Flying with a migraine
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Airplane Headaches
Whether flying for business or pleasure, the last thing you want is a headache. Check-out our top tips to give you the best chance of landing migraine free!
What are airplane headaches?
Headache attributed to airplane travel are also called airplane headaches are also abbreviated to AHs. Airplane headaches have only been defined and included in the ‘headache classification’ since 2013, as assigned by the International Headache Society (IHS), which is responsible for providing headache classifications and updates.
Airplane headaches are brought on by airplane travel and can really impact some travelers. It is not entirely known what causes AHs, but they are usually associated with take-off and landing and tend to take the form of intense short-term pain or throbbing. The good news is that these headaches tend to resolve after 30 to 60 minutes after landing, but can cause serious short-term discomfort.
However, it is possible for those prone to AH may make modifications to try and reduce the likelihood and impact of headaches.
What causes airplane headaches?
Despite many being affected by AHs, the underlying mechanisms of the spectrum of altitude related headaches is still very elusive. They are believed to be caused by one of several mechanisms related to the body’s physiological responses to the atmospheric pressure changes induced by air flight. Sinonasal barotrauma has been suggested as a key cause, which is a form of damage to tissue, particularly within the ear, caused by airplane pressure. This can cause localised pain in the area of the eye, temple or at the front of the head.
Flying is also associated with other problems such as dehydration, sitting uncomfortably and erratic mealtimes, all of which could trigger a migraine. For many, even just the stress or perhaps anxiety of flying might be enough to bring on a flight triggered migraine. There is the stress of packing, carrying heavy suitcases, jet-lag or lack or sleep, climate change, and all these factors will impact the body.
AH prevention: Top Tips
There are no standardised approaches to the treatment or prevention of AH. But, there are some proactive steps you can take to help yourself. Here are some top tips to help reduce the chances of developing a migraine on your next flight:
Pre-Book your Seat
Anticipate your needs when booking your flight ticket and choose to pre-book your seat. Know your comfort zone and be pro-active. Perhaps you'd prefer to be next to the window, so that you can close the shade and reduce the light; or perhaps you prefer the aisle seat, so that you have easier access to the restrooms.
Top Tip: Have you booked your flight ticket through Alternative Airlines? Find out more about pre-booking your seat here.
Consider Upgrading your Ticket Class
This will be incredibly important if you are travelling on a long-haul or transatlantic flight. If you are going to be in the air for a while, you want to be comfortable. Many airlines offer a premium economy ticket as an upgrade on economy, offering more personal space and extra facilities such as amenity kits and/or comfort kits, containing everything from blankets to cushions, as well as more comfortable seating with leg-rests and/or headrests.
Top Tip: For more information, check out our guides: Airlines with the biggest seats in Economy, and Premium Economy, is it worth it? If you are really prone to AH, perhaps even consider flying Business, and reduce the stress of flying as much as possible.
Pack Medication
Anti-inflammatory medications have all been found helpful to reduce the symptoms of headaches. However, many AH sufferers do not regularly have headaches, so might not carry headache medication. Before travelling, don’t forget your medication just in case, and remember to include the medicine in your carry-on luggage, as you may require it during your flight!
Top Tip: For more information, check out our guide: Flying with Medication.
Consider you Physical and Mental Wellbeing on a Plane
We've put together a comprehensive guide which offer information and advice about wellness during flights, including helping to relieve common problems such as flying anxiety, jet-lag, ear pain and back pain while flying. Check out our guide here.
Stay Hydrated
Drink LOTS of water. It's easy not to stay hydrated when flying, especially when you're too busy getting to and around the airport and have to leave your water behind when passing through security. And it's never nice to disturb fellow passengers to visit the bathroom during the flight. However, the pressurised cabin can make dehydration worse, so always have your water with you and keep drinking. Remember, tea and coffee can make dehydration worse, so drink in moderation alongside your water!
Avoid Potential Risks
If you are susceptible to AH, it might be that you are also sensitive to a range of factors that can trigger a headache. This could be flickering lights, bright lights, loud noises, or extreme temperature changes. Therefore, do your best to avoid potential triggers. This might include packing sunglasses, sleeping masks, and earplugs into your carry-on.
