Photophobia
Hi all.
I've suffered with migraines since I was 8 years old. I usually get them in spells - like a couple a week for afew weeks then I don't get them for months or with the occasional one here and there. The only trigger I've ever been sure of is light and the weather changing. I usually get an aura then a headache with varying intensities.
8 days ago I had nap in the afternoon and when I woke the light made my head hurt on my right eyebrow and round the top of my cheek bone. For 8 days now it has been like this. When I'm in a poorly lit room I'm fine but as soon as I walk into a room with the light streaming in the Windows or I go outside Pow I get a pang or pain in my head then it dyes down slightly but continues to hurt until I'm out of the light. The pain comes on instantly in the light and goes or dyes down quite quickly after getting out of the light. It also hurts to focus at times, eg to read hurts. I've seen a doctor who thinks it's probably some sort of migraine but it's so strange and I'm worried I'm going to be like this forever and it's starting to worry me and get me down.
Im going to see an optician on Thursday to have my eyes checked and will plod along till then with my sunglasses and cap...
My main question is does this sound like a migraine? And has anyone else here ever had these symptoms before? Any advice welcome. TIA
Hi Rose984,
Thank you for your post. We are happy you reached out and that you are a part of our community. So sorry to hear your migraine attacks have intensified. We always suggest seeing your doctor when new symptoms crop up or the attacks intensify, so I am happy to hear you have already met with yours and are additionally seeing an optician. We are definitely thinking of you while you meet with your doctors and work towards finding some answers. Please keep us posted! Now, onto your questions... While I cannot directly say whether or not you are experiencing a migraine attack due to not being able to give medical advice via the internet, I thought you would find the following articles helpful and possibly informative. They discuss light sensitivity and vision changes - https://migraine.com/migraine-symptoms/sensitivity-to-light/, https://migraine.com/blog/migraine-symptoms-photophobia-sensitivity-to-light/, https://migraine.com/migraine-symptoms/vision-changes/, https://migraine.com/complimentary-and-alternative-therapies/darkness-rest/, https://migraine.com/migraine-triggers/environment/. Also, these articles provide tips for managing light sensitivity - https://migraine.com/blog/migraine-awareness-month-8-let-there-be-light/, https://migraine.com/blog/what-color-of-eyewear-is-the-best-for-light-sensitivity/. I hope you find them helpful. If you have any additional questions please do not hesitate to reach out. And, as previously stated, please keep us posted on your progress. Sending loads of good energy your way today.
Warmly,
Meaghan (Migraine.com Team)
