Why Light Causes Migraine Attacks aka Migraine Light Sensitivity

More than 80% of men and women with cluster headache report light sensitivity as a symptom during migraine attacks.

Light sensitivity, also called photophobia, is a common migraine symptom. Light is one of many migraine triggers, and study shows that photophobia has been reported in all types of migraines, along with many neuro-ophthalmic disorders.

According to the American Migraine Foundation (AMF), the wavelength of light (color) may play a role in photophobia and the migraine pain. The time a person spends in light may impact his/her migraine light sensitivity as well.

What causes migraine light sensitivity or photophobia

Photophobia is linked to the connection between cells in your eyes that detect light and a nerve that goes to your head. The exact cause of light sensitivity is not yet known. Yes some research and study shows that some areas of the brain that may be responsible for photophobia relative to migraines.

People who get tension and cluster headaches also say they’re uncomfortable around bright light. Also there are a few brain conditions that cause light sensitivity:

• Serious brain injury
• Tumors in your pituitary gland
• Supranuclear palsy (an uncommon brain disorder that affects balanced movement, control of walking and eye movement)
• Meningitis (Inflammation of brain and spinal cord membranes)

There is also some research that indicates photophobia may also affect some people who have these mental health conditions such as depression, panic disorder, bipolar disorder, etc.

Light as a Trigger for Migraine Attacks

A migraine attack can occur within just a few seconds of exposure to lights for such person. Sunlight, fluorescent, lights from LCD/LED of computer and mobile screens, etc. are some of the light sources that can cause migraines. Apart from that there are specific lighting characteristics such as:

• Blue wavelengths of light
• Flashing and high contrast light
• Perceived brightness of light source

Migraine Light Sensitivity Treatment

Mostly by addressing the underlying condition migraine light sensitivity can be treated. Also, most effective migraine treatment methods involve minimizing the light triggers and preventing attacks happening at all.

A dark room – A dark, quiet room is perhaps the most common refuge during the headache phase of a migraine attack due to light sensitivity.

Dark polarized sunglasses for outdoors – It helps cut the glare of outdoor lights and are a great option for bright days.

Wearing a hat – It gives coverage against direct overhead light from the sun or interior lighting.

For patients who are coping with migraines, blepharospasm or dry eyes that leads to photophobia, treatment options vary. Migraine treatment generally involves the use of medications, and if a patient is dealing with chronic migraines, he or she may require Botox or surgery to address photophobia and other migraine symptoms.

Looking for a migraine treatment consultation in Ahmedabad?

Dr. Vishal Jogi is a neurologist and a migraine specialist in Ahmedabad, treating chronic migraine patient to analyze his or her symptoms and offer a custom treatment recommendation.