Add Another Vow on Your Wedding Day: Keep Your Head While You Wed
Tips for Migraine Sufferers

It’s no secret that with budgets, time crunches, endless logistical coordination and family expectations, many couples experience increased anxiety and stress as their wedding day approaches.  However, for people with migraine, stress, along with other potential triggers, can invite an unwelcome guest to spoil their special day: a migraine headache.  Thus, people with migraine need to plan ahead to help avoid or alleviate certain triggers and symptoms.  Following are some tips to help “keep your head” while you wed: 

Stay Calm

Stress and lack of sleep are two commonly reported migraine triggers.  While it’s only natural to feel anxious before and on your big day, getting enough rest and managing stress are crucial to avoiding migraine.  Try to take a few minutes each day to relax, such as doing deepbreathing exercises or taking a long bath to wind down before bed, and don’t skimp on your sleep.

The Menu

When planning the wedding menu, migraine sufferers should keep in mind that cheeses, citrus fruits, and chocolate may induce or worsen a migraine.  Couples should consult with their caterer to limit menu options that contain these ingredients.  And although the celebratory toast is a traditional part of the reception, sufferers should consider raising something other than wine or champagne, as alcohol, especially red wine, is a possible trigger. 

Location, Location, Location

Climate is another factor to take into consideration.  While it’s popular to hold weddings in the summer or in remote destinations, couples must be mindful that weather changes, humidity, and high altitude can trigger a migraine attack.  Couples prone to migraine who wish to have an outdoor ceremony should thoroughly research the location, so they are familiar with the climate and altitude, and understand the potential weather-related triggers that may be present.

Taking Pictures

Capturing memories with photographs is essential for a bride and groom.  However, the glare and flickering light of the flash may trigger a migraine headache.  To minimize the likelihood of this, couples may wish to take pictures outdoors, in natural light, to avoid the need for a flash. 

Last-Minute Advice

If any member of your wedding party suffers from migraine, it might be wise to share with them the nuptial tips above.  Dr. Carol Foster, founder of Valley Neurological Headache and Research Center in Phoenix, offers the following advice:  “Along with lifestyle changes, such as managing stress, staying hydrated and limiting alcohol,” says Dr. Foster, “it’s important for people with migraine to talk to their doctor to find a treatment that’s right for them.  Many sufferers may not be aware that there are migraine-specific prescription medicines available to relieve the pain and symptoms.”

“I’ve never been as stressed as I was while planning my wedding.  My fiancé and I had to make sure we avoided all potential triggers when making the arrangements,” says Kimberly Rollman, 29, a migraine sufferer from Tucson, Arizona.  “Talking to my doctor helped tremendously.  I strongly encourage couples everywhere to do the same—it made our big day perfect!”  

An estimated 28 million Americans suffer from migraine---a severe, throbbing pain usually on one side of the head, often accompanied by nausea and sensitivity to light and sound.  Migraine usually lasts from a few hours to several days, impairing the most routine activities.  Despite the impact and prevalence of migraine, the condition remains significantly underdiagnosed and undertreated.

To obtain a print-resolution images please contact Sheila Sullivan at 212-599-6228.