Navigating the Movie Theater Minefield of Triggers

By Holly Harding

1 min read

From blaring exit signs to flashing strobe effects, from stinky cologne mixed with popcorn smells to cold temperatures – the movie theaters are alive with migraine triggers. People living with migraine tend to have sensitivities to light, smells, and sounds, and the movie theater has all of these things in one room.

How can I avoid migraine at the movies?

Now that we might be able to start going to the movies again, Holly offers some of her tips to make it through a movie and exit without a migraine attack.

Can you relate to this challenge? In the comment section below please share your stories and tricks of the trade so that we can learn from you!

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The Migraine.com team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

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Tonya HenryMember
<inline-mention username="Stuart_G" user-id="9754968"/> thank you for sharing! I do understand about even watching at home. It is the type of screen for me. The LED and 4K screens are the worst for me personally. The size doesn't matter too much. If it is in the 30s or less, then yes. 52" would not bother me. I also sit in the dark, most of the time. It is the light that gets to me. Again, thank you for sharing. I hope that this is a nice night for you. (Tonya, team member).
Stuart_GMember
Very interesting. I had not thought about all the different types of sensory triggers are at a theatre. I can't say I have noticed the smells, but I think for me it is the actual screen. The sheer size of the screen I think is the trigger for me and the flashing of different lights from the movie. I will get a migraine at home just watching the 52" LCD TV if I sit in the darkened room watching a movie. Obviously there aren't the smells at home you would get at a theatre or the exit signs, however, they could certainly contribute to my migraine even if I don't notice them. I know some smells at home will trigger me. Thanks for the ideas.
Holly HardingMember
<inline-mention username="poetdoll" user-id="3719590"/> LOVE these tips! Thank you so much for taking the time to offer them. I love the "you must be looking at my beautiful scarf" comeback to those who are staring! I also love even hearing about you wearing fleece as soft materials make all the difference to me these days. I think I'm developing a solid case of allodynia (hair and skin sensitivity) as I'm getting older: <a href='https://migraine.com/video/secret-touch-hair-skin-sensitivity' target='_blank'>https://migraine.com/video/secret-touch-hair-skin-sensitivity</a>. The materials I choose to put against my skin have become more important. Do you experience this at all? And yes- I generally arrive purposefully late to miss those flashy noisy trailers. Great tip to give ourselves permission, also, to leave early if the movie isn't working for us. I also like that you mentioned that you ask to be driven home. I don't think enough of us make mention of how frequently we ask others to transport us due to migraine. I'm glad you did- it helps the rest of us feel less alone. Thanks again for sharing your well-earned wisdom with us!
DonnaFACommunity Admin
Hi @poetdoll, you are FABULOUS! I love your attitude and I wish I could sprinkle it like a seasoning over every member who has been made to feel less. Thank you so much for sharing! You brought a smile to an otherwise low morning. Keep being amazing! -Warm (((hugs))), Donna (team member)
poetdollMember
Thank you <inline-mention username="Holly Harding" user-id="3755969"/> for your video! That was so wonderful! I was terrified the first time I went to a movie after the onset of chronic migraines but now that I have a routine, it really helps! Ear plugs, hoodie fleece, essential oils, polarized sunglasses, hat and/or a head covering. Sometimes my head is so sensitive I can't wear a hat so I bring a light head covering aka scarf. Darlin', I wrap that [carefully] around my head, boldly put on my sunglasses and act like I'm the latest incognito Hollywood celebrity! We are kings and queens living as well as possible, am I right? If I catch someone staring at me that won't look away I just lean over and say, "You must be looking at my beautiful scarf." I find the trailers have plenty of flashy lights and strobe effects so I usually don my "wardrobe" as soon as I get in. I looooove the suggestion of the essential oils on the neck gator! I usually rub mine on the back of my hand and then rest my chin on that hand. (that gets tiring!) The other tool I keep in my toolbox is this: permission to leave the movie at any time and ask to be driven home. My friends know that if I ask to leave, I am really sick and they are always willing to leave as well.