Latest news with #NeurologyLive
Time of India
02-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Airplane headaches: What are they and how to avoid them
Flying is usually a very fun experience. But it can be stressful too. Long lines, cramped conditions, and air pressure changes can cause discomfort and anxiety. Some people can experience severe airplane headaches, which can be severe. In extreme cases, this can lead to a fear of travel. It's essential to prioritise self-care and take steps to manage travel-related stress. By being aware of these potential issues, travelers can take proactive measures to protect their mental health and make their journey more enjoyable. Relaxation techniques can help. What is an airplane headache? According to Neurology Live, airplane headaches are brought on by airplane travel and affects some travelers. They can be more than just a physical issue. They can also affect your mood and overall travel experience. The pain can ruin your downtime on the plane, making it hard to relax and enjoy activities like listening to music, reading, or watching movies. Many people report that their headaches interrupt these activities, with some even avoiding flying altogether due to the severe pain. This can lead to increased stress, flight anxiety, and a range of avoidance behaviors, ultimately impacting their ability to travel comfortably. What causes airplane headaches? The exact cause of airplane headaches is still unclear. According to The New York Post, two main theories point to rapid pressure changes in the plane's cabin during take off and landing. One theory suggests that these pressure changes cause cerebral arteries to dilate, leading to a brief but intense headache. Another theory proposes that the pressure changes cause tissue injury and inflammation in the sinuses, resulting in severe pain. Possible signs of airplane headaches Airplane headaches are usually characterised by a sharp, stabbing, or pulsing pain in the front of the head. In rare cases, some people may also experience additional symptoms like dizziness, numbness, or a "pins and needles" sensation in their hands or around their lips. How to prevent travel headaches Most people who experience airplane headaches don't have frequent headaches, so they often don't carry medication with them. As a result, their doctor needs to prescribe or recommend specific medication for them to take only when traveling by air. To prevent travel headaches, it's essential to understand what triggers them. Since triggers can vary from person to person, identifying and preparing for individual triggers can help. This might involve mental preparation, building tolerance, or taking medication before travel. In some cases, sedation may be necessary to reduce the risk of headaches. Also read | High blood sugar in morning: Understanding the 'dawn phenomenon' and ways to lower your sugar levels
Arab Times
30-06-2025
- Health
- Arab Times
What you need to know about 'airplane headaches'
NEW YORK, June 30: While summer getaways are often seen as a way to recharge, air travel itself can take a surprising toll on mental and physical health — particularly for those prone to a little-known condition known as "airplane headaches." Recent studies reveal that up to one in 12 individuals experience these severe, travel-specific headaches, with some even developing a fear of flying as a result. In a case documented last month in the Journal of Medical Case Reports, a 28-year-old woman reported intense, recurring headaches that lasted up to 30 minutes after landing. The pain became so debilitating that she began opting for train travel instead of flying for her bi-monthly work trips. Characterized by sudden, stabbing pain — usually localized to one side of the forehead — airplane headaches tend to strike without warning during air travel. According to Neurology Live, these headaches can occur at any stage of a flight, though they are most commonly reported during descent. Unlike migraines, airplane headaches typically subside within half an hour of onset. First recognized in 2004 and officially classified by the International Headache Society in 2013 as "headaches attributed to airplane travel," this condition not only causes physical discomfort but also affects emotional well-being and travel habits. A survey of affected individuals found that 28% often consider canceling flights to avoid another episode, while 18% occasionally think about doing so. Around 3% reported always canceling trips for fear of the pain. These headaches also interfere with in-flight relaxation — nearly half of respondents said the condition always disrupts activities such as listening to music, reading, or watching movies. An additional 30% said the interference occurs frequently, and 22% reported occasional disruptions. Beyond discomfort, the condition is linked to heightened travel anxiety and avoidance behavior. In fact, up to 12% of sufferers report avoiding air travel entirely due to the pain. Although the exact cause remains unclear, two main theories focus on the effects of cabin pressure changes during takeoff and landing. One theory suggests that rapid shifts in pressure cause cerebral arteries to dilate, reducing blood pressure in the brain and triggering sharp pain. Another posits that sinus tissue damage and inflammation due to pressure fluctuations may be responsible. While there's no universal remedy, certain strategies may offer relief. Some travelers find that taking medications such as triptans or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) before a flight can help prevent or minimize symptoms. In the case report, the woman experienced improvement by taking rimegepant (marketed as Nurtec ODT) about 30 minutes before boarding. Other methods include using nasal decongestants or steroid sprays to ease sinus pressure. During flights, chewing gum or using earplugs during takeoff and landing may also help reduce discomfort. Basic self-care remains essential: staying hydrated, managing stress, and getting adequate rest before flying are all key to preventing headaches from spoiling a well-earned vacation.
