Seasonal Changes with Migraine? You May be More Sensitive to Light Too
If you experience seasonal variations in your migraine, a new study suggests that you may also be susceptible to greater light sensitivity, also known as photophobia.
This latest research—published in the most recent edition of the journal Headache—explored both the triggers and symptoms that arose from a group of migraine patients who were referred to a headache clinic in Norway. Of those who reported seasonal differences in the onset and/or characteristics of their migraine attacks, almost 75% cited sunlight or other bright light as a trigger of their attacks. This compared with just 40% of those who did not have attacks that fluctuated by season. Similarly, light sensitivity between attacks was recorded at noticeably higher levels for people with seasonal migraine.(1)
What do these findings mean?
Bright light has long been reported as a factor in the onset of migraine episodes, according to numerous studies.(2)(3) And of course we know plenty about the sensitivity to light that many face before, during and after a migraine attack; in fact, it is frequently cited as the second most common migraine symptom after head pain. So it is easy to see how light can play a significant role in the migraine process.
However, the seasonal connection with photophobia is very interesting. As many as two out of three people with the headache disorder acknowledge changes in their attacks with transitioning seasons, which could make this new information incredibly valuable. The authors do not provide a clear conclusion as to why seasonal differences may lead to higher levels of light sensitivity, but it is possible that exposure to greater amounts of outdoor light (due to longer periods of daylight during the summer months, for instance) may be one of the reasons. Another possible explanation is that there may be greater brain activity in the period leading up to an attack for people with a seasonal component; this may heighten external sensitivities to light, sound, and touch.
Ultimately, more research is needed to explore the nuances of photophobia and migraine subtypes, but this is still very exciting. Hopefully, this latest information can encourage people who report seasonal migraine variations to keep a close eye on the light-related triggers that may be influencing their attacks. In the meantime, you can check out a few of the migraine light sensitivity treatment options available to you.
Download our free light sensitivity e-book!
References:
1 Bekkelund, S. I., Müller, K. I., Wilhelmsen, A. and Alstadhaug, K. B. (2017), Photophobia and Seasonal Variation of Migraine in a Subarctic Population. Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain. doi:10.1111/head.13131.
2 Bekkelund SI, Hindberg K, Bashari H, Godtliebsen F, Alstadhaug KB. Sun-induced migraine attacks in an Arctic population. Cephalalgia. Vol 31, Issue 9, pp. 992 - 998.
3 Tekatas A, Mungen B. Migraine Headache Triggered Specifically by Sunlight: Report of 16 Cases. Eur Neurol 2013;70:263-266.
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