Headache with light sensitivity: what to know

Migraine commonly causes throbbing or pulsing pain with nausea and sensitivity to light or sound. Eye strain, an uncorrected vision problem, bright screens, poor sleep, dehydration, and stress may also contribute. Congestion or viral illness can produce head pressure and discomfort in bright surroundings. Fever, a stiff neck, confusion, a new rash, or neurological symptoms change the level of concern. Light sensitivity is a symptom, not a diagnosis, and its suddenness and intensity matter.

Move to a cool, quiet, dimly lit room and reduce screen glare. Rest your eyes, drink fluids, and keep a note of food, sleep, heat, stress, menstrual timing, and other possible triggers. Sunglasses may help outdoors, but avoid staying in darkness for long periods if that makes ordinary light harder to tolerate. Follow the label for any pain medicine and ask a pharmacist if you need frequent doses or take other medicines.

Seek emergency help for a sudden severe headache, confusion, fainting, seizure, weakness, trouble speaking, repeated vomiting, fever with a stiff neck, or new vision loss. Arrange prompt care when light sensitivity is new and severe, follows an eye or head injury, affects one eye with pain or redness, or keeps returning despite sensible measures.

Does my pattern fit migraine, eye strain, infection, or another cause? Should my vision or eyes be examined? Which triggers should I track? How often is pain medicine too frequent for me?