Migraine Worse in COVID-19 Days?

As I write this post, COVID-19 restrictions are loosening up in some parts of the world, although the number of new cases around the world continues to rise. But the changes to our society will not be going away any time soon. So the question is – how has this affected your migraine symptoms? And what about the future?

The Migraine Trust did an informal poll to see how things have changed in the last few months. Here’s what they discovered:

• 58% said that migraine has worsened since the beginning of March
• Why? Here were some of the answers:
  • 46% suggested stress
  • 18% said that their lifestyle was harder to manage now
  • 17% said that they no longer had the same access to treatment/medications
• 17% had appointments with doctors/specialists cancelled
• 8% were unable to get an appointment

Most of these concerns aren’t going to be disappearing any time soon, let’s be honest. Although doctor’s offices may be opening up more in the weeks ahead, access to treatment and medication continues to be a concern due to economic and political concerns. Harsh cleaners and face masks are increasingly common. Honest discussions are hard to have because the discussion has become so political. (In fact, do I need to point out that this paragraph isn’t “pro” or “anti” face mask? Has our discussion become that simplistic?)

The lockdown has become an opportunity for some to re-evaluate their treatment, learn new habits, and maybe learn how to cook for themselves. But even if you’ve had a bit of down time, busy life is returning.

So how are you going to hang on to those new habits? Put those new treatment plans into action? Maybe start changing your diet even now to something more migraine-fighting? If ever there was a time to be serious about our health, this is it.

In their article, the Migraine Trust said – “We are here to help you”. The same can be said for Headache and Migraine News, the Migraine World Summit, the Migraine Research Foundation, and many others who are continuing to fight migraine and get you the latest practical information.

But the personalized plan that you need is yours to make. We would love to hear your comments – what are you going to do to take control of your treatment in the months ahead? We can only control our circumstances so much – but we can make healthy decisions every day that can make a difference in our migraine symptoms and our health over all.

Don’t give up – it’s time to fight back.