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Newsflash: Lightning May Cause Headaches

A thunderous pounding, flashes of light—the symptoms are familiar to anyone who’s suffered a headache or migraine.

But according to new research, headaches may have more to do with electrical storms than anyone imagined. Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have found that lightning may in fact contribute to the onset of headaches and migraines. (Explore an interactive of the human body.)

lightning picture
Lightning has been linked to headaches. Photograph by Shireen Nadir, My Shot


The study found a shocking 31 percent increase of the risk of headache and a 28 percent increased risk of migraine for chronic headache sufferers on days that lightning struck within 25 miles (40 kilometers) of their homes. (See lightning pictures.)

Furthermore, new-onset headaches and migraines increased by 24 percent and 23 percent, respectively, according to the study, published January 24 in the headache-focused journal Cephalalgia.

While there have been conflicting studies linking factors such as weather, humidity, and barometric pressure and headaches, the new study is the first to show a correlation between lightning and associated weather phenomena and the squalls in our heads.

How Does Lightning Spark Headaches?

Participants in the study logged their daily headache activity for three to six months, during which any nearby lightning strikes were also recorded. Mathematical models were then applied to rule out other weather factors as the cause of the headaches—and the correlation held true. (Interactive: Make lightning strike.)

The results “suggest that lightning has its own unique effect on headache,” study leader Vincent Martin, a professor of medicine at the University of Cincinnati, said in a statement.

As for how exactly lightning might trigger headaches, Martin said there are a number of possible explanations.

“Electromagnetic waves emitted from lightning could trigger headaches. In addition, lightning produces increases in air pollutants like ozone, and can cause release of fungal spores that might lead to migraine.”

Study co-author Geoffrey Martin—a medical student at the university and Vincent’s son—emphasized in a statement that while the study sheds light on the apparent link between lightning and headaches, “the exact mechanisms through which lightning and/or its associated meteorologic factors trigger headache are unknown.”

Meaning a further brainstorm may be required.


  1. Scott Panish
    Plainview NY
    July 15, 2014, 3:36 pm

    Thats crazy i just got a bad headache while taking a video of a thunderstorm…

  2. Maria Evripidou
    Limassol Cyprus
    May 6, 2014, 2:24 am

    I have a headache now but it’s because I looked straight into a lightning!

  3. Vereda
    February 12, 2013, 10:16 pm

    Follow today a shipment of Paracetamol to the Vatican…

  4. Jean-Pierre
    February 12, 2013, 9:56 pm

    We just had a huge electric storm the last couple of days and I suffered from severe headaches out of nowhere!

  5. Sheri
    February 12, 2013, 9:36 pm

    Could these headaches be associated with a change in the charge of ions?

  6. Victor
    February 12, 2013, 7:40 pm

    “Electromagnetic waves emitted from lightning could trigger headaches”.
    To me, this sentence does not convey much meaning. Light consist of electromagnetic waves (EMWs) of particular energy. Even our bodies emit low-frequency EMWs! So does the researcher mean high-energy EMW? This would not be any news: we already know how harmful X-rays and Gamma-rays are. On the other hand, is lightning energetic enough?

  7. Karoliina
    February 12, 2013, 6:16 pm

    Where I come from it´s common knowlege one might get a headache before thunder strikes and also I have experienced and witnessed the phenomenom a several times. However, when the thunder actually hits, along with lightnings, the headache also seems to vanish. I think many would agree the phenomenom war rather due to air pressure changes than lightnings, but what do I know?

  8. peter collins
    new zealand
    February 12, 2013, 5:37 pm

    A question., Why do i get a hightened sense of smell aprox.20 minutes prior to onset of migraine.

  9. Grant
    February 12, 2013, 1:27 pm

    ‘Correlation does not imply causation’ keeps ringing in my head but it seems the researchers have suggested several mechanisms by which lightning might be causing head aches and migraines. It will be interesting to see if anything is found through further research that suggests a causative link.

  10. Ember
    February 12, 2013, 12:42 pm

    Interesting. I haven’t been in many lightning storms, and the many headaches I’ve had are only caused my little sister. Could SHE be electromagnetic?