How to Fake a Migraine

Co-authored by Sophia Latorre

Last Updated: December 1, 2020

Faking a migraine can be a useful tactic for getting out of responsibilities or other engagements. Though it’s often better to be upfront and honest instead of pretending to be sick, you may find yourself in a situation where faking a migraine causes the least amount of conflict. Think carefully about faking a migraine before you decide to do so, and remember that this is a real condition that many people suffer from.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Displaying Migraine Symptoms

1
Complain of head pain. Migraines typically begin with a throbbing or pulsing pain in your head, usually limited to one side or specific area.^{[1]
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Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source} Tell your classmates, teacher, coworkers, or boss that you have head pain, and point to or massage a single area of your head to make your complaint more convincing.
2
Reduce the amount of light and sound in your location. Migraines are often exacerbated by bright lights or loud sounds.^{[2]
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Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source} Dim or turn off the lights, if possible, to show your sensitivity to them. Close your office door or turn your music off to reduce the amount of noise in your area. If you aren’t able to change the light or noise level, such as if you’re in class, put on sunglasses or cover your ears to show your distress.

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3
Act dizzy or lightheaded. Some people who suffer from this condition get lightheaded or even faint during a migraine attack.^{[3]
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Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source} Close your eyes and rest your head on your desk. When walking or standing, reach out for something sturdy nearby to hold on to. Say something like, “Whoa, I just got really dizzy.”
4
Pretend to be nauseous. Migraines often cause nausea or vomiting. ^{[4]
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Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source} Hold your stomach, moan about feeling sick, or make frequent trips to the restroom. You could also ask around for mints, which are said to reduce nausea.
- Never take medicine for a condition you do not actually suffer from!
5
Complain of blurred vision. Many people who suffer from migraines have blurred vision or vision changes during an attack.^{[5]
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Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source} Frequently blink, rub your eyes, or squint at what you’re supposed to be looking at. Say something like, “I can’t see the reports very well,” to your supervisor.
6
Get extra rest. Sleeping can sometimes reduce the severity of a migraine.^{[6]
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Research source} If you’re faking a migraine while at home with your parents, tell them you need to rest. Go in your room, shut the door, and turn off the lights. Lay in bed and discreetly play with your phone or simply daydream. Refrain from listening to music or watching television, as these would make an actual migraine worse.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Making it Believable

1
Mention symptoms the day before. If you’ve really planned out this episode of faking sick, you can mention that you are suffering from pre-migraine symptoms the day before you plan to fake a migraine.^{[7]
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Research source}
- Such symptoms include constipation, food cravings, neck stiffness, mood changes, frequent yawning, and increased urination.^{[8]
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  Trustworthy Source
  Mayo Clinic
  Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
  Go to source}
2
Display one symptom at a time. If you go from being perfectly fine to totally sick, people probably won’t believe you. Instead, mention head pain, then wait a while before complaining of light sensitivity or dizziness. Gradually increase the amount of symptoms you show or tell others about.^{[9]
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Research source}
3
Look and act the part. People who are in the midst of a migraine don’t look happy and relaxed. Wrinkle your brow, rub your head, muss your hair, remove your makeup, or take other measures to ensure you look like you’re sick. Pretend you have lost your appetite, isolate yourself from your peers, and move slowly to solidify the act that you aren’t feeling like your usual self.^{[10]
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Research source}
4
Ask to get out of your obligations. Once you’ve shown the symptoms, make your move. Ask your boss to head out early, tell your teacher you need to go to the nurse, or explain to your friend that you can’t make the engagement.
- Say something like, “I’m suffering from a migraine today and need to stay home and rest. I’m sorry I can’t make it to the gallery opening with you.”
5
Show your symptoms until you’re home or off the hook. If you complain about blurred vision, then speed off in your car, people may know you’re lying. Instead, call for a ride or take the bus home. Keep up the act until your parents, teachers, or boss are out of sight.^{[11]
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Research source}
6
Don’t tell your classmates or coworkers the truth. Though you may think your friends will have your back, they may slip up and tell someone else you were faking—and that person may tell your boss or teacher. Remember to stay off social media, too, as that Instagram pic of you at a concert or out shopping later that same day is sure to blow your cover!

Community Q&A

Question

How long do migraines last for?

Community Answer

They can last anywhere from an hour to a whole day, it depends on the person and what caused the migraine.
Question

How do I fake it to parents who don't let me off the hook easily?

Community Answer

Act like you're in pain, but don't go rolling on the floor screaming. Just groan a little, and hold your head in bed.
Question

Can my migraine last for two days or is that too long?

Community Answer

That might be too long, I would stick with one day. If you're a kid/teen and you're faking a migraine for two days, your parent would probably take you to a doctor.