Why does my head feel heavy when I go out on a cold weather day?

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    Cold Head Weather
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the phenomenon of experiencing a heavy feeling in the head when exposed to cold weather. Participants explore potential physiological explanations, personal experiences, and the importance of consulting a medical professional if symptoms persist.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that the heaviness may be due to increased pressure on blood vessels caused by cold weather.
  • Others suggest that the sensation could be a normal response to cold, as long as it does not cause pain.
  • One participant questions whether changes in outdoor clothing or the presence of a hat might influence the sensation.
  • Another participant compares the feeling to brain freeze experienced with ice cream, indicating a possible similarity in physiological response.
  • Some participants share personal experiences, noting that their reactions to cold vary, with one stating they feel lighter in the head when it is cold.
  • A participant mentions vasoconstriction as a potential explanation for the sensation, linking it to the body's defense mechanisms against temperature changes.
  • Several participants emphasize the importance of consulting a doctor if the sensation is bothersome or accompanied by pain.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of personal experiences and hypotheses, with no consensus on the cause of the heavy feeling in the head. Some view it as a normal response, while others do not share the same experience and suggest medical consultation.

Contextual Notes

Participants' claims are based on personal experiences and speculative reasoning, with no definitive conclusions reached regarding the physiological mechanisms involved.

iVenky
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Is it because of increase in pressure on my blood vessels due to cold weather outside?
 
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bob012345 said:
I don't know why but I would be remiss in my duties if I didn't suggest that you might ask your doctor, especially if you are older.

Meanwhile, here are a couple of potential answers for you from Healthline and the Mayo Clinic;

https://www.healthline.com/health/head-feels-heavy

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/expert-answers/blood-pressure/faq-20058250#:~:text=Blood pressure generally is higher,your narrowed veins and arteries.
Haven't you ever felt a bit of heaviness when it's extremely cold outside? I think it's just normal, as long as it's not causing pain.
 
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Are you wearing (different) outdoor clothes - with or without any form of hat? Does the heaviness go away when you go back indoors?
Just trying to get all the details of the scenario.
 
iVenky said:
Haven't you ever felt a bit of heaviness when it's extremely cold outside? I think it's just normal, as long as it's not causing pain.
I don't think it's normal. I've never experienced it. You should ask your doc.
 
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iVenky said:
Haven't you ever felt a bit of heaviness when it's extremely cold outside? I think it's just normal, as long as it's not causing pain.
I grew up in a cold climate but have lived in a warm climate for so long I can't remember. Is it like brain freeze with ice cream?
 
iVenky said:
Haven't you ever felt a bit of heaviness when it's extremely cold outside? I think it's just normal, as long as it's not causing pain.
For me it's the opposite. When it's cold outside my head is lighter and I feel more awake. When it's hot, my head is heavier. But all this effects are small and have never bothered me. I think it differs from person to person. But if what you experience is bothering you, you should definitely ask your doctor not PF forums.
 
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Cold and dark go together to slow my brain and make simple practical problems much harder. But a 'heavy head' is not a thing I have noticed.
 
If you're asking out of curiosity,I think that is because when you move out from your house,there's a sudden change in temperature and as a defence mechanism of our body,the blood vessels beneath our skin contract to prevent the body from escaping.This is known as Vasoconstriction.It could be due to this constriction that may result in increased pressure.or It could also be due to contraction of muscles in cold weather.
But,if you are uncomfortable or feel pain in your hand I would suggest you to consult your doc
 
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