Are COVID-19 Restrictions Impacting Your Migraine Patterns?

By Holly Harding

Last Updated:

1 min read

The restrictions and transitions related to COVID-19 have brought so much change – from changes in schedule to changes in who we see and what we do every day.

More migraine attacks during COVID-19

Unfortunately, one thing is for sure, migraine thrives on change. As we move from lockdown to a phased re-entry into a new normal, many of us are experiencing an uptick in our migraine pattern. In this video, one of our contributors checks in with the community about how these changes are impacting you.

In the comment section below, please let us hear how you are faring through this very strange time in history. How are these changes impacting your migraine patterns?

Please know we, at Migraine.com, are thinking of you and hope you will stay in touch.

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The Migraine.com team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

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ucchrismarie Member
Last Updated:
I work part time at my local hospital where making is mandatory for our entire shift. I have been tracing my migraine incidents since masking went into effect. I definitely struggle with increased migraine after I work my 12 hour shift. It often lasts into the day or 2 afterwards.
1. Peggy Artman Moderator
 Last Updated:
 <inline-mention user-id="3701601" username="ucchrismarie"/> , thanks for checking in with us. I have also wondered how wearing a mask for long periods of time would affect those of us with migraine. It makes sense that migraine attacks would worsen because this is all new to us. Masks affect our breathing, and our sensitive brain doesn't like change. I hope you start feeling better soon. ~ Peggy (Migraine.com team)
2. Allyson.Ellis Community Admin
 Last Updated:
 Uff, I hear how much wearing a face mask is impacting your migraine symptoms, ucchrismarie. You are not alone observing that connection. Is there anything that helps you manage? Please know we are here to listen and offer support any time you are struggling. Wishing you a gentle day. ~Allyson (Migraine.com team)
dinamay Member
Last Updated:
My hubby and I are in a long term care facility, the “independent“ section of an assisted living complex. Because all residents have underlying conditions and are 65 or older, we are all high risk. So we’ve been under lockdown since early and will continue this way until...who knows? A vaccine? No visitors, no activities, meals in our rooms. Migraines have been trying to increase, while I’ve been gradually increasing an old standby, Topamax, trying to get ahead of the pain. Can’t get the newer, better meds now that I’m on Medicare. Can’t go out to the pharmacy to pick up the more effective acute migraine med (which they won’t mail now because it’s apparently an a usable opioid). If I leave the premises, I’m quarantined to the apartment for 2 weeks when I return. Not that different from now except that we have a dog. She must be walked in the courtyard twice a day and hubby is no longer able to take over this duty. Dang! I feel another one coming on just thinking about all this.
1. Melissa Arnold Community Admin
 Last Updated:
 @lisaspargert, it must be so hard for you to be unable to visit your mom right now, especially as she's dealing with memory loss. Have the staff been willing to work with you at all, using phone calls or video chat to stay connected? My heart breaks for everyone who is forced to isolate for their own safety. This pandemic has hurt us all in different ways. We are here for you, too! -Melissa, <a href='https://migraine.com' target='_blank'>migraine.com</a> team
2. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 Last Updated:
 lisasparger1- Thanks so much for chiming in and offering your support and ideas to others. I'm sorry you are not being able to see your mother during this challenging time. Thinking of you and so glad you're a part of our community. - Holly (migraine.com team).