The annual fireworks and celebrations of July 4th are fast approaching. While it’s a happy time filled with family fun and carefree activities for most of the population, migraine sufferers may feel apprehensive about the occasion.
There is so much going on that could trigger a migraine that it can make even the most seasoned migraineur dread the day. Here are a few tips that might help you get the most of the fireworks and other celebratory traditions without suffering too much during or afterward the events.
Just about everything going on in a typical July 4th celebration can bring on a migraine. From big crowds and the associated stressful, high-energy atmosphere, to the flashing lights and loud bangs of the fireworks themselves and the nitrate-heavy cured meats smoking as they cook, taking part can be a high risk venture.
Other foods to beware of include aged cheeses served with burgers, salty snacks and caffeinated soda drinks. Letting your guard down for one or two of these common triggers might be a risk you can take when the other factors are absent, but when so many triggers are all together in one place, it’s best to steer well clear of as many as you can.
Many of us love fireworks, no matter how many times we’ve seen them before. They’re always special and dramatic, and are the explosive exclamations that give a big celebration its added punch and memorability.
If you really can’t bear to stay away from a firework display this July 4th, try one or two of these migraine-saving tactics:
Some fireworks are less migraine-friendly than others, with strobe-type pyrotechnics being among the worst offenders. You never know when flashing fireworks will light the skies, so take eye protection measures throughout the display.
If you find bright lights or sensitivity to light in general affects your migraine, you could consider getting special migraine-relief eyeglasses. Some people find these very helpful in reducing the frequency of their migraine episodes. They won’t protect against every eventuality, but in the fight against pain, every little helps.
Other things you can do make July 4th firework celebrations less likely to trigger a migraine include:
Speak to the people closest to you, and explain the problems you have with firework celebrations. Ask them to understand if you suddenly need to leave, and make arrangements for independent travel beforehand.
Always carry a supply of your medications with you, along with some water to help you swallow any pills.
No one wants to miss out on celebrating the 4th of July. Just because you have migraine doesn’t mean you should either. Maybe you have to plan a little more, or arrange to leave a little earlier, but that’s better than missing the day entirely or spending days afterwards in a darkened room.