What Are My Migraine-Friendly Tips for Driving?

Driving an automobile is a privilege and a big goal for many people. As a teen, I couldn’t wait to get behind the wheel and experience the freedom and independence driving would afford me. Driving for a person living with migraine disease, however, can have challenges to overcome that a non-sufferer takes for granted.

When did migraine start impacting my ability to drive?

I lived with episodic migraine attacks in my late teens and early twenties. Driving was not significantly impacted for me at that stage, but as I became chronic, the privilege often resulted in pain and disorientation. Over the years, I have found a few tricks to help me control the driving environment. Most are pretty simple hacks, while others require an investment.

How do I manage light sensitivity?

I live in Florida. It is the “Sunshine State,” and for a sun-lover, it is paradise. Driving in the blinding sun is not good if you are in a migraine cycle. Photophobia is a common symptom during my attack cycles. The necessity of driving or being a passenger is unavoidable for me. The reflection off the dashboard in my vehicle is an issue.

Tip #1

To solve this, I place a towel or something to absorb the sun before it can reflect and cause me pain or trigger an attack. Similarly, a towel or piece of cloth tucked into a side window can block the full force of the sun as well. Both are effective, temporary and have almost no out-of-pocket cost. You can purchase side window shades from various sources if you choose. My daughter also works for an eye specialist. She brings me home the sun shields that fit behind my glasses to further darken things!

Tip #2

There are times during the day when the sun is rising or setting that can be problematic, too. Sunlight streaming through the trees on a tree-lined road can produce a strobe-like effect. This is another potential trigger item for me. My brain doesn’t like sustained changes in lighting like strobes or flickering lights. To combat this, I will either use my hand as a blinder to block whatever side the light variations are coming from or close the most affected eye. There are also little blinders for people who wear glasses that block light coming at you from the sides. Again, I usually choose the no-cost option since the conditions can change quickly.

Tip #3

The third option requires a monetary investment. Having your windows tinted can be a great way to restrict the amount of light entering your vehicle. Many states in the US have specific laws that govern the amount (darkness/reflectivity) of tint allowed on your windows. If you are purchasing a new car, the windows may already be tinted, or you can make it an option. The dealers are aware of the tinting laws in their states.

Regarding the windshield, you can tint as dark as you want in the 4-6 inches from the top of your windshield. A small AS-1 on your windshield marks this zone for you. The Rayno window tinting site states this:
Windshield: The information here refers to the AS-1 line since entire windshields cannot be tinted in any state legally. The AS-1 line is 4 – 6 inches from the top of the windshield that can be tinted.¹
This option varies in cost by company, and there are many tint options to choose from. This protection is helpful and can be used with or without your visor.

What are your tips for driving with migraine?

Living with migraine disease has made me more creative so I can still function close to my old normal. I know many people who modify their lives to help them live with chronic conditions. In the comments, let’s discuss your tips and tricks for driving with migraine disease.