Chronic migraines affect around 38 million people of all ages in the United States. Having migraines while traveling might ruin your vacation. Migraine sufferers rely heavily on routine to get through the day. Use these travel techniques to avoid getting a headache while away from home.
Be Prepared
Bring some things to do with the kids if you're on a lengthy car ride. The cries of "He's gazing at me!" or "She touched me!" might be avoided in this way. Hours of this talk are enough to drive anybody crazy. Bring along some movies, an iPad, some coloring pages, and crayons to keep the youngsters entertained on the road.
Remember to bring all of your prescription drugs. Use a daily pill box to keep track of all your pills and supplements. Traditional, as your grandmother would have used. Migraine sufferers will appreciate the extensive medication supply provided.
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Be Aware Of Your Triggers
Some of the primary aggravators can be anxiety, insomnia, motion sickness, sugar substitutes, and atmospheric pressure shifts. While the reasons for wanting to travel might vary from person to person, some of the more popular ones are:
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- Cabin pressure on airplanes
- Motion sickness
- Jetlag / Time zone changes
- Elevation pressure
- Stress
- Excessive caffeine
- Alcohol
- Excessive heat (in the deep south where I live, summers are oppressive)
- Certain foods
On long flights, keep your ears from popping by eating peppermint gum. The peelu gum sold in most health food shops is a favorite. This gum is naturally flavored with peppermint, and Xylitol sweetened. It doesn't include any headache-inducing chemicals like aspartame.
Avoid Motion Sickness
Some people get seasick often; therefore, bring a prescription motion sickness patch when you go on a cruise or to an amusement park. A little patch behind your ear can allow you to experience all of Universal Orlando's 3D rides.
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Carry A Headache Survival Kit
Carry survival gear with you at all times. When a migraine begins, have all the peppermint oil, gum, medicine, and sweets you'll need right on hand.
Peppermint oil is the best when it comes to migraines. Use peppermint oil on your forehead, temples, and neck when one comes on. Peppermint oil provides a cooling impact that may reduce pain and nausea. Try lavender oil instead of peppermint if the former is too overpowering.
Always carry extras like earplugs, a sleep mask, an ice pack, and my Tempur-Pedic neck pillow when you travel. Always keep a pair of sunglasses on hand since prolonged exposure to bright sunlight might cause a headache.
Stay Hydrated
Protect yourself against migraines by drinking plenty of water. Get plenty of fluids and electrolytes (found in Gatorade and Powerade products). You have a serious water intake restriction.
Some researchers have hypothesized that the brain sends pain signals to the nerves when electrolytes are depleted. Aim for 64 ounces of water each day as a minimum.
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Get Enough Sleep
Jet lag and shifting schedules across time zones are common travel-related sleep disruptors. This is especially risky for a migraine sufferer since sleep deprivation is a known trigger.
Earplugs are a must-have item since you can never predict the noise level in your hotel room. If you rely on sleep medicine, be sure to bring it along.
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Avoid Trigger Foods
Unfortunately, eating is often a trigger as well. Chocolate, artificial sweeteners, nitrates, spices, alcohol, cheese, citrus, soy, and nuts are among the things that many migraine patients must avoid. Maintain a keen awareness of the meals that might provoke adverse reactions.
Researching before you go can help you identify restaurants and stores catering to your dietary restrictions. Having migraine headaches is a constant source of frustration.