Yahoo
28-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Airplane headaches: Inside the puzzling condition that makes people afraid to fly
Simply jetting off for a summer escape can take a major toll on your mental health — never mind the long lines and cramped conditions. Research suggests that as many as one in 12 people suffer from severe airplane headaches while flying, with some developing a full-blown fear of air travel as a result. A 28-year-old's struggle with recurrent airplane headaches was detailed just last month in the Journal of Medical Case Reports, with the woman reporting severe headaches lasting 30 minutes after landing. Things got so bad that she tried to take trains instead of planes for her twice-monthly work trips. Here's everything you need to know about the baffling condition — including steps you can take to keep it from ruining your vacation before it even starts. It's a sharp, stabbing pain — typically on one side of the forehead — that comes on suddenly and only happens during air travel, according to Neurology Live. The pain can strike at any point during a flight, though it most often occurs during descent. Unlike migraines, which can linger for hours or even days, airplane headaches are usually short-lived and tend ease up within 30 minutes of their onset. The syndrome was first described in 2004, and the International Headache Society officially recognized 'headaches attributed to airplane travel' as a diagnosis in 2013. Airplane headaches don't just cause pain — they can impact emotional well-being and overall travel experience. One survey found that 28% of sufferers often consider canceling trips to avoid another attack. Another 18% sometimes think about bailing, and 3% say they always do. The pain wrecks in-flight downtime too. Nearly half said airplane headaches always interrupt activities like listening to music, reading or watching movies while traveling. Another 22% said the disruptions happen sometimes, and 30% said they happen often. Other studies suggest these headaches fuel stress, trigger flight anxiety and push people toward avoidance behaviors. Up to 12% of sufferers say they steer clear of flying altogether because of the intense pain. The science is still up in the air. There are two main theories, both focused on the effects of rapid pressure changes in the cabin of a plane during takeoff and landing. One theory suggests this shift causes cerebral arteries to dilate, lowering blood pressure in the brain and triggering a brief, sharp headache. Another theory proposes the pressure change causes tissue injury and inflammation in the sinuses, leading to intense pain. No guaranteed cure exists, but some tricks might keep the pain at bay. Some people have found that taking medications like triptans or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) before a flight can help prevent or reduce the severity of airplane headaches. The woman from the case report found success by taking the prescription medicine rimegepant, sold under the brand name Nurtec ODT, half an hour before plane departure. Others find relief with nasal decongestants or steroid sprays that can ease sinus pressure. During the flight, chewing gum or using earplugs on takeoff and landing can help block out the pain. And don't forget — the basics matter, too. When you're traveling, make sure you're staying hydrated, keeping your stress levels in check and getting plenty of rest to prevent headaches from grounding your trip.
New York Post
27-06-2025
- Health
- New York Post
Airplane headaches: Inside the puzzling condition that makes people afraid to fly
Simply jetting off for a summer escape can take a major toll on your mental health — never mind the long lines and cramped conditions. Research suggests that as many as one in 12 people suffer from severe airplane headaches while flying, with some developing a full-blown fear of air travel as a result. A 28-year-old's struggle with recurrent airplane headaches was detailed just last month in the Journal of Medical Case Reports, with the woman reporting severe headaches lasting 30 minutes after landing. Things got so bad that she tried to take trains instead of planes for her twice-monthly work trips. Advertisement Here's everything you need to know about the baffling condition — including steps you can take to keep it from ruining your vacation before it even starts. 3 Studies show that men might be more susceptible to airplane headaches. Witoon – What is an airplane headache? It's a sharp, stabbing pain — typically on one side of the forehead — that comes on suddenly and only happens during air travel, according to Neurology Live. The pain can strike at any point during a flight, though it most often occurs during descent. Advertisement Unlike migraines, which can linger for hours or even days, airplane headaches are usually short-lived and tend ease up within 30 minutes of their onset. The syndrome was first described in 2004, and the International Headache Society officially recognized 'headaches attributed to airplane travel' as a diagnosis in 2013. How do airplane headaches affect travelers? Airplane headaches don't just cause pain — they can impact emotional well-being and overall travel experience. Advertisement 3 Pressure changes in the cabin during takeoff and landing are believed to play a role in airplane headaches. muratart – One survey found that 28% of sufferers often consider canceling trips to avoid another attack. Another 18% sometimes think about bailing, and 3% say they always do. The pain wrecks in-flight downtime too. Nearly half said airplane headaches always interrupt activities like listening to music, reading or watching movies while traveling. Another 22% said the disruptions happen sometimes, and 30% said they happen often. Advertisement Other studies suggest these headaches fuel stress, trigger flight anxiety and push people toward avoidance behaviors. Up to 12% of sufferers say they steer clear of flying altogether because of the intense pain. What causes airplane headaches? The science is still up in the air. There are two main theories, both focused on the effects of rapid pressure changes in the cabin of a plane during takeoff and landing. 3 Airplane headaches can ruin the flight experience — and make some people want to skip air travel altogether. laddawan – One theory suggests this shift causes cerebral arteries to dilate, lowering blood pressure in the brain and triggering a brief, sharp headache. Another theory proposes the pressure change causes tissue injury and inflammation in the sinuses, leading to intense pain. How to prevent airplane headaches No guaranteed cure exists, but some tricks might keep the pain at bay. Some people have found that taking medications like triptans or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) before a flight can help prevent or reduce the severity of airplane headaches. Advertisement The woman from the case report found success by taking the prescription medicine rimegepant, sold under the brand name Nurtec ODT, half an hour before plane departure. Others find relief with nasal decongestants or steroid sprays that can ease sinus pressure. During the flight, chewing gum or using earplugs on takeoff and landing can help block out the pain. And don't forget — the basics matter, too. When you're traveling, make sure you're staying hydrated, keeping your stress levels in check and getting plenty of rest to prevent headaches from grounding your trip.
