Fasting with Migraines on Yom Kippur
Question:
I have chronic migraines. I am the primary parent of a 4yo, and having just moved to a new community, have no one to care for him. One of my (many) migraine triggers is not getting proper nutrition and hydration, so I am very careful to eat and drink regularly and am sure to get enough healthy fats and proteins. The migraines get very bad, with dizziness, nausea, and visual disturbances in addition to the horrifying pain – I am totally bedridden. Even if I treat the migraine, it won’t get better without nutrition and hydration, and even if I fast as long as I feel able, I end up incapacited for the rest of the day. If I get a very bad migraine, I will be unwell the day after as well. For Tish B’av I was told not to fast. What should I do for Yom Kippur?
Answer:
It is advisable to arrange for help or assistance to care for your child on Yom Kippur so you can focus on your health and well-being. Remember that the Mitzvah of fasting takes precedence over attending Shul or Davening, so staying home and resting as much as needed is entirely appropriate. Your husband – if applicable – should stay home too if needed.
For those prone to headaches from fasting, it is particularly important to drink plenty of fluids before the fast to reduce the likelihood of a migraine.
If necessary, you may take a painkiller on Yom Kippur without water. If that’s not feasible, you may swallow it with some water (less than a cheekful), which should be made bitter beforehand (such as preparing strong tea without sugar before Yom Kippur).
If you notice symptoms like dizziness, nausea, or other signs of an impending migraine, you may eat and drink in Shiurim. Please refer to this page:
However, tiredness or weakness alone are not reasons to break the fast.
If, however, you experience dizziness that continuously increases, the beginning stages of fainting, or see flickering circles or black spots in your vision, you should drink immediately as necessary. Similarly, if the situation becomes life-threatening for whatever reason, G-d forbid, you should eat and drink normally without hesitation.
#38292
