Driving With Migraines
I don’t drive anymore. That’s not because of my migraines — it’s because my vision has deteriorated. But I did drive for nearly ten years, with or without migraines. I had to miss time off of work not because I couldn’t do the job when I got there (migraines or not), but because I could not drive when in the full grip of a migraine. Heck — when a migraine had me in it’s teeth, I couldn’t even find my car, let alone drive it.
Now, I’m lucky enough to telecommute. But not everyone who has migraines is so lucky. Often, not driving is not optional. You could be in the middle of a family vacation and have to get to the next hotel where you’ve already paid one night; you could have to drive for your job; you could have to get someone to the hospital — there’s all kinds of circumstances where driving may be unavoidable, even if you have a migraine.
Store In Glove Compartment
Take out some of the junk in your glove compartment and stick a bottle of pain killers in there. Stick in an extra pair of sunglasses if you have to. If you know that a certain smell helps you relax (lavender, for example), then keep a small bottle of lavender essential oil in there to sniff in case of emergency.
At the first sign that a migraine is on it’s way or if you start getting an aura, you need to pull over into the nearest safe parking place and take your pills and sniff your aromatherapy oil.
Before Driving
You need to eat regularly if you are prone to migraines or chronic headaches. There’s more an more evidence floating to the surface that having unpredictable meal times can trigger bad headaches. If you know that you are in for a long trip, keep some snack in the car or pack a little lunch box.
If you are caffeine dependant (like me), then you need to plan on having a break in driving just to have a good dose of caffeine. Either that, or keep caffeine-laden painkillers in your glove compartment.
While Driving
If you are driving in pain, keep breathing deeply. I find that some music helps me take my mind off some of the pain. I also find that complaining about my pain takes care of the rest. Praise yourself for still driving, even when you have a migraine.
As always, please don’t use this blog post as a substitute for your doctor’s advice.
November 14th, 2008 at 5:27 pm
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November 23rd, 2008 at 1:56 am
Rena, good article. I almost missed it since I don’t drive myself. Then I remembered I did a piece where it mentions that 90% of migraine people consider driving with a migraine as the most common risk. Good info.
Cheers,
Rain
November 23rd, 2008 at 12:35 pm
Thanks for your kind words. They are appreciated. I wonder how many migraineurs don’t drive?
November 24th, 2008 at 1:33 am
Not sure. Probably those who can afford not to or simply can’t because of other complications. No matter what they say, we are a pretty tough lot.
November 25th, 2008 at 6:51 pm
I try to avoid driving with a Migraine - sometimes I have no choice - living in exurbia with no public transportation and kids who need to get places. These are very good tips, Rena. I’ve found that my relaxation breathing can usually keep the Migraine at least somewhat at bay until I can stop.