Part 4 - Migraines and Driving: What Every Driver Needs to Know

I think of migraines as headaches, but they’re actually so much more. They’re a complicated neurological condition that can repeat in ways that affect your entire body. I know, I had them in my thirties.
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Migraine symptoms include light and sound sensitivity, nausea and vomiting, visual disturbances, confusion, dizziness, muscle weakness, fatigue, and constant yawning. About 25% of migraines sufferers have auras an hour before the migraine strikes. Auras show up as blurred vision, flashes of light, wavy lines, and blind spots. 

My first migraine, and all the others, must have been auras. I remember the blurred vision, how I couldn’t read, and my hand going numb. It was scary. I was teaching. I can’t imagine having one if I’d been driving. It’s why I decided to write this post and share the link below from Stephanie Butler. She’s the Outreach Coordinator from Adam Swallow Injury Lawyers.
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                           Link: https://www.mdaccidentlaw.com/driving-with-a-migraine-safety-guide/

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​Part 4: Where to Get Help

If you suffer from migraines, here are some resources to help you live with them.
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One of the best things to try…SEEDS. Not the plant kind. The acronym kind that’s recommended by the American Migraine Foundation.

S…Sleep--Make sure you get your beauty rest and follow good sleep practices.
E…Exercise--Do gentle activity 3-5 days a week for 30-50 minutes.
E…Eat--Eat small healthy meals more frequently. Don’t fast or stop eating.
D…Diary--Keep one with details about your migraines. Look for patterns to discuss with your doctor.
S…Stress--Keep it under control using mindfulness and relaxation techniques. 

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Primary Care Doctors: This is a great starting place if/when you suffer your first migraine. They can recommend medicines and strategies to try. They can also tell you if it’s safe to drive.
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If your doctor can help you, perfect! If not, he/she can recommend a migraine specialist or neurologist. They’re doctors who specialize in migraines. They follow clinical trials and have the latest information to share. 

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Migraine Support Groups: One of the best ways to survive is with a support group. When I was still teaching, my colleagues supported me through issues like migraines. It helps to realize you’re not alone, and you get great, practical advice. Click on my original source to connect to the groups below. You can Google them too.

1. Move Against Migraines is a Facebook support group that’s connected to the American Migraine Foundation. You’ll find advice and inspiration.

2. Mayo Clinic Headache & Migraine is a community of caregivers and people like you. It’s moderated by the Mayo Clinic Connect.

3. Living Positively with Chronic Pain is an online group from Bethesda, Maryland. It has over 700 members.

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Migraine Advocacy and Education: These four groups are dedicated to raising awareness and getting resources to migraine sufferers and the general public.

1. The American Migraine Foundation raises money for research, education, and awareness for doctors and their patients.

2. Miles for Migraines hosts events to raise money for a cure, education, and support for those living with migraines.

3. Migraine.com is an online community that shares what it’s like to live with migraines while supporting each other.

4. National Headache Foundation offers education for patients and doctors. They can help you start a headache diary and share news about clinical trials. They also support veterans who suffer from migraines. ​
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​ In Conclusion: Driving with migraines is dangerous. Impaired vision, light sensitivity, visual disturbances, and intense pain can take your focus off the road and slow your reaction time. Being unable to drive feels like you’re losing your independence. But with the right support and treatment, you can reclaim it and navigate migraines no matter where you are.

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