Heading off for a summer getaway might sound refreshing, but it can actually take a toll on your mental well-being. Forget about the hassle of long lines or crowded spaces.
Research indicates that about one in twelve individuals experience severe headaches during flights, leading to significant anxiety around air travel.
A 28-year-old woman recently shared her ongoing battle with a debilitating headache post-flight, as detailed in the Journal of Medical Case Reports. Her symptoms lingered for 30 minutes after landing, prompting her to switch from flying to taking the train for her work trips twice monthly.
Understanding this puzzling phenomenon is crucial. Here’s what you need to know to ensure your vacation isn’t ruined before it even begins.
What is an airplane headache?
A plane headache typically manifests as a sharp, intense pain, often on one side of the forehead, and it strikes suddenly, usually only during flights. Many people find it tends to hit hardest during descent.
Unlike migraines, which can last for hours or even days, airplane headaches are generally short-lived, often resolving within about 30 minutes. This headache type was first identified in 2004 and was formally recognized by the International Headache Association in 2013.
How do airplane headaches affect travelers?
Plane headaches can trigger pain and, more worryingly, negatively impact your emotional state and overall travel experience.
One survey revealed that nearly 28% of respondents have considered canceling a trip to avoid these headaches, while 18% have contemplated seeking relief options. Approximately 3% report that this thought crosses their mind regularly.
Moreover, these headaches can disrupt activities during flights. Almost half of those surveyed mentioned that they struggle to enjoy music, reading, or watching movies while traveling because of the discomfort. About 22% said this confusion happens occasionally, and 30% claim it occurs often.
Studies also suggest that these headaches can contribute to flight anxiety, leading people to avoid air travel altogether. Up to 12% of individuals say they entirely forgo flying due to severe pain.
What causes headaches on planes?
The science behind airplane headaches is still being explored, but two main theories exist, both tying back to rapid pressure changes in aircraft cabins during takeoff and landing.
One theory proposes that these pressure changes cause the cerebral arteries to expand, leading to a drop in brain blood pressure and resulting in sharp, brief headaches.
Another theory attributes the headaches to tissue damage and inflammation in the sinuses due to alterations in pressure, causing significant discomfort.
How to prevent airplane headaches
While there’s no foolproof remedy, certain strategies might help mitigate pain.
Some individuals have found that taking medications like triptans or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) before flying can help lessen the severity of headaches during air travel.
The woman mentioned in the case report found relief by taking Rimegepant, known as Nurtec ODT, about 30 minutes before her flight.
Others experience comfort with nasal sprays or steroids that help relieve sinus pressure.
Chewing gum during flights or using earplugs during takeoff and landing has also proven beneficial for some.
And, of course, the basics shouldn’t be overlooked: ensure you get enough rest, stay hydrated, and manage stress levels to keep headaches from ruining your trip.
