Flying with Vestibular Migraine

It was the first time we were able to have fun together in months. We felt so far away from all the torturous doctor’s appointments and FMLA fights. It gave me renewed hope that maybe I could live a normal-ish life with vestibular migraine. Every trip, I have become more confident in myself.

Now I've been on several international flights with vestibular migraine. Each time I use these tips and it never fails me! Of course there are also medications that can help with pressure changes or stress too, but here are my best tips for flying with vestibular migraine that you can try without a prescription

Flying with Vestibular Migraine

My dad is a pilot who now builds flight simulators and he has given me two essential tips to flying with vestibular migraine. Keep these in mind when scheduling your flight.

• Sit as close to the wing as possible. This is where the airplane is the most stable and you will feel the least movement. Avoid any seat behind the wing as this will have the most movement.
• Fly early. Not only are you less likely to experience delays and cancellations, but it's where you will have less turbulence on take off and landing because there will be less heat. Flying to hot places like Phoenix in the summer, you'll want to try to get there early or leave at night when the air temperature is more stable.
• Sunflower lanyard - Make invisible disabilities visible with this lanyard that can help communicate your needs to travel attendants.

Travel Products for Flying

Besides the two booking tips I live by above, here are some extra products that help.

• EarPlanes or Flents Flight Mates - I’ve linked to both on Amazon, but you can also find EarPlanes at Walgreens. These are more than just ear plugs. They help to regulate the cabin air pressure changes, so the discomfort is not as extreme. I never fly without these! You can use 1 pair for at least two flights. Make sure you put them in before the cabin door closes and wait to remove them till after the door has opened. I find the regular size tends to be uncomfortable on long flights and I do better with the kids size. You can use over the ear headphones to listen to music or watch shows.
• Migrastil Nausea Stick  - I have used this countless times to mask the cologne on the passenger next to me, or during turbulence when I feel like throwing up. You can apply their rollerball to your temples and behind your ears to ground yourself and relax, or even abort an oncoming migraine.
• Truvaga - Vagus nerve stimulation in the air! You can use this to help with anxiety, relieve nausea, and more. I pack in my carry on. Rarely does TSA take a second look, but I just explain it's a health device. Discount is AFFILIATE10. gammaCore is the same. You can also use your Cefaly in the air! Discount is DIZZYCOOK.
• Blisslets are the really cute alternative to SeaBands if you're looking for something a little more fashionable. They work by stimulating the Nei-Kuan, P6, acupressure point. This pressure point relieves nausea, motion sickness, and headaches. I'll put these on before I get to the airport and leave them on till I reach the hotel. Use code dizzycook for 15% off. If you're fancy, you can try Reliefband, but I haven't personally done it.
• Hemi-Sync playlist - I always use it during takeoff and landing to get myself in the right mindset. There are playlists for it on Spotify and Apple. You can also try using the circle breathing on the Calm app or meditating, which works without wifi or cell service. It helps to calm your mind and relax you when your surroundings are less than relaxing.
• Trtl - If you're not able to book an upgraded seat, consider this neck wrap that keeps your head up right, rather than having it crooked on the window while you sleep.
• Consider an easy acute medication that works quickly, like Timolol Eye Drops. Easy to apply quickly instead of waiting on a pill. I usually reserve my heavy duty acute medications for flights over 5 hours and sometimes for international flights, I will pre-treat symptoms by taking them around the time I leave for the airport.
• Afrin protocol - If I'm feely stuffy, I do a spritz in each nostril before takeoff as prescribed by my physician. This can help to keep nasal passages clear when flying, which helps with plugged up ears. Afrin overuse can create health issues, so it's important to discuss with your physician before trying this!
• Diamox is another prescribed medication that can help people who really struggle with altitude changes and vestibular issues. I haven't tried this personally, but have many readers who report success.
• Consider masking - I actually would wear a mask before 2020 because it can help with scents, keep you from getting sick, and if you're flying Southwest, no one seems to want the seat next to you! I tend to be the unlucky person who always got sat next to someone with a cold, then I'd catch it and spend my trip miserable or worried about my ears. If it's a longer, important trip for me, I usually mask up.

Favorite Products After Flying

Once you've landed, it's still very normal to feel off for a few hours. Here are some tips for getting your bearings after flying with vestibular migraine.

• Extra Magnesium - I pack a few extra magnesium pills to take the day and evening of my travel day. Magnesium glycinate is a favorite because it’s easily absorbed by your body, and less likely to cause the laxative effect that one might get with magnesium citrate. A definite plus when traveling!
• Ancient Minerals Magnesium Chloride Flakes and Magnesium Lotion with Melatonin. They nearly always get flagged by TSA who probably think I’m transporting something nefarious, but it’s acceptable to fly with. The flakes are great to take a bath with when you first get in. Quiet the mind, relax and center yourself in your environment. If you don't want to hassle with the flakes, the lotion is a great alternative. It contains melatonin so if you're dealing with time changes, it will help you sleep. 
• Hydrate! I always take my empty S'well bottle with me and fill it up once I'm past security. Not only does it keep my water cold for hours, but it also helps me keep better track of how much I'm drinking. I have the 25oz and I promise it's worth the investment. I never drank as much water before I had this bottle!
• Go for a walk. This helps me get grounded, especially after an international flight where I'm jet lagged. Taking a walk outside, feeling the sun on my facing and the ground beneath my feet, helps to calm those floaty feelings. It can also help you adjust to the time change better and keep you awake!
• Neuromodulation - Truvaga, gammaCore, and Cefaly (discount is DIZZYCOOK) can all help calm your head down after a trip.

