Neurology

We use large-scale clinical data and environmental exposure models to examine how air pollution and weather conditions affect the occurrence and severity of neurological diseases and acute neurological events

Environmental Drivers of Migraine Emergency Visits

In a study led by Ido Peles (Peles et al, 2026), we investigated short-term and intermediate-term environmental effects on migraine activity using a population-based cohort of 7,032 adults in Be’er Sheva, Israel (2000–2023). We assessed emergency migraine-related encounters and triptan use in relation to daily air pollution and meteorological conditions. Short-term exposure to NO₂ (OR=1.41) and solar radiation (OR=1.23) was associated with increased emergency visits, while cumulative NO₂ and PM2.5 exposure were linked to higher triptan use (IRR=1.10 and 1.09). Weather conditions further modified these effects, with heat and low humidity amplifying NO₂-related risk in summer and cold, humid conditions intensifying PM2.5 effects in winter.

Environmental Drivers of Vertigo

In a study by Kaminer et al, 2025, we investigated the relationship between environmental conditions and vertigo using data from 9,382 patients treated at Soroka University Medical Center between 2014–2019. Using a case-crossover design, we examined the effects of meteorological conditions and viral infection trends in the semi-arid Negev region. Exposure to high barometric pressure for two consecutive days was associated with a 21% increase in vertigo risk, rising to 42% among patients with hypertension. Extreme dry heat and high humidity also showed associations with increased vertigo risk, particularly during spring and autumn months.

Contribution of Solar Radiation and Pollution to Parkinson's Disease

In a study by Karakis et al, 2023, we investigated long-term environmental risk factors for Parkinson’s disease (PD) in southern Israel, including 3,343 incident PD cases and 31,324 matched controls. Higher long-term exposure to PM10 and solar radiation was associated with increased PD risk, with ORs of 1.06 and 1.23, respectively, while ozone showed a borderline association (OR=1.12). The associations with solar radiation and ozone were strongest among immigrants arriving in Israel after 1989, suggesting possible differences in environmental adaptation and susceptibility.

Air Pollution and Multiple Sclerosis Relapses

In a study led by Miri Elgabsi (Elgabsi et al, 2021), we examined the association between air pollution exposure and moderate-to-severe multiple sclerosis (MS) relapses in southern Israel during 2000–2017. The analysis included 287 MS patients, combining a satellite-based exposure model with monitoring station data to assess PM2.5, PM10, NO₂, O₃, SO₂, and temperature at 1 km resolution. PM2.5 was associated with increased relapse risk in non-smokers (RR=1.28; OR=1.12), while PM10 and NO₂ were associated with higher relapse risk in the case-crossover analysis (OR=1.05 and OR=1.85, respectively). Ozone was also associated with relapses among patients under 40 (RR=1.58), suggesting differential susceptibility across subgroups.

Ambient Air Pollution and Weather-Related Headache Visits

In a study led by Alina Vodonos (Vodonos et al, 2015), we examined the association between environmental exposures and emergency department visits for headache at Soroka University Medical Center between 2002–2012. The analysis included 22,021 headache-related ED visits linked with local meteorological and air pollution measurements. A 5°C increase in temperature was associated with a 4.2% increase in headache visits (RR=1.042), while higher NO₂ exposure showed a stronger association (RR=1.110 per 10-unit increase), particularly among older adults. These findings support a role for short-term environmental exposures in triggering headache exacerbations.