Bright light may trigger more migraines.(News Review)(Brief Article)

Review of Optometry, May, 2005

Bright light may trigger more attacks in migraine sufferers, particularly those whose headaches are accompanied by aura, according to research presented at the American Academy of Neurology's 57th annual meeting last month.

Researchers interviewed 169 female migraine sufferers in Norway--98 experienced aura, while 71 did not--and gave them questionnaires about their headaches. There were no differences between the two groups in sleep cycles, sleep disturbances or shift work that would affect their sleep schedules.

Exposure to intense light could lead to attacks for 86% of women with aura vs. 59% of those without aura, the study found. Also, 62% of the women with aura became extremely sensitive to light during and between attacks vs. 41% of those...