People who get migraines find it particularly difficult and extremely unfair that when planning a travel for business or vacation, they are struck with unbearable migraines. Unfortunately, travel is a notorious migraine trigger. Many migraine sufferers experience the fear of travel because of their history of frequent migraines. The increased risk of having a migraine simply reflects the fact that when you are traveling you expose yourself to the increased number of migraine triggers. Cabin pressure changes during air travel can cause blood vessels to widen leading to migraine pain, and motion sickness from riding in trains, boats, or cars is also associated with headaches.
Triggers which cause a migraine during travel
- Changes in stress levels and mood
- Sleep pattern
- Time zones
- Weather and altitude
- Diet
- General changes in daily routine
- Bright lights
- Processed meats
- Alcohol and red wine
- Dehydration
Many of these changes and disturbances might occur rather suddenly, no matter how you choose to travel to your target destination, the absolute stress of getting there can get a migraine attack and nothing can be worse than not being able to enjoy your first day of long-awaited vacation in a beautiful place. The migraineurs had to just remember to keep things in balance and should not forget the food triggers which will have effect for the migraine attack.
Children with migraines can be predominantly prone to motion sickness. If you have a child with a migraine and if you are traveling by road then it might be best to make frequent stops and take breaks on road trips.
Some quick tips to prepare for travel
- It is a good idea to pack your migraine medication in your carry-on luggage in case you need it
- It is always safe to take extra migraine medicines with you and also check whether your prescriptions are up to date in case you need more medication if you are traveling abroad
- Don’t forget to keep your health insurance card
- If you are traveling abroad, just check whether your insurance covers you internationally, or else you can take travel insurance
- Carry along your complete medical history in case you need to see a doctor while away
- Especially, when you are flying take high protein snacks and stay hydrated
- Watch for your food triggers and, if necessary, consult your doctor before traveling
- Make certain medication in a labeled container when you clear customs, and carry a note from your doctor indicating on which medication you are on and it is used for personal use.
- Once you are off the plane, do not spend extra time in the airport than it is required because your body needs some fresh oxygen, so as early as you can get yourself out of the airport and take some rest.
Traveling abroad can present extra challenges. Give yourself an extra day or two to manage with jet lag. Luckily, there are a lot of methods available to minimize and avoid a migraine during travel and which will help to make sure your trip will be a headache-free.
8 TIPS to avoid Migraine during travel
1. Plan ahead
When you are traveling, planning before is a must to avoid the stress because it can lead to headache pain. Refill your prescriptions, Prepare your luggage, at least, a day ahead, check your luggage and make sure it is the right size according to the airline guidelines. Organize and check your itinerary, pre-travel errands are up to date in advance. Check for flight delays and weather conditions even if you are driving, flying, or boarding a bus, train or a boat.
On the eve of your travel, take time out to relax and practice some relaxation techniques. If you are traveling by road or flying practice these relaxation techniques like breathing exercises, meditation, or playing some relaxing music will help.
2. Sleep well
Sleep is an important concern for migraineurs. Unfortunately, many factors can disturb your usual sleep pattern when you are traveling and can make you more susceptible to migraines. The main challenges are trying to maintain the routine while traveling to different time zones.
There are some situations obviously which you cannot avoid. Although, you may experience sleep disruption due to stress or excitement of traveling. If you are flying overnight try to sleep on the flight. Do not drink alcohol when you are traveling as it is one of the triggers for many people which lead to a migraine during travel. Alcohol does not stimulate a restful and good sleep and subsidizes to dehydration.
Finally, make every effort to get enough sleep during your travels especially on the night before your departure, and, if possible, try to maintain a regular schedule with enough preparation. You can minimize the chance or severity of a migraine by practicing some relaxation techniques and allowing yourself to enjoy your travel experiences.
3. Medications
Days before your leaving on a trip make sure to take them because many people either forget their medication or deviate from their regular medication schedule while on vacation. Check whether you have enough of each medication to take such as painkillers, prophylaxis pills or natural migraine supplements to ease migraine pain. You may even ask your doctor to bring an extra medication, keep all your medications in their original containers with the name of the medicine, your name and the doctor’s name on the container. Never keep any of the medications loose or unlabeled. Keep your doctor’s telephone number with you.
Check your carry-on and luggage for your migraine medications. Moreover, keep a dose handy while you are going out in your vacation time.
Even if you take every necessary precaution, you may still get migraine pain while traveling. If this happens just calm down and de-stress yourself till you feel better, eat properly, take medication and stay hydrated. Due to your migraine pain you can’t ruin your trip, avoid negative thinking, be positive and enjoy your trip.
If you take medication for motion sickness then don’t forget to keep it in your carry-on before leaving. Don’t deviate from your regular medication schedule even if you are changing time zones.
4. Diet
One of the best thing about travelling to new places is that you get to experiment with different cuisines while you immerse yourself in the local culture. Be conscious of what you are eating and when you are eating and don’t stray too far from your routine schedule. Be mindful about your migraine triggers such as chocolate, cheese, red wine, citrus, soya sauce, sugar, artificial sweeteners. Pack some nutritious snacks in your bag that don’t contain a migraine triggering ingredients. Getting off from your regular schedule or skipping meals or leaving long periods between meals can also lead to a headache.
Additionally, keep your alcohol and caffeine consumption on a balance because increasing or decreasing your alcohol and caffeine levels can trigger migraines. While traveling on long trips, make sure to drink plenty of water and avoid the temptation of eating junk foods that may be available.
5. Stay hydrated
One of the most common causes of a migraine during travel is dehydration. Dehydration can be prevented by drinking plenty of water, staying hydrated is fundamental to prevent headaches while traveling. Drink more water than usual a few days before, during and after your flight.
Especially if you are air travelling during the summer time or spending time in a hot climate when we lose a lot of fluids staying hydrated will be helpful.
6. Potential triggers
Generally, people who are vulnerable to migraines are usually sensitive to bright and overhead lights, loud sounds and strong odours. Do and try to avoid or minimize your exposure to such potential triggers. Pack a pair of sunglasses to wear during the day, a sleeping mask for night time and also ear plugs. Talk to your doctor about the medications you can take to avoid the discomfort during flights.
7. Change of Weather
A lot of people who are to travel long distances are not prepared to an extreme change of weather or climate they experience, check weather sites for temperature, humidity, barometric pressure and altitude conditions in the area you are visiting because these can cause migraines. You can take whatever precautions necessary to reduce the severity or to prevent getting a migraine attack.
8. Motion sickness
Motion sickness is a top migraine trigger, some people normally get sick and dizzy when they are travelling in a car or on a plane, and train or boat, so then medications for motion sickness may help to adjust to air travel and can avoid a migraine headache trigger.
Finally, a person with a migraine who is traveling by any means of transport if followed the above-mentioned instructions or guidelines to an extent they can minimize or prevent the severity of migraines and can enjoy their vacation without any pain.