Migraine suffers what rides to avoid a migraine attack

[cottontail]

Hello:

Are there any other migraine sufferers out there, are there any wdw rides or shows that trigger your migraines. DD has been ill for almost a year trying 4 different migraine preventative drugs, does not want to trigger another attack in florida. I think it is the dizzy factor that gets her.

Thanks,


DEb.

 

[stinkerbelle]

I get migrains...but can't say I've ever had one brought on by a ride.

We all have our different "triggers' for our headache...you're never going to find one common thing that triggers a migrain in everyone, you know?

 

[karemore]

If it's dizzy things that trigger them she's better off avoiding the 3-D movies, Body Wars, etc.

I remember the movie in China gave me a headache too.

Watch for anything with a motion sickness warning too.

Does she know if allergies and sinus pressure contribute to her migraines?

I suffered for years but it turned out if I treated my allergy and sinus symptoms early enough, I wouldn't progress to a migraine.

Life is much better now. I sympathize with your daughter.

Karen

 

[shellybaxter]

I don't get migraines, but I do get really dizzy on some rides so I try to avoid them. 3D movies are fine, but I can't do Star Tours, Body Wars etc. The one ride I wasn't expecting to have dizzy problems with, but did (just as a warning) was the Universe of Engery (Ellen's Dinosaur Ride). I got pretty dizzy there and had to close my eyes and kind of lay down on the seat of the ride. So, even though it doesn't really sound like a ride that would be a problem, it might be for you.

Shelly

 

[diswedwish]

I also get migraines. I get what my neurologist calls "holiday-headaches", meaning that when I have a vacation/break that's when I get them - very fun So I guess you could say that going to Disney triggers them - lol! J/k.

Has your daughter seen a neurologist? I've had migraines since I was little, started seeing a neurologist about 2 years ago for treatment, and they're starting to get better Fortunately mine don't last very long (4-5 hours), but they're intense. Plus I see an aura first, which gives me plenty of time to take my meds to prevent the rest of it.

One thing that has worked very well for me is yoga. It didn't completely cure me, but it cut the number of my migraines in half. Now mine are stress-related, which is why yoga seems to do the trick. However, it might be worth a shot for your daughter to try it. Much cheaper than the migraine meds!!

Definitely talk to her doctor about your upcoming trip and her concerns. Last year I got married at Disney and was worried about what to do if I got one on my wedding day (stress anyone?). The neurologist was very sympathetic and gave me a couple of ideas about how to prevent/plan for the day.

HTH and good luck

 

[NotUrsula]

If your concern is strobe effects, be careful of Ellen's Energy Adventure; there is a bright flash near the beginning when they discuss the Big Bang. There is also a strobe effect at the start of Space Mountain, when the ride initially launches. If she keeps her eyes closed for those sections, she should not be adversely affected by the flashing.

She might also consider carrying foam earplugs; loud noises can be triggers, too, and many of the rides/shows are rather loud. Foam plugs will tone the noise down to less dangerous levels.

 

[cottontail]

Yes the Universe of Energy ride, where the ship is in the ocean scene (its been a few years since we have been) the big screen and zooming in and out did it and it was back to the room before the vomiting began
. My hubby pretty well knows about the visual stimulation and will tell us when to open our eyes back up.

I kind a wish some of the loud noises were toned down a bit, but I wrote down the ear plugs that is a good idea.

She has had a terrible year of these migraines and been a virtually guinea pig for preventative meds from her neurologist.

She is now on topamax and seziure medication, but feels ill with it like she has the flu and tires easily, done sandomigraine (gained 25 lbs in three weeks, but it helped), tried cellexa, gave her 6 weeks of migraines, was on a beta blocker for three years and she somehow kind of got immune to the drug, and it stopped helping, has had imitrex, migranol, no help any more now uses zomig or maxalt and tylenol 2's for pain.

I am staying at riverside, but i am thinking about animal kingdom lodge for part of it cause it she gets sick at least she can see the animals from our room, and not feel that she is missing to much.

Thanks,

Deb.