Migraine Diets & Travel

My first long flight after being diagnosed with vestibular migraine was to Hawaii. The 7 hour flight was scary, and I had just started the Heal Your Headache diet, but my migraine attacks were more under control. I brought my sunbutter energy balls (frozen) and a quinoa salad (subbed quinoa) to eat on the plane. Consider some of these store-bought snacks.

Although it was tough to turn down fresh pineapple and papaya, we went grocery shopping when we first got in and picked up toast, cream cheese, blueberries and strawberries. I ate more fish tacos than I could count! It gave me confidence for our next big trip to Spain.

When we flew to Spain, we used points to fly business class. I was able to pick out my meal ahead of time and even get a little rest - what a difference that can make! I tried to stick to a migraine diet the best I could, but at some point you just have to live a little bit. Obviously Spain does not have the most migraine friendly foods, but I picked my battles.

We did a food tour one day and I went all out with chocolate and churros, jamon iberico, and aged cheese. I spent that afternoon in bed with an attack, but to me it was worth the experience. When I look back, I don’t necessarily remember the attacks I got on the trip, only the fun times I was able to have in spite of managing an illness.

Migraine Glasses

Sometimes the airport itself is enough to trigger a migraine! Before when I felt one coming on or I’m extra stressed, I wore my sunglasses to help block the fluorescent lights and crowds out. Eventually I discovered that wearing sunglasses indoors can actually increase your photophobia, which was the last thing I needed. These lenses allow enough light in so you aren't making yourself more light sensitive in the long run.

For airplane travel, I highly recommend Avulux or Axon, which let in a narrow band of green light that can actually be helpful for migraine. They're dark enough to help with the lights and movement, but not so dark that you are seeing everything in pink. Use code THEDIZZYCOOK for $20 off on Avulux and Axon.

Need more information? I've done a full comparison of which migraine glasses are best!

If you'll be spending a lot of time outside, look for polarized sunglasses. These lenses remove a lot of glare, just make sure you don't check your phone with them on!

Tips for Driving

We've frequently driven on 16 hour road trips to Arizona after I was diagnosed. My first one was to the Mayo Clinic! Here are some of my tips for driving with vestibular migraine:

• Focus on the horizon - If you're ever feeling unstable, stop looking at the lines, poles, or anything that's moving. Focusing ahead on the horizon can help!
• Blisslets are the really cute alternative to SeaBands if you're looking for something a little more fashionable. They work by stimulating the Nei-Kuan, P6, acupressure point. This pressure point relieves nausea, motion sickness, and headaches. I'll put these on before I get to the airport and leave them on till I reach the hotel. Use code dizzycook for 15% off. Some of my followers swear by Reliefband, but I have not tried it.
• Be the driver - If you feel safe enough to drive, I find this or at least sitting in the front seat can help.
• If you're a passenger - Consider medication if you're extremely sensitive and concerned about motion sickness. For many of us, dramamine or meclizine isn't enough. There are other types of acute medication that can help.

Alcohol and Migraine

Obviously you're on vacation and might want to have a drink or two...or five! I'm one of those people who can't pass up a good wine tasting, especially when I'm visiting a place like Burgundy. I take these Wine Wands from Pure Wine. They remove the sulfites and histamines, without touching the flavor of your wine.

Although skeptical, I used it on red wine for our last trip to California and did not even have that fuzzy headed feeling I normally get. Typically I have to stick with biodynamic wines to even have a chance at feeling normal, but these give me a little more freedom. (Because I had such great success with WineWands, they are giving readers 20% off right now with code SAVE20)

Another option? Typically people tolerate vodka or clear liquors. But for some suggestions that go beyond liquor, see this post on the best alcohol for migraine.

Enjoy Your Trip

I try to not plan anything the day of and the day after flying with vestibular migraine, and will either eat in the hotel or a place close by when I get in. The longer you can give yourself to rest and recover from the flight, the better you will feel. Our brains are super sensitive and it can take a while for to us to recover from sleep schedule and time changes.

If I can encourage you to do one thing, it’s take a trip for yourself whether it’s near or far. You are stronger than you think and it’s so rewarding to overcome a fear you’ve been holding on to.

PS: I went back to Vegas the next year after doing months of vestibular rehab therapy that included watching videos like this one to get my brain used to all the sights. I had also been on a migraine diet for 8 months and found my favorite combination of supplements. I had very few, if any, issues and had the best time!

All opinions are my own and not sponsored. This post was written in 2018 and is continuously updated as I learn more!