Sensitivity to sunlight & sound

I cannot find another post on this. I have been noticing a sensitivity to the sun(brightness) and sharp sounds. Is this just another symptom of VM?

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Yes. I wear a brimmed hat and sunglasses on sunny days and when I’m symptomatic indoors as well. Loud noises aggravate my symptoms.

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A post was merged into an existing topic: Light triggers symptoms

God yes.

For several years I couldn’t go to the grocery store or most offices (because of the lights) or eat in a restaurant or go to a movie (because of the sound).

As my condition has improved greatly with effective treatment, those symptoms have greatly diminished.

I hope your symptoms improve. Wishing you luck

What does effective treatment look like for you?

Attached is the long version of how treatment went for me. Short version: reducing stimuli, various meds (I think venlafaxine was the most helpful for me)—though I have now weaned off all meds except for scalp Botox, lifestyle things to manage symptoms and avoid triggers (lack of adequate sleep is my foremost trigger). My symptoms have gone up and down a little since I wrote that post so I’ve adjusted things a bit and try to be flexible. This is a chronic condition that will ebb and flow a little over time, even when symptoms are generally well managed.

Patience is a must, though—it took several years to get symptoms to a manageable level. But it did happen and happens for most people with a decent treatment plan. Good luck

Thanks for this, think I read it actually a few weeks ago.

The strange one for me, when this started in Sept 2023 - I didn’t have any headaches / migraines for probably over a year. I get them every day even after taking amitriptyline. I get dizziness every day and rocking movement and swaying movement in my head every day. Still not actually had a diagnosis, until I do not sure how meant to try and resolve it. I live in hope like the rest of us :folded_hands:t2:

I’m not sure if these symptoms are VM (undiagnosed) or Meniere’s (diagnosed) related for me - but I can certainly identify! As others have said, avoidance and learning to live around them has been the way forward for me. I don’t take medications. Polaroid sunglasses are my friend!

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If sunlight or artificial lights are a problem then you might want to consider a pair of Migralens (there are other brands available). They are a pair of sunglasses with green lenses that block out harmful types of light and can help you avoid triggers. They’re specifically made for people with migraine.

Light and sound sensitivity is a typical symptom of all types of migraine.

I get this. Bright lights and random noises just feel like too much sometimes. Like, even a normal day outside can feel like your senses are being fried. I started wearing sunglasses even when it’s kinda cloudy and keeping earplugs in my bag just in case. People think you’re being “extra” but nah, it’s real.