but worked. Other times, it didn't work. I'll try anything to prevent going for a shot of demerol (sp?) at the walk-in clinic. Sometimes, after not having one for a while, I'll wrongfully assume that I must be cured and I make the mistake of crossing that line.

Again, lots of water, before, during and after being out in the heat. Cool down when you get done exercising, etc., and stay out of high heat and humidity if you're a sufferer. Don't lay down if you're feeling too hot. That seems to make my headache hang on too long. Moving helps me.

Blessings my friend.
Dana

Dear anon, thank you for your question, and I am sorry you have had to live with this condition for so long. I was wondering if you have ever seen a doctor for the symptoms you decribed? From your posting it would appear to be a case of heat sensitivity or possible a mild case of chronic hyperthermia triggered by malfunctioning of your hypothalamus which is the body's temperature control. If this is not working properly, it will cause someone to overheat constantly.

What is your body temperature at rest? What type of activity do you do for 10-15 minutes? Are you running, lifting weights? Sweat is the body's cooling system so it is normal if you start sweating within that time frame if the activity is high impact with high cardio output. How are your minerals levels like Sodium, potassium? Have you ever had your thyroid tested? I suggest you seek help from an endocrinologist and have test done to see how your hypotalamus, thyroid glands are working optimally. Wish you well.