School excursion with migraine

Having migraine attacks is awful, for sure. I'm sorry you are struggling with this decision. Traveling can be a challenge with migraine, but it is totally manageable. First, are you taking any preventative that helps you manage your experience currently? Second, do you have any abortive tools to help you ease/stop an attack when it comes? Also, do you feel you can manage an attack effectively enough to enjoy your trip? It's hard, but try to set aside how others will be affected if you were to have an attack. Understanding the importance of taking care of your needs when you have an illness like migraine is essential. Weigh out the pros and cons of participating in your school trip. If you decide to go, set yourself up for success by ensuring your teachers/chaperones understand what you will need if you have an attack. Have anything you might need to make your trip as stress-free as possible so you are not constantly worrying about IF you will have an attack. Be prepared and try to focus on the positive aspects of your trip. You know your body and what you experience better than anyone. Ultimately, the decision is yours, but being prepared both mentally and physically will be tremendously helpful for you. Warmly, Cheryl migraine.com team

Hi there - thanks so much for asking this important question. I can hear how important this trip is for you. You didn't mention if you are working with a doctor who has helped evaluate or treat your condition yet. Have you? These would be great questions to ask your doctor and we'd encourage you to do so.


Ideally, your migraine doctor would've set you up with some strategies to employ for just these types of scenarios that would include preventative and rescue protocols (anything from natural relaxation techniques to medication interventions). Do you have plans like that in place?


You haven't mentioned your age, but if you're under 18, you may want to talk through such a plan with your guardian(s).



If you do have a good plan in place to help you address a migraine attack if one erupts on your trip, then that would definitely help you inform your decision to go along. If you don't have a plan, or any strategies and are going to "risk" it - and just hope an attack doesn't come - then you have to think through that reality.


For instance- are the things you can do beforehand and during to lessen the likelihood of an attack (these are those preventative strategies) and then what would you do if an attack happened? If you have no protocols/medication/strategies in place, it may be a gamble to attend.


Please let us know if it would help for us to continue to brainstorm with you- though I know you have a deadline! Thinking of you- Holly (migraine.com team).

I am 15, yes the doctor gave me tablets and the course is over, I am going to another doctor who is doing accupressure.

It sounds like your fear of migraine occurrence may be preventing you from living life, which is valid, or at the very least from being slightly more carefree in choices relating to traveling and school trips. In addition to the great ideas mentioned by Holly and Cheryl, have you addressed the anxiety you are feeling? It may be a route to take to help ease the dilemma every time a trip or excursion presents itself. And with life, it will present itself. There is no right or wrong answer here. It is what YOU feel comfortable doing as you place yourself on the clobbering journey of travel and school trips. Having the best plan of action is so very important when dealing with migraines. Have your preventatives and abortives on hand, speak with adults managing the schedule/trip about your disease (find your safe person to go to should a migraine hit who knows how to handle it), find time to rest and ask for what you need, sleep and eat on schedule - don't deviate, and avoid triggers while on your trip. An action plan is essential. Hope this helps. Warm wishes for a wonderful trip. Rebecca (team member)