How to Navigate A & E with Migraine
Bright lights, beeping machines, loud talking, phones going unanswered, lengthy delays and strange smells… Sounds like the worst place you could possibly go with a migraine. Many migraineurs find themselves in A & E at some stage. This can be due to the severity of the attack, new or unusual symptoms, or the lack of help or support from other areas.
Being bombarded with questions about your disorder, your medications, and having nowhere to hide can be daunting. This can be particularly difficult if you’re finding it hard to communicate!
It can also be frustrating for the medics in the A & E when patients can’t tell them what they need to know about you and your disorder. Try to remember that these doctors and nurses know nothing about your or your illness and are relying on you to tell them. No pressure!!
There are several questions you could ask yourself before making the decision to go to A & E.
- Should I go to the A & E in the first place?
- How will I cope with the bright lights, noise and bustling atmosphere when I get there?
- What do I tell the people there when I arrive and am finally seen to?
To help you to navigate A & E with Migraine, the American Migraine Foundation has come up with a very handy guide. It contains tips on how to prepare for your visit, what to tell doctors and nurses, and how to help yourself while waiting.
American Migraine Foundation Migraine Emergency Room Survival Guide
