Tips To Manage Migraine When You Are Flying

There is nothing worse than being stuck on a plane when a migraine attack hits. You know full well that there is nowhere to go until the plane lands. Worse, when you reach your destination, you need to be functional—not wandering around in a haze of pain with a brain fog that you are unable to shake. In this post, we offer several strategies you can use to help reduce your migraine symptoms and headaches before, during and after your flight.

Pack your mediation

This is hugely important. Make sure you have all the appropriate medication packed not just for your migraine but for any other health-related needs. And you should include the medicine you may require during the flight in your carry-on luggage. This may include anti-nausea medication if in-flight turbulence is problematic for you as well as acute migraine drugs that can help stall an attack should one develop.

Try a neck pillow

They may not be the most comfortable, but neck pillows sure beat the stiff seat backs and head rests of most economy flights. They will offer support that can allow you to lean back, relax, and get some rest—and most importantly, keep you from developing neck pain or joint stiffness, which might bring on an attack.

Wear precision tinted glasses

Just imagine the brightness coming through the airplane window during a sunset flight and hitting you right in the eye—it does not sound like too much fun, does it? Thankfully, you can use precision tinted glasses to help reduce the odds that the bright lights on the plane will trigger a migraine attack and you may need migraine specialist in San Diego.

Turn off the overhead lights

You might not be able to control what your seatmates do, but you can turn off your own overhead lights to help reduce that potential trigger. Sympathetic passengers may also be willing to turn off their lights if you approach them nicely.

Manage scent triggers and bring your own snacks

If certain smells bring about migraines, you may want to consider adding nose plugs or a face mask to your carry-on bag, especially if you are around really strong odors. In addition, you should also plan to bring your own snacks as well. This will not only keep you from going hungry on a long flight, but it will also allow you to manage any specific food sensitivities.

Use headphones

From the noise of the engines to shrieking children who are not happy about being on the airplane, there are plenty of noises that can bring on the head pain. Wearing headphones or earplugs will help block out the sound and hopefully enable you to enjoy a more peaceful flight.

Drink lot of water

Staying well hydrated can help decrease the odds that you might end up with a migraine, given the penchant for dehydration to be a prominent trigger. This is especially important when you're flying, since cabin air is often very dry.

So, in order to avoid chronic migraine treatment in San Diego, follow these tips.

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