Halloween is a fun and festive time, with over 90% of Americans sharing candy as part of the celebration, according to the National Confectioners Association. But for those who suffer from migraines, this time of year can be especially tough. To help you make the most of the season, this article offers practical migraine relief tips, including remedies and recovery techniques, so you can still enjoy the fun without the risk of discomfort.
Understanding Why Migraines Happen on Halloween
Halloween is a fun time for many, but it’s also a season full of potential migraine triggers. While you might already be familiar with what triggers your migraine symptoms, the unique aspects of this holiday can still pose some challenges. To help you enjoy the festivities without any unwelcome surprises, here are some common triggers to keep in mind:
- Strobe lights
- Heart-racing jump scares
- Loud noises
- Strong smells
- Costume allergens
- Fall weather changes
- Sugary snacks and candies
Any of these factors could potentially lead to headache pain or disorientation, especially if you’re prone to migraine. Even the change in routine that comes with the celebrations may disturb your body’s natural rhythm and trigger the onset of an attack.
Navigate Halloween With Migraine Prevention Strategies
As you get ready for Halloween, it’s essential to plan ahead if you’re prone to migraine. Let your friends and family know that you might need to step away at times, and educate them about what a migraine is so they understand if you need some time to manage your symptoms.
Having the right tools at your disposal can make all the difference. Be sure you have all the essential migraine relief tools you might need. These may include:
- Water to stay hydrated
- Cold packs to help restrict blood vessels
- Sunglasses or a hood to block out light
- Headphones or earplugs to lower ambient noise
- A quiet, dark place to retreat to if a migraine strikes
If you feel a migraine coming on, find that quiet spot to rest and stay hydrated. Avoid alcohol and caffeine if possible, as they can worsen symptoms, but keep in mind that some migraines might be triggered by caffeine withdrawal. While it’s tempting to overindulge in Halloween candy, try to save some for later when you know you can portion it out, so you don’t trigger a migraine from sudden dietary changes.
For additional support, consider speaking to your health care provider about gammaCore™ non-invasive vagus nerve stimulator (nVNS). gammaCore nVNS is a small, portable, FDA-cleared medical device that helps prevent and treat migraine by stimulating the vagus nerve. It’s compact enough to fit in our pocket (or costume), so you can keep it with you, even when you’re on the go.
To see if gammaCore is right for you, visit our clinic finder to locate a health care provider near you, or contact our dedicated Customer Experience team at 888-903-2673 or customerservice@electrocore.com.
