10 Rules for Surviving Prom & Grad Season with Migraine: A Teen's Guide

Prom and graduation are right around the corner, and while everyone’s buzzing about outfits and after-parties, you might be stressing about how to dodge migraine landmines during these festivities. If migraine is part of your life, you know they are like that uninvited guest ruining your fun. But don’t worry! We’ve got some tips to help you keep migraine at bay and boost your chances of enjoying your big events. Let’s break it down:

1. Know Your Starting Symptoms Like the Back of Your Hand

First up, scoping out the start of your migraine is key. Even before the headache hits, your migraine has already started. Are the jams suddenly too loud? Your brain may be giving you a heads up that a migraine is about to crash the party. If loud noises bother you, bring some earplugs to the dance. It can be your fashion statement. Own it!

2. Plan, But Be Cool About It

Try to get the 411 on what the night will look like. Knowing what to expect can help you prepare mentally and physically. Will there be dinner? What kind of food? Will it be an all-nighter? Having a game plan helps you know what to expect, but remember, it’s okay if things don’t go exactly as planned. Flexibility is your friend, and you’ll have your treatment handy to bounce back from a migraine.

3. Communication Is Your Superpower

You don’t have to broadcast your migraine situation to everyone, but letting your close friends know what’s up can be super helpful. They can be your allies, helping you duck out of a situation if a migraine strikes, or just be there for support. If possible, get details on the event space and the accommodations that might be available, such as a quieter place to rest and access to hydration.

4. Don’t Forget to Fuel Up and Hydrate

Never underestimate the power of staying hydrated and eating well. Dehydration and hunger can kickstart a migraine faster than you can say “Prom Queen.” So, stash some snacks in your purse or pocket, and don’t forget to sip on water throughout the night, not just soda.

5. Chill Out and Breathe

Stress is like migraine fuel. Try some quick stress-busters if you feel the pressure building. Deep breathing, stepping outside for some fresh air, or even having a giggle with friends can dial back the stress and keep migraine at bay.

6. It’s Okay to Tap Out

Give yourself permission to take a break or leave early if you need to. FOMO is real, but not as real as a full-blown migraine. Your health is way more important than one night out, even if it feels like the biggest night of your life. Plus, there will be plenty of other opportunities to make memories with your friends.

7. Know Your Body’s Alerts

Try to spot those early signs of a migraine attack. Consider hitting pause, finding a chill zone with low light, and using deep breathing to relax. In case you need it, make sure your acute migraine treatment is on deck to keep the good times rolling.

8. Reminders. Simple as That

With prom and graduation vibes galore, it’s super easy to skip the basics like drinking enough water, keeping up with your migraine management plan, or just taking a sec to chill. A pro tip? Use your phone to set those important reminders.

9. No Pills, No Needles Please

A lot of migraine meds haven’t been indicated for adolescents and can be a hassle to deal with, especially considering side effects. The good news is there are teen-friendly options like Nerivio: a no-drug, FDA-cleared remote electrical neuromodulation (REN) wearable for acute and preventive treatment of migraine. Nerivio easily wraps around the upper arm and is controlled with an app. It uses non-painful stimulation to harness the natural power of the brain to shut off migraine pain and symptoms without drugs, needles, or disruption. Plus, the app has your back with treatment reminders!

10. Enjoy

Migraine is a pain (literally), but it shouldn’t stop you from enjoying prom and graduation. With a little prep, some self-care, and an effective treatment plan, you can navigate the celebrations like a pro. While we’re all here to have fun and make memories, let’s not underestimate the power of a bad migraine – it’s a real bummer. But don’t let migraine dictate your entire experience. Focus on the moments you can enjoy, and when migraine attack strikes, handle it with your go-to strategies. Let’s aim to make this season as memorable as we can, despite the migraine hurdles.

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