As a new academic year approaches, the nonprofit Association of Migraine Disorders is offering strategies and practical guidance to help college students with migraine.
Migraine is more than a bad headache. It's a complex neurological disorder that affects the entire body. Migraine can affect a person’s vision, thinking, concentration, and speaking. Symptoms can interfere with classes, work, studying, sleep, and social activities.
"Beginning higher education and all that college life entails is exciting; it can also bring new routines, environments, stress, and responsibilities that may trigger migraine attacks," said Dr. Shivang Joshi, board-certified neurologist, headache specialist, and Vice President of the Association of Migraine Disorders.
With proactive planning and support, students with migraine can focus on collegiate life, knowing they are prepared if a migraine attack hits.
Recommendations before classes begin:
- Register with the school's disability or accessibility office to request academic or housing accommodations/modifications.
- Schedule an appointment with the campus health center.
- Identify a healthcare provider and pharmacy on or near campus.
Building a migraine-friendly routine
College life can bring late nights, skipped meals, new routines, new social factors, along with increased stress and anxiety. Certain lifestyle choices can aggravate migraine symptoms or attacks. To reduce risk, Dr. Joshi recommends prioritizing a healthy routine of consistent sleep, eating, stress management, and exercise or movement.
Have a treatment plan and toolkit ready
Families should work with their current healthcare provider to create a migraine action plan. This outlines how students should treat attacks and when to seek additional care. This can also guide providers on campus, at urgent care, or in the emergency department.
Building a migraine toolkit can be helpful. A toolkit may include prescription and over-the-counter medications, drug-free treatments like neuromodulation devices, and symptom relievers like cold packs, heating pads, ginger candy, migraine glasses, and mindfulness strategies.
Check for accommodations or modifications
According to the US Department of Education Office for Civil Rights, a student with migraine has a disability and may qualify for Section 504 Protections if migraine “substantially limits one or more of their major life activities.”
Depending on needs, accommodations or modifications may be appropriate for students with migraine. These may include:
- Access to lecture recordings or note-taking services
- Deadline/testing flexibility
- Single dorm rooms to better manage light, noise, and odors
- Permission to take medication or wear headphones/sunglasses during class
With planning and support, many students with migraine can enjoy the full college experience and work toward their future career goals.
Back to College with Migraine: How to Plan, What to Expect, and Where to Find Support https://www.migrainedisorders.org/back-to-college-with-migraine/
Creating a Migraine Action Plan: https://www.migrainedisorders.org/migraine-action-plan/
About the Association of Migraine Disorders
The Association of Migraine Disorders is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the migraine community through education, advocacy, research, and awareness. AMD provides evidence-based resources for people living with migraine and healthcare professionals while working to reduce stigma.
