Imagine being trapped in a world of debilitating headaches, sensory overload, and uncertainty. For millions of people, this is the harsh reality of living with migraines, a neurological condition that can significantly impact the quality of life. But what if there was a way to break free from the cycle of pain?
Migraines affect 39 million Americans, including men, women, and children. This breaks down to about 18 percent of women and six percent of men. Women are more affected, and migraines are the number one cause of disability among women ages 18-51.
Migraines are often misunderstood as just headaches, but they can significantly impact a person’s life, leading to missed work and even disability.
Recent studies show that while the prevalence of migraines has remained stable over the past three decades, the burden and impact have increased. This could be due to better awareness and diagnosis.
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BlackDoctor.org spoke with former Miss USA and Army Veteran, Motivational Speaker, Deshauna Barber, Headache Specialist and Assistant Professor of Medicine and Neurology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Dr. Fred Cohen, and travel expert, Raimee Iacofano, who shared their perspectives on living with and managing migraines.
Understanding Migraine Triggers and Symptoms
Dr. Cohen explains that migraines are a complex neurological disease with symptoms extending beyond severe headaches. Common triggers include stress, dietary factors, and environmental changes, such as those experienced during travel.
Barber, who has been battling migraines for over a decade, recounts how her service in the military posed unique challenges due to the uncontrollable elements that triggered her migraines, such as light and noise.
“It’s a complex disease. While the most common symptom is severe throbbing pain, there are also premonitory symptoms that occur before the pain starts, such as fatigue. Some people experience aura symptoms, like flashing lights and numbness. Then there’s the pain itself, and postdrome symptoms like lingering nausea after the headache,” Dr. Cohen says. “There are many triggers, and virtually anything can be a trigger. Common triggers include travel, particularly air travel, stress, depression, anxiety, and dietary factors like nuts, dairy, smoked meats, chocolate, and MSG. Caffeine can also trigger headaches.”
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Because triggers can vary from person to person, Dr. Cohen advises his patients to keep a headache diary, which will help determine what’s triggering their headaches.
“Sometimes headaches happen without a clear trigger because migraine is a disease that can occur spontaneously. Knowing your triggers can help reduce the frequency of migraine attacks,” Dr. Cohen adds.
Having the proper treatment plan in place can also help.
“There are many emerging treatments– a class of medications called gepants, which target CGRP, a neurotransmitter involved in the migraine cycle,” Dr. Cohen adds. “Some of these medications are indicated for the acute treatment of migraine. They are taken as soon as you feel the pain starting.”
One of those medications is Ubrelvy, which Barber was prescribed after seeking medical attention and credits for significantly alleviating her symptoms. The medication has also reduced Barber’s fear of getting an unexpected migraine attack and not being able to treat it.
“Now, I don’t fear being debilitated from experiencing the fullness of my work or the joys of life. I had a migraine attack on my wedding day last year. When I woke up, I felt it right behind my eye. I took Ubrelvy, and within two hours, my symptoms were eliminated, allowing me to walk down the aisle as a happy bride,” Barber shares.
As with any medication, you should be aware that a small percentage of people may experience side effects such as nausea or dizziness.
“Always consult your healthcare provider. There are many migraine treatments available, and it’s important to find the most suitable one for you,” Dr. Cohen advises.
Managing Migraines While Traveling
Having your acute medication on hand can prevent migraines from disrupting your trip. Being well-prepared can make a significant difference.
Barber has found this particularly helpful given her role as a motivational speaker, which requires frequent travel across various time zones. This travel can worsen her migraines, which are mainly triggered by sleep deprivation.
“I make sure to keep my medication with me because I have commitments, clients, and audiences relying on me to deliver a powerful message. I’m not able to do that when I have a migraine attack. I’m really happy to have a treatment plan that helps me move forward in my career and succeed in what I do,” Barber adds.
Travel Tips for Migraine Sufferers
If you’re preparing for a migraine-friendly trip this summer, travel expert Raimee shares valuable tips:
1. Choose Your Destination Wisely.
“It’s important to know your triggers and choose destinations accordingly. Some people avoid humid destinations because it triggers their migraines,” Raimee shares. “Some trending destinations include Antarctica and various places in Asia, like Japan, South Korea, and Vietnam. It really depends on your specific triggers and the environment you prefer. Choosing destinations that feel right to you is crucial.”
2. Stay Hydrated.
“Another thing is to stay hydrated. Sometimes on long-haul flights, they come around once or twice with water, which is not enough,” Raimee notes. “So bring your own big water bottle with you. You can bring it through security if you empty it out beforehand and fill it up once you’re through. This way, you also don’t have to spend money on a plastic water bottle at the airport. I love telling people that because sometimes they don’t realize you can actually bring your water bottle through as long as there’s nothing in it.”
3. Pack Smart.
“One thing I do is I personally never travel with a checked bag, and I recommend that to people too because lost luggage is stressful, and lugging bags around is stressful. I really recommend packing as light as you can, and my main recommendation for that is to pack neutrals,” Raimee advises. “Pack things you can mix and match so you can still have fun with your outfits without bringing multiple suitcases and then having to worry about them, right? That’s one tip for navigating the airport process.”
4. Prepare for Comfort.
“I like to romanticize my travel journeys. I tell everyone I have an “emotional support sandwich” that I get on the way to the airport, but only when I travel. This helps me feel excited about something. Additionally, being over-prepared is crucial. Make sure you have your medication easily accessible on the plane, ideally in your bag under the seat, not in the overhead compartment, in case you can’t get up during turbulence. Also, travel with dark sunglasses, a face mask, noise-canceling headphones, or earplugs,” Raimee adds.
5. Adjust to Time Zones.
“If you’re planning a trip to another time zone, there are some apps that you can use to adjust your circadian rhythms about two weeks before you go. I always recommend people use these apps because you can start the preparation and planning in advance,” Raimee notes. “This way, you’re not jet-lagged and lacking sleep. You can plan to be in your next time zone at a slower pace.”
As someone who has navigated the challenges of living with migraines, Barber underscores the importance of advocating for others with this condition. She stresses the need for awareness and open conversations about available treatments.
“Raising awareness is key. People may not know their treatment options. Advocacy ensures that individuals know they’re not alone and that there are resources available to them,” Barber concludes.
If you are experiencing headaches/migraines that are impacting your life, talk to your healthcare provider. They can evaluate your symptoms and refer you to a specialist if necessary. Remember you are your own best advocate.
