Making Travel Less Stressful for People With Migraine

A survey conducted by Condé Nast Traveler explores the impact of migraine on people's plans to travel whether for work or vacations. The 500 survey respondents all had a self-reported physician-made diagnosis of migraine. 

Almost all respondents (94%) found the thought of getting a migraine during travel somewhat (37%) or very (57%) stressful, and 89% said they have delayed travel because of migraine attack. Most individuals (71%) said that the way they travel is affected by their migraine disease and that having migraines that last for an entire trip (56%) or cause them to miss out on special occasions (54%) were major stressors. 

Importantly, for physicians managing migraine, 55% of respondents said they do not have a sufficient acute treatment for their migraine, which increases the stress of having a migraine while traveling. Lack of confidence in being able to manage migraine attacks during travel was reported by 40%, despite knowledge about the need to get enough sleep, stay hydrated, eat regularly, and bring an acute treatment while traveling.

Juan Lacayo, MD, commented, "Travel often is accompanied by stress and changes in weather, both noted to be major triggers for migraine attacks, making travel itself—whether it be for pleasure or business—a potential migraine minefield."

Dr. Lacayo also suggests considering a newer migraine treatment, rimegepant—an orally dissolving tablet approved both preventive and acute treatment of migraine—noting, "Taking rimegepant the morning of travel may prevent a migraine attack, despite exposure to travel stress, dry recirculated air, and the changes in diet or hydration that may occur with travel. This treatment can also be kept in a pocket or travel bag for acute treatment if an attack does occur. Possible side effects include nausea and indigestion. I recommend any person with migraine with upcoming travel plans to speak to a physician to learn more about treatment options."