Rides to avoid for people suffering with migraines

[Eoywin]

Hi! I'm new here.. I'm getting married next month, and instead of taking a honeymoon right away, we are going to go to Disney World for a honeymoon at the same time as our first anniversary.

We just decided to do this, and I'm pretty excited. But I suffer from a condition called 'chronic daily headaches' which means I've have constant headache pain. Most of the time it's low enough that I can be 'normal', but sometimes it gets migraine bad, and stops me in my tracks.

I was flipping through a guidebook yesterday, and I started to think about how some of the rides might effect me.

So, my question is: What would you say the loudest and with the most bright / flashing lights? I want to start trying to figure out which rides to skip if I'm feeling poorly.

Thanks!

 

[disneymama73]

I suffer from migraines, too, however not chronic daily migraines. Have you tried Topamax? It is helping me tremendously after years of trying many different treatments.

The only ride I can think of that may be migraine-inducing would be RnRC due to the lights and very loud music. I've never been on it so I can't say it gave me a migraine personally, but my DH has been on it and said it is very loud.

BTW, love your name. I am a huge LOTR fan, too!

 

[gcoxua]

I would say Dinosaur at the AK. It was a lot louder than I expected and I played drums in a rock band. So, I would say watch out for that one. Hope this helps.

 

[utilidor]

I'll second Dinosaur. I think it may be the loudest out there. Mission Space, while not terribly loud, can certainly mess with your head if you ride the full version. Maybe try out the tame version first. Oh - and there's no reason to go on Stich unless you're a huge fan. I'd hate for that to be the cause of a headache.

 

[Eoywin]

Thanks!

I should add that I've tried nearly every migraine / headache medicine on the market (including Topomax), and no-one of them work.

I have worked out what my triggers are and a few remedies that help when I'm really in a lot of pain.

I just want to be prepared, since I really want to enjoy this trip

 

[bluejasmine]

I get migraines a few times a month and couldnt imagine getting them almost daily! You should really try a preventative med, there is alot out there.
That being said I think you should avoid, Dinosaur, Mission Space, Space Mt and RNRR
Im sure theres a few more..

 

[Mouse-n-Mini]

My vote would be for Space Mountain because of the force it puts on your neck and head and the flashing lights at the beginning. I, too, suffer from frequent headaches, so I can relate to you. If you do get one, take a daily break from the heat and noise back at your resort. Have a great time!

 

[tinkerbell60]

I had been suffering from almost daily migraines last spring, I started seeing a chiropractor and it has helped immensely! We are going to Disney in 2 weeks - I am going to avoid R n R -

 

[Eoywin]

I see a chiropractor... that's about the only thing that works for me.

I'll probably take it as easy as possible. I'll want to ride some of the rides mentioned (like Space Mountain), but I won't do it if I'm already feeling the pain building in my head.

We'll probably have to do one possibly-migraine inducing ride, then a couple of calm rides to make sure I don't go on overload.

And we are planning on staying at a Disney Resort (not sure what one yet)

 

[ParrotBill]

Loud noises and jarring head motions can lead to migraines for me... I avoid Dinosaur, Space Mountain, the Speedway. I find I can do RnR Coaster, ToT, BTMRR and Everest no problem.

 

[qtwns]

Someone mentioned Stitch--odors induce my migraines sometimes and the chili dog smell from stitch came really close to claiming me one day (maybe you can counter act ir with the wonderful apple pie smell at Philharmagic!) The fumes from the speedway get me,too.

Good luck.

 

[maxiford812]

RnRC gave me a migraine a couple of years ago. I'm sure that the loudness and lights didn't help, but for some reason, my head kept slamming from side to side between the headrests. I think that's what did it. No problems with any other rides.

Another thing to try for migraines is Botox. It's not just for wrinkles anymore. Do a Google search to find more information. It has really helped me go from 6 or more days of migraines a month to almost none.

 

[disneymama73]

Thanks!

I should add that I've tried nearly every migraine / headache medicine on the market (including Topomax), and no-one of them work.

I have worked out what my triggers are and a few remedies that help when I'm really in a lot of pain.

I just want to be prepared, since I really want to enjoy this trip

I'm so sorry to hear that. I hope you have a magical and migraine-free trip!

 

[jjarman]

I am so glad you posted this question. My younger brother has chronic migraines along with another nerve pain disorder that I can't think of the name for right now. Indocin has just about wiped out the nerve pain but the migraines are still an issue. He has severely limited his diet which has helped a great deal but still has daily migraines with pain anywhere from a 2 to a 9 on a 10 point scale. He had a occipital nerve stimulator inserted last year which has helped him a great deal. It is basically a TENS unit only under the skin. The electrodes short circuit the nerve impulses from his scalp. There is a pacemaker like thing under his arm and he can adjust the level of stimulation with a remote. I believe it may still be experimental but you may want to ask your doctor about that as well.

Anyway, we are planning a trip with DB, DSIL and their two boys when they will be 7 and 5. DB will most likely only ride kiddie rides, Small World, Peter Pan, Pooh, Dumbo, etc. Also he could take HM and Splash. I don't think he will attempt any of the roller coasters. Good luck and I hope you have a good time.

 

[TenThousandVolts]

I get an occasional migraine (actual they generally come in clusters) and it is often trigered by flashing light. I felt one coming on in the Buzz Lightyear ride- there is a swirly tunnel with flashy lights- luckily it didn't take root but I was nervous when I got 'that feeling'.

That is the only ride where I felt that "oh no- here it comes" sensation.

But I agree with the others- Space Mtn, Rock n Roller coaster, Mission Space would be good to avoid.

Oh yeah, I almost forgot- Congats!

 

[100AcreMom]

I've found that the Tomorrowland Speedway always gives me a headache. The noise, the smells, the long wait in the sun - all factors. Now I avoid it. Besides, my car would always die halfway around the track.

 

[Jamie77]

I'm a migraineur as well. I avoid the Teacups (never rode them), Mission:Space and anything that goes around in a circle too fast. Some rides that are supposedly headache-inducing (RNRC - it has a warning) don't bother me. It's just the merry-go-round type stuff (where things go by in a blur) that can ruin my day. Dinosaur is really jerky - I didn't get a migraine but I sure was tired afterwards! Some people get headaches because of big drops. Try to stay out of the sun, too, because although a ride might not bother you otherwise, the sun could induce one and by the time you're finished with the ride you might think it's the ride that gave you the migraine.

Sometimes, just the word "migraine" gives me one. Let me stop talking now!

 

[disneymama73]

Try to stay out of the sun, too, because although a ride might not bother you otherwise, the sun could induce one and by the time you're finished with the ride you might think it's the ride that gave you the migraine.

That is such a great suggestion! The sun gives me killer migraines. I always make sure to have good sunglasses and a hat.

Also, stay well hydrated and don't go too long between meals. If I get too hungry...yep, you guessed it...migraine.

 

[Eoywin]

I never thought of the sun being a factor. Thanks for the tip!

I'll have sunglasses, but I'll have to find a hat to wear... though I was going to get Mickey ears

I'll probably bring something I can fill up at the drinking fountains, so I can stay hydrated, plus cold packs in case I start feeling badly.

 

[donna in Oz]

I've been a chronic migraine sufferer for more than 20 years. I don't ride RNRC, Space Mountain or Mission:Space. But I do ride Buzz, even though it does have strobe lights with a spinning sensation toward the end of the ride. It doesn't last long, and if I close my eyes, I'm fine. IMHO, I think Buzz is worth taking a chance on.