Migraine FAQ - Q2
Q: I get migraines when I get excited. This weekend I was on a cub trip to London and I had an attack. When I get a migraine I am sick and I get headaches. I sometimes get an attack when the noise volume goes up at school.
A: It's so disappointing when something that you have looked forward to is spoilt because you have a migraine. I know it's difficult but try to keep everything as normal as possible in the time leading up to the special occasion or outing. Make sure you drink plenty of water, don't skip meals and try to sleep properly. Take some healthy snacks (e.g. a banana, an apple, a museli bar etc.) and a bottle of water with you when you are travelling so that you don't go for too long without food or drink. This is especially important if you have to get up and have your breakfast very early. Make sure that the adults you are with (e.g. your Cub leader) know about your migraine and have some of your medication (if you take some) with them all the time. You should tell an adult as soon as you feel a migraine starting so that they can help you to take some medication - the sooner you get some treatment the better the chance of the migraine getting better so that you can enjoy your day.
If you often get a migraine when travelling you might like to ask your parents if you can have some travel sickness pills or medicine before you travel.
Ask your parents to let your school know about your migraine. When you feel as if the noise in school is getting louder that is probably the first sign of a migraine starting. If you tell your teacher when you notice this, they might be able to arrange for you to go somewhere quiet for a while until you feel better or for your parents to come and take you home.
Dr Sue Lipscombe