Flying with migraine

Migraine triggers are a frequent topic of conversation with my patients. Many people ask what can trigger a migraine, and the truth is that almost anything can be a trigger. At its core, a migraine is a condition of neuro-inflammation. So, what causes inflammation? It varies for each person. Common triggers include stress, sleep disturbances (either too little or too much), and changes in the weather.

However, I’ve encountered more unusual triggers, such as sleeping on percale sheets or eating eggs. The reality is that everyone’s triggers can be different, and that’s perfectly okay. Each person’s headaches and migraines are unique. Same goes for if a certain medication or lifestyle change does not help your headaches, but has helped others.

One of my personal triggers is flying. Almost every time I fly, I experience a migraine the next day. So, what do I do? Do I avoid flying altogether? Of course not. I need to fly for work and to visit friends and family. In cases where a trigger is unavoidable, the key is to be prepared with a rescue migraine medication. For me, I always try to sleep on the plane. And if I can’t then a drink something caffeinated, for caffeine helps my migraine attacks. Lastly, I always carry a triptan and take it at the first sign of a migraine. If your rescue medication isn’t effective, make sure to discuss it with your healthcare provider or headache specialist.