How common is light sensitivity in migraine?

During a migraine episode, normal light can feel harsh or painful, and people may prefer a dark, quiet room. Sensitivity can accompany a throbbing headache, nausea, sound sensitivity, or movement sensitivity. Some people have visual changes before or during an episode, such as flashing lights or a temporary shimmering pattern. Light sensitivity can also occur without migraine, including with eye inflammation, infection, injury, and some neurological conditions. It therefore does not establish the cause without considering the full pattern.

Move to a quiet dim space if possible, reduce screen brightness, and drink fluids if you can tolerate them. Use the migraine plan already agreed with your clinician, including any prescribed medicine, as early in the attack as directed. Keeping a brief record of headache timing, sleep, meals, light exposure, associated symptoms, and medicines can help identify patterns and improve future treatment discussions. Avoid driving or operating equipment if visual symptoms affect safe vision.

Seek urgent medical care for a sudden severe headache unlike your usual migraine, new weakness or numbness, trouble speaking, fainting, a seizure, fever with a stiff neck, persistent confusion, or vision loss. Arrange a medical review if headaches are changing in pattern, becoming harder to manage, or light sensitivity persists between episodes. New headache symptoms during pregnancy or after a head injury also need prompt clinical advice.

Ask whether your symptoms fit migraine with or without aura, how to use acute treatment safely, and whether preventive treatment is worth discussing. Bring your symptom record and mention any change in vision, new medicines, or headaches that wake you from sleep.