Self magazine cites Borkum’s migraine research

Research by Jonathan Borkum, an adjunct associate professor of psychology at the University of Maine, was cited in a Self magazine story on migraines. Various weather conditions can trigger migraines in some people. These include bright sunlight, extreme heat or cold, sun glare, high humidity, dry air, high winds, storms and changes in atmospheric pressure, the article states. Researchers are unsure of what exactly is responsible for this connection, but they have some ideas. One theory, developed by Borkum, is that migraines triggered by extreme weather are a protective mechanism against harmful conditions to improve survival in the wild. The theory is based on the idea that migraines could be the body’s response to oxidative stress, which can lead to cell damage, according to a paper by Borkum. Another paper by Borkum indicates certain weather conditions could cause oxidative stress by contributing to air pollution. More research on the topic is needed, and the article recommends that those who suffer from migraines keep a diary to discover possible patterns that could reveal triggers.