Migraine, Light Sensitivity

Hi there,

 

I was wondering if anyone could help or offer any advice on my condition.

 

Around 4 months ago I spent around a week solid working on a university project. I was working in room that had a fluorescent strip light using a LCD TV screen as a monitor for my computer. After around 3 days of working solidly (except for sleeping) I suffered from a migraine (the first I have ever had).

 

Ever since this I have a constant headache that makes me feel confused and tired and just generally not myself. It is like a groggy feeling that never goes away.

 

I am now extremely sensitive to light (light really hurts my eyes). I can barely look at the sky even on a cloudy day! They only way I can describe it as is that it feels like when someone turns on the lights or opens the curtains whilst you are sleeping.  The glare on a bright sunny day is almost unbearable even with sunglasses on.

Even when cars have their headlights on during daytime it hurts my eyes.

 

If I try to use a computer or watch TV my eyes start to sting and I get an even worse headache.

 

Also my neck and shoulder muscles are very tight.

 

Also if I am in a room with a fluorescent light for more than minutes I start to feel groggy and confused.

 

I have been to see my GP 3 times now and all they do is prescribe pain killers and blame it on a migraine.

I have had an eye test with an optometrist and an eye doctor and they both said there is nothing wrong with my eyes.

Hi Doobs,

Welcome to Healing Well. So sorry to hear about what you have been going through. I think you need to go back to your GP and ask to be referred to a Neurologist who is a Headache Specialist, as most Neuros do not know or understand a great deal about Headache!!

It may be helpful to wear sun glasses when affected by the light! I have glasses that react to the light, but if you do not normally wear glasses you may find sunglasses quite useful! Yes, the Doc is right when he blames the light sensitivity on the Migraine, but you need help and support to help you through this! Most of all you need treatment from a Headache Specialist!! Can I ask are you in the UK?

take care

Ann

I understand exactly what you mean about the light sensitivity, I wear sunglasses all day everyday (even if they are just propped on the top of my head until I need them)

Please visit a headache specialist. There are different TYPES of headache that have symptoms such a photophobia (sensitivity to light)

I would try to do some research and see if there are specific diagnoses that seem to "fit" with your symptoms and take the info you find to your doctor.

I have been dealing with what doctors like to brush off as "MIGRAINES" for 15 years before being diagnosed with occipital neuralgia.

Good luck!

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Post Edited By Moderator (tysmyboo) : 9/28/2009 9:56:52 PM (GMT-6)

I have horrible reactions to fluroescents... the worst being vertigo and tension headaches, then a migraine. I get many other symptoms as well tho, such as heart palpitations, sweaty hands, tensing muscles in head, face (esp jaw), neck, and shoulders, irritability and impatience, and "dumb brain"; inability to find correct words and to think clearly, confusion, bad memory.

The only thing I've ever gotten close to a diagnosis is that it's Migraines, and migraine associated vertigo. I've also been told BPPV, vestibular neuritis, possible concussion or mild brain injury... and I've also since been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia as well. This has been going on for 1.5 years now and still no cure or even HELP! I'd gladly take even just a bandaid for this, but there's nothing at all to help me.... i'm starting to lose all hope :(