Support from family matters when you’re living with a chronic condition. But family members and friends may not always know the best way to show care and support.

Members of MyMigraineTeam say loved ones often do not give the emotional, social, or practical support they need during a migraine attack.

“I have felt so alone living with these headaches,” one member said. “My mom and sister never experienced this, so they aren’t supportive at all.”

Another said, “My husband didn’t believe in my headaches at all. I had to still take care of my children and make sure they got dinner, homework done, and went to bed on time with no help from him whatsoever.”

If someone you care about lives with migraine, remember that it is a neurological disorder. You can help support them during an attack. In fact, one study found that social support may help lower the risk of migraine attacks.

Here are some steps you can take to support someone who’s having a migraine attack.

Ask What They Need

Everyone has different migraine triggers and sensitivities. One person’s migraine management plan may differ from another’s. That’s why you shouldn’t assume what will help ease someone’s migraine symptoms. Instead, ask them what they’d like you to do during an attack.

For example, some people may ask you to lower sensory triggers to help ease their migraine symptoms.

This may mean dimming bright lights and creating a quieter, calmer space. For others, it may mean getting rid of strong scents, lowering noise, and turning off bright screens. They may want to be alone during the attack and avoid social interaction.

Respect the person’s requests, and be flexible. Their needs may change during a migraine attack. For example, they may want to avoid being near you at the beginning.

As their symptoms start to ease, they may ask you to try relaxation techniques with them, such as deep breathing exercises.

“My husband has been my rock,” one MyMigraineTeam member said. “When I need it, he holds my head, but he also understands when my hair and every nerve in my body hurts, and I cannot tolerate being touched. I also have a migraine bedroom — it’s a room I go to, and literally he will come in to make sure I don’t need anything and am still breathing.”

Make Hydration and Treatment Easy

During a migraine attack, some people may avoid food and drinks because they feel nauseous or are vomiting. But if they don’t drink enough, they may get dehydrated. Dehydration is a common migraine attack trigger.

Staying hydrated may help reduce how often migraine attacks happen, how long they last, and how severe they are.

If someone you know is having a migraine attack, encourage them to drink fluids if they can. This is especially important if they’ve vomited because that can make dehydration worse. If they can’t drink a lot at once, encourage them to take small sips.

Some people find that certain medications help ease their migraine symptoms. If your loved one’s doctor has advised them to take prescription or over-the-counter drugs during a migraine attack as part of their treatment plan, make sure they are easy to reach.

Because some migraine medicines should not be taken together, it also helps to write down when your loved one took each one. That way, you can help them keep track of when they took each medication and follow their doctor’s instructions.

Not everyone takes medications to ease a migraine attack. Others may ask you to get them ice packs to relieve head pain or to set up a heating pad in a quiet room.

Offer To Handle Responsibilities

If someone is having a migraine attack, daily tasks can feel overwhelming. Even the thought of making a bowl of cereal may be too much for someone with migraine symptoms. Making meals, driving the family to activities, or walking their dog can be a huge help to someone during an attack.

“I hate being torn between responsibilities and taking care of myself,” one MyMigraineTeam member said. Another replied, “My daughter has been great about taking things off my plate when my headaches are bad. It’s important to have support.”

Know When To Get Medical Attention

Sometimes, a person having a migraine attack may not realize their symptoms are worse than usual or different from their usual migraine symptoms. It can be hard for someone to judge their symptoms clearly during an attack.

As their loved one, you can help by recognizing when symptoms may need medical attention. Call a doctor or get emergency help if any of the following occur:

• Thunderclap headache — This severe headache hits its strongest intensity within 60 seconds of starting.
• New or worsening neurological symptoms appear — These may include numbness, vision changes, trouble speaking or walking, or unexpected dizziness.
• Neck stiffness, with or without high fever — These could be signs of a life-threatening condition called meningitis, which may look like migraine symptoms.

“I have been blessed with a very supportive husband,” one MyMigraineTeam member said. “He has even made sure I go back to a neurologist because my symptoms started getting worse.”

Keep Showing Empathy

Migraine can be disabling and unpredictable, affecting daily life. Try to support your loved one in ways that help them feel better. Sometimes, this may mean just listening and offering emotional support. Showing you’re there for them, no matter what, can help them feel less alone.

“My partner never makes me feel like a burden,” one MyMigraineTeam member said. “He holds my hair when I throw up, educates himself on my medications, and actively helps me avoid triggers. Once, I had a bad one in the middle of the night and drove myself to the ER. He works nights, so I texted him that I was leaving, went and got a Toradol shot. About an hour later, I woke up to him in my hospital room, still in his work uniform: ‘Hey, babe, I paid for your parking so you don’t get towed.’ I’m so grateful!”

Another member said, “My friends are great at reminding me that it will all work out, and I need to practice self-care to stay well.”

How To Find Support

If you’re living with migraine and having trouble finding the help you need, talk to your healthcare provider. They can offer medical advice, discuss treatment options, and share helpful resources.

Your doctor may tell you about groups in your area where you can meet others who understand what you’re going through. They may also refer you to a counselor if you want help coping with the stress of migraine. The right support can make daily life feel more manageable.

Join the Conversation

On MyMigraineTeam, people share their experiences with migraine, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

Do you have tips about how to help someone with migraine? Let others know in the comments below.