Background: Migraine is considered as a highly prevalent neurologic disorder, which is primarily known for its severe recurrent attacks. Research studies showed a link between migraine severity and some aggravating factors, such as temperature, food, stress, and altitude. Thus, the goal of this study was to find the correlation between migraine severity and altitude in western region of Saudi Arabia.
Methodology: This qualitative, observational, retrospective study was conducted in 2019 through a self-administered questionnaire on 784 students. Medical students of second to fifth year from Taif University, Umm al Qura University and King Abdul-Aziz University were included in this study. The survey explored demographic data, migraine symptoms, and altitude relationship with these symptoms.
Results: Females were at higher risk than males regarding the frequency and duration of headache. There was a significant correlation between stress, mainly studying stress and the occurrence of headache. There was also a clinical relationship between living in high altitudes and having headache attacks.
Conclusion: An association was found between migraine severity and high altitude in medical students in Western region of Saudi Arabia.
Key words: Migraine, altitude, headache, Saudi Arabia
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