 

[Alice28]

I get migraines and mine are usually triggered by not eating properly, but also certain lighting, like strobe. Avoid Ellen's Energy Adventure, and I believe Dinosaur uses strobe (I haven't been on it yet, but have seen little blips about it on the planning video, etc). Both my mom and I felt ill after sitting thru Ellen's Energy Adv., it is SO loud, the strobe lighting is awful for a short time and it is LONG.

 

[KPmom]

What type of immitrex did she try? I am on the injectable, and it is the only form that has helped. I tried the nasal spray and the pills with no avail. The injectable is the only way for me to get relief. Best of luck to you and your DD~KPmom

 

[Alice28]

Originally posted by KPmom
What type of immitrex did she try? I am on the injectable, and it is the only form that has helped. I tried the nasal spray and the pills with no avail. The injectable is the only way for me to get relief. Best of luck to you and your DD~KPmom

I have to agree here....I tried Maxalt and the pill form of Imitrex...they just did not zap the migraines like the injectable Imitrex. While I HATE giving myself the shot, it works like nothing else.

 

[KPmom]

Try holding a piece of ice over the spot where the injection is going first. Also if you clean the area with Bactine that helps to numb the area a bit. That has helped me a bunch. ~KPmom

 

[Sarahsal]

For me, the 360 movies are the worst. Make me very dizzy-can lead to an aura and then a migraine. Be sure to stay hydrated, limit caffeine, keep sleep habits the same, and never never skip a meal. Also, my husband told me that Mission Space had a warning about migraines.

 

[cottontail]

Thanks everyone. She was on the nasal imitrex. Never thought about the injectible, I don't know if she would be able to inject it or not she is squeemish.

Deb.

 

[Lisa AF]

Imitrex nasal spray!!!! HOORAY for that drug. It has changed my life. I would have 3 day debilitating migraines every month.

The only thing at Disney that has set mine off besides heat and poor eating habits is Body Wars. It gives my 12 year old DD a migraine too. Poor thing started getting them at 2. The neurologist says it is more common in children then many would think.

 

[te2077]

the ones that set off my migranes are:

body wars
back to the future-universal
and the create your own rollercoaster-disney quest.

 

[NotUrsula]

Yes, Dinosaur has strobe lights all the way through, I knew there was one I wasn't remembering.

Well, for what it's worth, I'll toss out the drug that helped me most; Calan. (Yes, the heart disease med.) That and diet; I have to stay completely away from smoked meats and red wines.

One other thing that is usually important, especialy if it is hot out, is keeping blood sugar constant. Have her eat lightly at 2 hr intervals, and drink fluids that will keep her electrolytes in balance. DEFINITELY carry a mister fan, and also carry a couple of ziplocs for ice, and a cloth she can wet down to put on her head and/or neck. (Any vendor who has ice will let you put some in a bag for medical reasons.) Migraines will always be more likely to strike if you're overheated.

Oh, have her wear a wide-brimmed light-colored hat, too; I get lots fewer headaches at WDW since I invested in a good hat. (I have a Vineyard Haven hat from Watership Trading; expensive, but worth it! My 6 yo actually wrote on his Mother's Day essay that Mommy looks prettiest when she wears her safari hat, because then she smiles.)

 

[cottontail]

Hey Lisa: My daughters also started at a very young age, we think around 4 or 5, and mine also, I can remember being very ill anywhere that we went. Plus my mom smoked way back then and that is a major trigger for me..

Deb.

 

[aladdinsgirl]

I don't suffer from migranes, but I can tell you that I got horrendous headaches from Impressions de France--the movie in the France pavillion and Aladdins Carpet Ride at DisneyQuest. I would imagine that if they bother me--someone who doesn't get migranes, it might trigger a migrane or at least a really nasty headache for someone who suffers from them. Hope this helps!

Krista

 

[cottontail]

My son who gets about 6 migraines a year got very sick at disneyquest last time we were there.

Deb.

 

[Lisa AF]

Cottontail,
My dd's is also set off by smoke. She would have no warning when they were coming when she was younger and would be vomiting within 5 minutes of the onset.
Lucky for her she can manage them with over the counter drugs!