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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azreynolds Member
<inline-mention username="Holly Harding" user-id="3755969"/> , Thanks for the funny video. I sincerely enjoyed laughing at your getup. At least I'm not the only one out there looking this way!! My trick for movie theaters? Is just.... Don't. Go. Lol I have not been to a theater since maybe 2013(?). I even gave up the symphony earlier than that because there's even more perfume at the ballets and symphonies. Yeah. I just wait for it to come out on DVD..... See? I still buy DVDs! Definitely out of touch with the outside world. But in all honesty. Why spend the outrageous prices at the theater. My TV screen is big. My popcorn is better. I don't drink cokes and I personally think my raspberry hibiscus tea is superior. I do miss the ballet though, but my life is all about compromise and being content with the life God has given me, so... I just try to enjoy staying home. Find the joy! Hugs!
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="azreynolds" user-id="3677307"/> I so agree! I rarely go anymore. I should've mentioned that in my video. I have a nice setup at home and watch movies often as a way to distract myself from migraine pain. From time to time I invite family over to have a movie night with me at my home and I find it far more relaxing to be together in a controlled environment than in a place that holds all the variables I mentioned above. Your hibiscus tea sounds dreamy (that's my favorite flavor, besides ginger!).
mjbh Member
Holly, I enjoyed your post, and video, and can certainly relate! Haven't been to a movie theater in a while, mostly because we live out in the sticks, and enjoy staying home. However, I, too, have my migraine tools that help with theaters, and daily life. Yes, the obligatory hat, with brim to block lights, the over-my-glasses sunglasses to also help with lights, and earplugs for the noise (I can still hear, just blunts the noise - unless I really push them in =) ). For smells, I use a dab of Vicks vapor rub under my nose - don't leave home without it (or any of the other things, if I can help it). I actually got the vicks tip from a comment years ago on this website! I like your gator idea, too. Will have to find one. The earplugs that are comfortable and work best for me, are actually connected on a string - I just cut them apart, leaving enough of a stub to pull on, but not to stick out too far visibly. They are plastic, and I can only describe them as having -baffles?- all around - they come in a clear plastic box. I know I've gotten them at Walgreens, and maybe Walmart - can't remember the brand/name, I've been getting them so long. They are the most comfortable, for me, that I have found, while being relatively cheap. I like them because when my brain inevitably turns the volume up, I can put them in and still hear most things, I can also adjust them to then block out almost all noise. Sorry for writing a book/too many earplug details, just hoping someone else may get the help that I got so many years ago with the Vick comment. (essential type oils, etc., do not work for me - you know how we Migraineurs are -everybody"s different!!) Thanks again for your post and video! Hoping you have an easy head day!
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Amanda Workman" user-id="3715820"/> Hi! I just wanted to re-emphasize what I mentioned above about the ear-peace earplugs because, like you, I have teeny tiny ears and these are very soft and flexible and are able to fit even in my ears! I don't know if you have a prime membership on Amazon, but if so, I think they are returnable if you don't like how they feel. I hadn't heard of the cotton ball approach- although that is what I do to my dog when I give her a bath to keep water from getting in her ears! Good to hear from you and hope you're well. Warmly- Holly <a href='https://-migraine.com' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>-migraine.com</a> team.
2. Tandy Member
 <inline-mention username="Amanda Workman" user-id="3715820"/> I also use earplugs at the theater. I have a little container to keep a pair of Heerios in my purse. I also take a pain reliever when I first sit down. Sometimes I start to hurt and don’t realize it, so I take one prophylactically. Pre-COVID, I’d gotten pretty good at checking in with my body periodically during a movie. Paying attention to how I sit and getting up for a break if I need to. Chronic pain doesn’t create my migraines but can be a contributor.
Amanda Workman Moderator & Contributor
 cologne
KristyWithMigraine Member
Great video with many useful tips! Re: Theraspecs, I have been meaning to purchase a pair for the better part of a year so far. I truly need them in my life. I wasn't aware they would help with strobing lights too?? I carry Loops earplugs with me now, saw someone else mention earplugs above. They have many different styles including a design for entertainment. Hats tend to me a catch 22 for me. I tend to get a headache/migraine from wearing the hat. I haven't found a solution for that yet... 
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="KristyWithMigraine" user-id="3795166"/> So difficult to find the RIGHT kind of hat. It took me years to find this kind that works for me. The one I mention in the video is made by Columbia- it's lightweight, flexible, and very soft. But I know everyone is so different. It's the only kind that I can wear. The Theraspecs work sort of like the ear plugs I described above- they don't completely take away things like strobe effects, but they decrease the intensity enough that it makes those kinds of things bearable - for me - and again, to each his/her own in this life of migraine. Still I do find theraspecs are a huge help in many aspects of life- namely fluorescent lighting - a terrific cure for what ails there! Thanks for being in touch! So glad you're with us! Warmly- Holly <a href='https://-migraine.com' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>-migraine.com</a> team.
vickieleigh Member
I rarely go to movies, especially since theaters have gotten so small and it is difficult for me to get away from the large screen. My migraine brain can't handle the circling motion of some films and I have to look away. It is one of the worst migraine with nausea triggers for me. If I do go, what works for me is to go early so I can secure a seat in the middle in the very last row, looking at a movie from the side also is a trigger for me. The last row also is a bit of isolation from odors. I also bring earplugs. Mostly, I watch movies from home. Thanks for your fun look at how to go to the movies. It was so reassuring for me to know I am not the only migraine sufferer who cannot tolerate movie theaters well. 
