Migraines in the parks

[londonpenguin]

I occasionally get visual migraines. I don't get the full-blown headache and nausea thing (knock wood!), only the exploding sunflowers and electrified snakes and, of course, the sensitivity to light.

Have you ever suffered a migraine in one of the parks? What did you do? Were you able to find someplace relatively quiet and dimly lit where you could sit for a while? My visuals usually last only about 25-30 minutes (so returning to the resort would be a waste of time), but I can sometimes reduce the duration to about 5-10 minutes if I can get to a darkened room quickly.

Any suggestions?

 

[barb45]

I'd love to hear people's suggestions to you because my daughter just started getting migraines after she had her baby and they are going with us to WDW in December. Her migraines are triggered by flashes of light (as when someone takes a picture) so I know that WDW will be a problem because on so many rides there are bright lights flashing. Someone else's experience might be able to help us all out. This presents a new problem for us.

 

[DVC Jen]

I get the full blown migraines and I am usually out of commission for the full day when I get one.

I am not sure where you could go, but I bet a first aid station wouldn't turn you down if you explained what was going on.

 

[rachael95]

any time I've gotten a migraine in the parks I've had to go back to the hotel - only a nap cures them. But you could try going to the medical areas and lying down for a few minutes.

 

[beccasmom]

I've had migraines since age 12; I am now 48 and still get them occasionally. I never travel without my migraine medications; I have several. It is a hassle, but it beats getting stuck without them. I also find that Excedrin Migraine sometimes works along with a Coke. Also, sometimes it is possible to "freeze" out a migraine somewhat by eating something very cold, like ice cream or water ice. It is not pleasant having one at WDW, but unfortunately triggers are all over the place - lights, sounds, foods. Also, as much as we love WDW, travel in itself is stressful. Cold compresses help a lot. So does rest.....I find going back to the resort, putting the Do Not Disturb sign on the doorknob and napping in a dark room will often help quite a bit. Don't push yourself. Take it easy even it means missing precious park time.

 

[Grumpy92]

I have suffered these at the park as well. I have learned to take my medication with me, but it does take time to kick in. Which usually means going back to the hotel. When they had the AP lounge I would go there, but the first aid stations do have beds where you can lay down in a nice cool room.

 

[Forevryoung]

My mom and I both get them and shes taught me something very important- if you even think you could be starting to get one, take an excedrine or prescription and drink a coke. That will at least cut it in half. When I get a migraine I am in bed or on the bathroom floor. I find that I am more prone to them when I am dehydrated so maybe make extra sure that you drink enough water.

 

[lucky978]

Definately go to first aid. They will let you lay down in a room so you can sleep it off. For me, I'd have to go back to the hotel probably. I get the vomiting and everything.

 

[liveforthemagic]

I have never suffered one in the park--mine are cyclical generally so we are able to plan vacations around them--but I would imagine as soon as you feel one coming, if you go up to a CM, they can tell you where to go close by. I'm sure they've all had their share of headaches.

As for the poster with the daughter who now gets them after having a child, that is when mine started. I found that mine were related to monthly changes and so I could plan for them. I am more prone when I am dehydrated or if I feel run down and decide that chocolate will be a quick pick me up. Definitely make sure she stays hydrated and stays away from the chocolate. Between now and then, maybe she can experiment with some over the counter meds and at least has time to find some that work. I agree 100% with the folks that say Excedrin Migraine with a Coke. I never leave home without Excedrin in my purse. If you start to feel a twinge, take it right away. It can affect your stomach a little bit, but if you make sure you try to have some crackers or pretzels while you take it, it works wonders and lasts all day! She may also check with her ob--could be some of her current meds or the fact that she has stopped taking something--could be causing sudden drops in estrogen which are bringing on the migraines. Good luck--I definitely know how frustrating it is when you start to get these things all of the sudden. They can be miserable!

 

[Tony Toon]

We had to use the First Aid rooms at AK on our last visit in 2003. No migraines (I suffer, but touch wood haven't ever had one at WDW - I think being so relaxed helps) but DS had a minor accident and the First Aid room was very comfortable, cool and calm with a bed in each room and nurses to help look after you. I'm sure you'd be fine to rest here for a while if you were trying to fight off a full blown attack, but as everyone says, take your meds.

