When migraine headaches are a regular part of your life, you may be uncertain about being able to drive. Is it safe to get behind the wheel? What should you do if a migraine strikes while you’re on the road?
A recent study on older adults revealed that those diagnosed with migraine were three times more likely to have a motor vehicle accident in their first year after diagnosis. Researchers also found that common medications for migraine also pose an increase in car accident risk.
These symptoms of migraine can make it difficult, if not impossible, to safely operate a vehicle:
- Head and neck pain can impair your movement, making it harder to see or react quickly.
- Brain fog, a common symptom, can negatively affect your attention, decision making, processing speed, reaction time, and coordination.
- Vertigo, or dizziness, gives you the sensation of being off balance, unsteady, and lightheaded.
- Photophobia, or being sensitive to light, makes driving at night with oncoming car headlights especially difficult.
But many people with migraines can, and do, safely drive. Knowledge and preparation are key. Find out how to recognize signs of a migraine, handle an attack while driving, get around when driving isn’t an option, and reduce your risk of an attack while in transit.
Migraine While Driving – What to Do
Have a plan in place if a migraine happens while you’re behind the wheel. If it comes on during a drive, stop your car as soon as safely possible and treat your symptoms. It isn’t always safe to drive while you’re having a migraine.
Some organizations also recommend not driving again until your attack is over and any medications that could interfere with your driving are out of your system. Know your treatment effects ahead of time. Don’t drive after taking any medication that warns against operating heavy machinery. Ask your doctor about your medications if you’re unsure.
Keep an emergency kit with you at all times so you’re ready in case of a migraine. Items to have on hand include:
- Migraine medications
- Snacks
- Water
- Sickness bag
- Tools you use to relieve pain such as cooling devices, eye masks, etc.
Know Your Migraine Signs
Stay alert while you’re driving – or even before you put your keys in the ignition – so you know when a migraine is coming, and you can either make other arrangements or pull over. Your migraine signs will be unique to you, so keep a migraine diary to better understand your triggers and symptoms as migraine happens.
Prodrome is the phase a day or two before a migraine happens. It can have distinct symptoms, such as:
- Constipation
- Mood changes
- Food cravings
- Neck stiffness
- Peeing more often
- Fluid retention
- Yawning a lot
If you notice these signs, be aware that driving may be more risky in the upcoming days, and plan accordingly.
Some people have an aura during migraine. For others, an aura happens before a migraine attack and can be a sign one is coming. These are nervous system symptoms that start gradually and build over a period of up to 60 minutes. Symptoms include:
- Visual changes such as seeing spots, flashes of light, or shapes
- Vision loss
- A tingling “pins and needles” sensation in your arms or legs
- Weakness or numbness in the face or one side of the body
- A hard time speaking
It’s best to stop driving as soon as possible if you have aura symptoms and treat it like you’re having an attack.
Tips for Migraine-Free Driving
If you’ll be driving for a long time, be sure to take frequent breaks to stretch and de-stress. You may find that taking 5 minutes every hour to stop and meditate or do deep breathing can help you stay relaxed and prevent stress-induced migraines.
Wear sunglasses when you drive to keep the sun out of your eyes. Bright light is a common trigger for people with migraines.
When Driving Isn’t an Option
If migraines are constant enough in your life that driving feels unsafe, consider other options:
- Ask friends for rides
- Carpool to work
- Use a ride-sharing or ride-booking service
- Explore public transportation options in your area
Often, there are services local to your area that offer free or reduced-cost transportation if you have a disability that keeps you from driving. Demand-response or dial-a-ride is a transit service offered by National Aging and Disability Transportation Center that operates in certain areas. You can contact them to request transportation.
Show Sources
Photo Credit: Moment/Getty Images
SOURCES:
Journal of the American Geriatrics Society: “Migraine headaches are associated with motor vehicle crashes and driving habits among older drivers: Prospective cohort study.”
Headache: “The Influence of Migraine on Driving: Current Understanding, Future Directions, and Potential Implications of Findings.”
The Migraine Trust: “Migraine and driving.”
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: “Dangers of Driving After Taking Prescription Drugs or Over-the-Counter Medicines.”
American Migraine Foundation: “5 Holiday Travel Tips From Our Migraine Community.”
Mayo Clinic: “Migraine.”
National Aging and Disability Transportation Center: “Dial-a-ride / Demand Response.”
