For a chronic migraine sufferer, one of the first things to think about during an air trip is, at what point in the flight will the migraine attack threaten or actually hit? You know well that the migraine brain doesn’t like changes. So any upset with your usual routine, whether it’s disturbed sleep or a skipped meal, can trigger a migraine attack.
The exact cause of migraines during air travel is unclear. However, air travellers may get a migraine or tension headaches from insufficient sleep, stress, or holding their neck in an uncomfortable position during a long flight.
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We have enlisted the possible factors responsible for migraine during your air travel.
Stress
Stress is the root cause of migraine. It may arise from a fear of flying, all the necessary planning, organisation, last-minute jobs essential to get away, missed connections, delayed flights, delays in taking medications, inability to eat the right foods or at usual times (sometimes due to time changes), or just the crowds and lines.
Any kind of travel may be stressful. Planning and giving yourself enough time to get to your destination might help. While you are away, stick to your regular exercise schedule to keep tension at bay, and if your schedule is packed, ensure some rest breaks.
Practice breathing or relaxation techniques using available apps. Do stretching before boarding and get up during long flights to stretch and walk the aisles.
Sleep disruption
Too little or too much sleep may set the stage for migraine. So you may not be surprised to learn that jet lag is a common trigger.
Insufficient sleep is another significant factor in causing migraine during air travel. Therefore, you must get enough sleep before air travel. However, it might be challenging since it depends on your flight’s timing. Always keep it within the boundaries of your usual sleep schedule, as lack of sleep triggers a significant migraine. If it is impossible to maintain a regular sleep routine, try to at least nap before your flight.
Routine change
Routine changes begin as soon as or before you leave home. As someone with migraine, you know your scheduled routine is fundamental. Changes in it may lead to poor sleep, lack of sleep, and poor eating habits. Travel often involves a sudden change to your usual daily routine, mainly if it involves waking up very early or time differences, which may trigger an attack.
Be sure to have your rescue medications readily available in your carry-on. Follow your medication schedule and drink plenty of water before and throughout the flight to prevent dehydration. Since sleep is so essential yet so difficult on a plane, consider carrying ear plugs, an eye mask, something for neck support, some soothing music, and bring some healthy snacks to eat throughout your flight.
Migraine triggers
Your migraine may trigger if you sit beneath the blowing air conditioner in a plane. Your seatmate may order the tuna salad sandwich. You may also become the victim if the person in front of you keeps their overhead light on for the entire flight.
Here are some common triggers and how you overcome them.
- Light: Carry a sleep mask or dark wrap-around sunglasses.
- Noise: Carry earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones.
- Smells: Carry a small amount of a scent you like or one that relaxes you, like a roll-on bottle of peppermint essential oil.
Changes in pressure and altitude
Changes in barometric pressure and altitude may trigger migraine. Plane cabins have very low humidity, which may dehydrate you. The point of concern is whether the change in barometric pressure or the change in oxygenation triggers pain. It is evident that low oxygen levels are a migraine trigger. However, it is also a fact that even if you did not change your oxygen level, changing barometric pressure is potentially a migraine trigger. Therefore, it may be either one of these, or both in combination, responsible for causing high-altitude headaches and migraines.
Changes in barometric pressure associated with migraines involve the constriction of blood vessels, insufficient oxygen, or overexcitement of brain areas that produce pain.
Headaches usually occur when pressure changes affect the body’s small, confined, air-filled systems, such as those in the ears or the sinuses.
Weather and altitude changes
You may experience a headache ranging from mild to severe on the plane due to:
- Sudden changes in temperature or humidity
- A storm which changes the barometric pressure
- High or low levels of moisture or temperature
- Changes in altitude, such as during plane travel
To avoid having migraine during air travel, try to:
- Avoid sitting at the back of the aeroplane if possible, where the worst sounds and smells are present
- try to have an aisle seat, so you may quickly get up to stretch and move around
- Stay hydrated, drink plenty of water
Conclusion
Triggers and warning signs for migraine attacks with air travel are ample, particularly now.
Stress, sleep disruption, routine changes, and environmental reasons are all factors. Planning ahead in every way is vital. Changes in atmospheric pressure may create an imbalance in the pressure within the sinus cavities and the inner ear’s structure and chambers, resulting in migraines or headaches.
