Prepare for your exams and tests
Headache is a very common complaint in schools – not only with children but with teachers themselves!
Stress can be a key migraine trigger when it comes to taking your exams and tests. You have to study for and sit exams / tests so it is not surprising that some of you can feel very pressured and worried which may give you a migraine. You may feel extra stress at exam / test time if you have had to take time off from school due to migraine and feel a bit behind in your class.
To help prevent a migraine attack around exam / test time, remind yourself to:
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make time to eat regularly and healthily, and ask to take a snack into your exam / test
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drink plenty of water everyday and also ask to take a drink into your exam / test
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take regular breaks from study / the computer in the build up to an exam or test and try to get some fresh air and exercise every day – even if it is just a short walk
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try to avoid using lots of caffeine filled or energy drinks to help keep you going around exam time, as these can trigger migraines in some people
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although we know it can sometimes be hard to sleep the night before an exam / test, try to make sure you get enough rest. Ideally you should be going to bed and getting up at your usual times to help prevent an attack
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have time for rest and relaxation when you are studying for exams / tests
If you have missed a lot of time from school (more than eight days a month) and you feel your grades should be better, this can be taken into account by exam boards. Speak to your parents / carers as Migraine Action has a template letter for doctors who are asked to give confirmation of your migraine and the effect it has on you. Click here to download the exam template letter. Remember you need to do this in plenty of time (weeks if possible) before your exam.
Talk to your teachers and school
Sometimes teachers and school don’t fully understand what migraine is and the effect it can have. The more you can tell teachers and other staff about migraine, the better able they will be to work with you and help you. Talk to your parents or carers about arranging a meeting with your teacher at school. We have a letter template you can ask your doctor to sign to give to your teacher / school. Click here to download the school template letter.