Mrs TT

 

[jenr812]

DEfinitely stay well hydrated - dehydration is a huge migraine trigger for me, as well as low blood sugar. I've never had a migraine at WDW (as our trip is still 54 days away ) but like a previous poster, when I get one, I'm done for the day. My DH gets them as well as my poor 6 yo DS (but he has cyclic vomiting syndrome that progresses to migraines, poor kid) so I am praying my heart out that we are all symptom free for our trip. Hope you will be too The Excedrin migraine is a great idea, but if your visual migraines only last a half hour, it may be gone before it kicks in. Drinking some Coke or other caffeinated beverage can help also. When I had my 2 yo DS by emergency C section, I got a 6 day long spinal headache - worse than any migraine I had ever suffered (including the one that progressed into a TIA when I was 6 mo PG with my 6 yo). The nurses kept bringing me Pepsi in the hospital and said the caffeine would help alleviate the symptoms. (which is why excedrin migraine is so good - it has caffeine)

Good luck!

 

[londonpenguin]

Thanks for all the responses. I did have a few full-blown migraines when I was in grade school (and am still traumatized by the experience!), so I do know what that's like: I really feel for those of you who get the whole megillah. Both my regular doctor and my hematologist have said that migraine meds won't do much good since all I get are the visuals. I'm seeing my hematologist next, so I'll ask him about the Excedrin-and-a-Coke thing.

So, I know this sounds incredibly naive, but I totally didn't realize there were first aid stations in the parks. Now that I think about it: duh! Are they (a) easy to find and (b) plentiful? It sounds like exactly what I need: somewhere to sit or lie quietly, with my eyes closed, and with a minimum of stimuli.

The best thing is, since I'm planning ahead in the event I get a migraine in the parks, I won't get one!

 

[pumpkinfish]

Migraine sufferer here! I had one last trip and a nap at the resort was the only thing to cure it. No light, no noise. DH knows and left me for awhile until it ended. I also take excedrin as SOON as I begin to feel something.

 

[Leota]

There are First Aid stations in each Park. They are clearly marked on the Maps. They are well staffed & wonderful resources for those of us with Health Conditions. I have to use them frequently for an injection for my condition.

Certainly don't hesitate to utilize them if you need them. I have found the Nurses who staff them to be very sweet, helpful people. I have never had anything but very positive experiences.

Good Luck.

Of weird note - I used to suffer from brutal, multi-day migraines. About 10 years ago, I had meningitis & have never had another migraine since......

 

[DVCTiff]

I have to second the preventative medicine technique. I've had migraines my whole life (I get them worse when I'm on the pill), and I would have no life at all if I hadn't found Maxalt. I went to a neurologist and tried a bunch of medication before finding that Maxalt works best for me. The minute I feel any sort of pinchy feeling in my head, I take it. I think I took one during our last week-long trip and never missed a day of fun. Good luck!

 

[SueM in MN]

There is one First Aid station in each park and was already mentioned, you will find them marked on the park maps (or ask any CM where it is).
We have used First Aid in all the parks for various things (to use the wheelchair accessible restroom, for DD to get out of her wheelchair and stretch, for DD to rest after a seizure). Each one is a little different, but they all have individual areas with cots and a privacy curtain. They are dimly lit, quiet and cool. The CMs are very nice and it generally is not busy in there, so having a room available should not be a problem.

 

[taxmom04]

I also suffer from occasional full-blown migraines. I couldn't function without my pres. medication. I begin with the visual problems and then the intense pain and nausea.
I take a pill (have them with me always) and at the first moment I realize my vision is messing up I take a pill. The medication does stop the visual problems for me. I then usually nap. But the sooner I take the pill the better- sometimes I am "cured" and no time is lost from my day. Some prescriptions make you drowsy and others do not. Mine is Zomig and I love it - it doesn't make me drowsy. I wish you the best.

 

[MouseClubMom]

I get horribly ill with migraines. Once when my oldest DD was 2 I got one while at the Studio. I made it to First Aid and got very sick there. They had a company van drive me to my car in the parking lot and I went back to my hotel room and laid down for the rest of the day.

Carry meds with you but dont count on finding a quiet spot. Good luck!

 

[JERSEYDISFAN]

WOW! Didn't realize so many of us suffered with migraines. My neurologist tells me they are triggered by many causes and come in almost limitless symptoms. Mine are preceded by visual auras (swimming silver lights) and proceed to the cap of the head aches. We have determined mine come from stress (what else is new?), bright lights and lack of sleep. What helps me is: 1) being at WDW, where's there's never any stress, 2) wearing wrap around sun glasses in the parks to keep the sunlight out, 3) carrying a supply of Excedrin and 4) get a good nights sleep. I also carry Excedrin Tension Headache pills with me (these work sometimes as soon as my vision begins to go off - the extra ingredient is caffeine). I also have some stronger prescription meds that help but only if I can catch it (vision become blurry in a specific spot) before the aura begins. If you can't catch it early, get thee to a first aid station and take a nap.

N J

 

[indigoxtreme]

I would go to the First aide Station first, but also the baby care stations might be a wonderful spot since they are cool and good for a nursing area. Perhaps this would be an alternative area if you could not get to the First Aide.