Will being on an airplane effect my migraine?
I am asking this because I will soon be flying for the first time since I got any kind of migraine. I have no idea what it feels like to have a migraine while flying. I know that the noise, lights, and crowds at the airport will make the migraine worse, but I am worried about what will happen from when the airplane takes off to when it lands.
Hi there @Rin.Morrow,
Thanks for your question! Flying when living with migraine can sure cause a good deal of anxiety! You are not alone in worrying about this! I thought I'd share some great articles we have dedicated to this topic by one of our contributor's Janet, who does quite a bit of traveling! I hope you find some of them useful!The Migraine Girl’s Tips for Air Travel, Part I: Before the FlightThe Migraine Girl’s Tips for Air Travel, Part II: In the AirAnnoyances on the airplaneNoise-cancelling headphones FTW (for the win)!
Good luck with your travels and let us know how things go!
Take care,
Joanna (Migraine.com Team)For me personally, the airplane ride itself seems to be painless. If I drink while in the air (curse you, free in-flight beer and wine!) then I am very ill.
I get a migraine a few hours after touching down again in my destination due to the multiple altitude changes. Usually, I prepare for a day or two of illness after arrival either way on every trip where I take a flight.I am a chronic migraine sufferer, with over 50 identified triggers, and up to 28 days/mo of pain. Now that I am retired, I can mitigate better, have many good hours/days.
When younger with more intense pain, flying made no difference. Hiking and camping at 5000 ft higher altitude diesn't affect.
But I recently flew two hr flight for first time in 20 yrs. I took most pre-flight precautions listed in articles here, except meds, because the last time I took triptan it made me feel more horrible than without, and I can get rebound migraines from other meds.
Flight was delayed on tarmac 2 hrs. Still was fine, although a little thirsty, warm.
But take-off made head feel weird, in non-migraine way... really don't know how to describe.
Woke next day with one of worst migraines I've had in long while, and that has set up a cycle going on three weeks (some last months). Some good days, but more severe than have had in long while.
Have to fly again soon, so need more suggestions. Thanks
