Sound and light sensitivity headaches: what should you know?

Migraine can cause throbbing or pressing head pain, nausea, and increased sensitivity to light and sound; movement may worsen it. Some people notice visual or sensory changes before the pain. Light sensitivity can also occur with eye irritation such as conjunctivitis. Meningitis is a less common but urgent possibility when headache occurs with fever, stiff neck, confusion, a rash, or marked illness. Sensitivity alone cannot identify the cause.

Record when the headache starts, where it hurts, how long it lasts, possible triggers, and any visual, neurological, or stomach symptoms. This pattern helps distinguish a recurring headache from a problem needing prompt review.

Rest in a quiet, dim room, drink fluids, and try a cool cloth if it is comfortable. Eat regularly when possible and limit strong smells, glare, and loud noise during an episode. Take only medicines suitable for you and follow the label or a pharmacist's advice; frequent use of acute headache medicines can itself maintain headaches. A clinician can discuss a treatment plan if attacks recur.

Seek emergency help for a sudden explosive headache, new weakness or numbness, trouble speaking, seizure, fainting, confusion, loss of vision, or headache after a significant injury. Get urgent assessment for headache with fever, stiff neck, a spreading rash, or repeated vomiting. Arrange a medical review for a first severe headache, a changing pattern, or headaches that increasingly disrupt your life.

Ask whether the pattern resembles migraine, whether your eyes or neurological system need examination, which treatment is safe, and how to record triggers and medicine use.