If you have traveled high into the mountains to ski, you might begin experiencing migraine headaches. This is a symptom of altitude sickness, which also can present with other symptoms and occurs because there is less oxygen in the air. According to Altitude.org, you are most likely to suffer from altitude sickness symptoms if you ascend too quickly in one day and exercise vigorously.
Altitude
According to Dr. David Dodick of the American Headache Society, migraines and other headaches are common symptoms of high-altitude exposure. Studies have shown that if you are skiing 8,500 feet above sea level, you could be subject to what is called acute mountain sickness, or AMS. An abrupt change in altitude can bring on symptoms. During the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City, the skiing events took place between 6,000 to 7,000 feet above sea level. More migraine headaches were suffered by athletes than during Olympics held at lower altitude.
Symptoms
In addition to migraine, you also might suffer appetite loss, nausea, dizziness, vomiting, weakness, fatigue and sleep disturbance. Altitude headaches are unpredictable: You can be having a great time and suddenly symptoms begin. AMS symptoms generally begin within six hours to four days after arriving at your skiing destination. Unfortunately, the headache can last for up to five days and be accompanied by eye redness, light sensitivity and a hot, flushed feeling in your face. The headache also might worsen if you cough, strain or try to lie flat, or with just about any type of exertion.
Causes
The exact etiology of altitude-based migraine is unknown. At higher altitude there is less oxygen in the air, which can cause a condition called hypoxia, or reduced oxygen availability, but doctors do not believe hypoxia is the sole cause of this type of migraine. Some medical researchers thought swelling of blood vessels to the brain could have been a potential cause, but that was not supported by scientific studies. If you regularly experience migraine, try to avoid or reduce any of your typical triggers when traveling.
Treatment
In most cases, your headache will resolve when you return to sea level, but some people suffer altitude migraines for days or months after retuning from high altitude. Medications for migraine include ibuprofen. You might be able to prevent or reduce the likelihood of headache by taking aspirin, furosemide or acetazolamide before reaching high altitudes. Talk to your doctor about which medications are best for you.
In addition to medication, drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration, stay at a lower altitude when you sleep than when you ski, and if possible, increase your altitude gradually, which allows your body to acclimatize to decreased oxygen. Also, increase your activity gradually. This is difficult when you really want to ski, but it's better to take it easy and enjoy yourself than suffer with a migraine on your ski trip.
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