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="vickieleigh" user-id="3825449"/> Oh- LOVE the suggestion to sit in the back row middle! I don't know why I forgot to mention seating! You're so right to point that out. Where we sit is SO key. I'm always shocked at the folks that can sit in the first row with their necks kinked back and the flashing lights and pictures so close that you have to move your head from side to side to follow the huge images. You are definitely not alone in the movie theater conundrum! Thanks so much for sharing some of your tips with us! Glad you're with us. Warmly- Holly <a href='https://-migraine.com' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>-migraine.com</a> team.
mhugs Member
Have to admit, the last movie I went to was way before Covid. If you wear sandals consider taking a pair of stretchy/cozy socks to keep your feet warm. Take along a zip lock bag so you can seal them up afterwards just in case they picked up 'floor crud'. I'm on a sodium restricted diet...I think the smell of salted popcorn would drive me crazy. Staying home and paying to watch them on my laptop.
1. Nancy Harris Bonk Moderator
 <inline-mention username="mhugs" user-id="3757228"/> That's great tip about keeping our feet warm - thank you for sharing! Like you I haven't been to a movie since well before COVID. Too much overstimulation at this point in my life. Staying home and streaming is the way to go for me! How are you doing today? Nancy Harris Bonk, Patient Leader/Moderator <a href='https://migraine.com' target='_blank'>Migraine.com</a> Team 
2. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="mhugs" user-id="3757228"/> yes- warm feet! I find if my feet are cold, my whole body can't get warm either. I'm not sure why the theater has to be kept to such a frigid temperature! But, I'm with you- home movies are preferred! Warmly- Holly <a href='https://-migraine.com' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>-migraine.com</a> team.
raistlinsghost Member
Thanks for taking the time to post your thoughts on making going to the movies more manageable. Enjoyed the video, especially the demo of what you look like when fully prepared! I found your list interesting for a few reasons. I too, have and love my pair of Theraspecs, so much so that I've wore them to where they now rock a bit of electrical tape because I busted one of the arms. In a movie theater with that huge screen and bright, strobing images, these are essential! So Trick #1: Theraspecs (or similar good quality blue light filtering glasses). Trick #2: Layers! Temperature is a concern for me as well, but ironically it's at the other end of the extreme for me. I find if a theater gets too hot, it is super easy for me to get overwhelmed by the heat, get nauseous, and boom, migraine. So my next trick is to layer so that I can cool off if the heat becomes oppressive. Trick #3: Careful Planning I don't typically notice the overwhelming smells in the theater as much, but there's a reason for that: The place is usually pretty empty because my next trick is to plan going at a showing that won't likely be very busy. So never on a weekend, for example. I find going to an earlier show on a week night usually means less people, and less people equals less overpowering scents. Thursday nights are the sweet spot in my town. Trick #4: Avoid 3D For me, 3D movies almost always guarantee me a migraine before the thing is even over. The effects used to manipulate images to simulate a more realistic 3D experience cause more strain on the eyes for everyone, and for people who can be more sensitive to sensory input, this is a quick path to Migraineville. Trick #5: Earplugs And my last trick is about noise. For me, really loud noise can set me off, and sometimes I think they are trying to give me a migraine with the decibel level at my local theater. So I bring a pair of soft silicon earplugs (swimmer's ones work best for this for me). They block a substantial portion of the sound but not so much that I can't hear what's going on. Thanks for sharing your ideas and for looking for feedback. I hope my ideas might be helpful to some. I'm interested in what else others find useful as well. And as far as how you look, in my opinion we all need to care less about how people perceive us when we're out in public, doing the things that work for us to manage a world full of triggers. And in the dark even less so. 😀 
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="raistlinsghost" user-id="3863592"/> Thank you so much for joining in to this discussion and sharing the strategies that work for you. I love your ideas and the one that I found most helpful that you shared is to consider the time of the showing. You are so right that there are absolutely times that we can choose to go where it will be more like a ghost town and therefore we'll be less likely to encounter the strong smells of others. A great suggestion. Sounds like you might need some new TheraSpecs! Sometimes they do free giveaways through this site! You'll have to keep your eye out. I totally agree with the 3D thing. That makes me nauseated immediately. A few other people mentioned earplugs in the comment section here and have offered types that work best for them. So that seems a common challenge. So glad you chimed in to share so that we can learn from you! Really grateful to and for you. Hope you'll stay in touch! Warmly- Holly <a href='https://-migraine.com' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>-migraine.com</a> team.
poetdoll Member
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.
1. DonnaFA Member
 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)
2. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <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!
Stuart_G Member
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.
1. Tonya Henry Moderator & Contributor
 <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).