Headache Photosensitivity: What It Can Mean and What to Do

Bright sunlight, screens, fluorescent lights, or reflected glare may feel unusually harsh during an episode. Migraine can cause light sensitivity with throbbing or one-sided pain, nausea, sound sensitivity, or visual changes. A headache after a new medicine, skin reaction, fever, dehydration, or poor sleep may have a different explanation. Photosensitivity is a symptom, not a diagnosis, and the pattern matters.

Move to a dim, quiet room and reduce screen brightness without staring at a dark screen for long periods. Drink fluids if you may be dehydrated, rest, and use a cool compress if it is comfortable. Note when the headache began, what the light sensitivity feels like, associated symptoms, recent medicines, and possible triggers. Do not stop a prescribed medicine without guidance; a new rash or sun reaction after a medicine deserves clinical advice.

Seek urgent help for a sudden severe headache, confusion, fainting, weakness, trouble speaking, a stiff neck with fever, repeated vomiting, a new vision problem, or headache after a significant injury. Arrange medical review when episodes are new, recurring, changing, or interfering with work and sleep. Prompt advice is also sensible if light causes marked skin sensitivity or a rash; see [Sun Sensitivity](/symptoms/sun-sensitivity/) and [Drug Rash](/conditions/drug-eruption/) for related information.

Could this pattern fit migraine or another headache type? Which warning symptoms should prompt urgent care? Could a medicine, eye problem, sleep change, or dehydration be contributing? What should I record before a follow-up visit?