Books & Products, Triggers

Fluorescent Lights and Migraine Attacks

fluorescent light migraineJust a day after I got caught out without ear plugs, I exposed myself to another migraine trigger common in public spaces — fluorescent lights. I am never without TheraSpecs, but I occasionally take them off for a few seconds when I need confirm an exact color match (like choosing embroidery floss). That’s what I intended to do, but got so absorbed in what I was doing that I left them off for 10 minutes.

Lo and behold, a migraine began with a spate of icky symptoms — dizziness, disorientation, nausea, wooziness and irritability. I was unhappy about the migraine, but was pleased by the illustration of just how effective indoor TheraSpecs are.

Because I wear TheraSpecs all the time, it has been so long since fluorescent lights have triggered a migraine for me that I forgot just how quickly a severe migraine follows exposure. The difference really is astonishing. Of course I knew the improvement was dramatic — Hart and I wouldn’t have started TheraSpecs if it weren’t — but I hadn’t experienced it in so long that I’d forgotten just how big the change is.

So many triggers are impossible to avoid that it’s such a relief to find a way to ward off any of them. With ear plugs and TheraSpecs, I have two of the three major triggers covered… if only I could find something to get rid of smells in stores.

4 thoughts on “Fluorescent Lights and Migraine Attacks”

  1. There has been research as early as the sixties showing that fluorescent lights trigger a whole lot of “unnatural” bodily responses, changes in brain wave patterns, disrupting the circadianic daily rhythm while sunlight and light bulb light do not. I wonder how much of what is called “civilisational diseases” are actually caused by fluorescent light. we cannot walk a yard without being exposed to these. And now the European Union has even banned the traditional light bulb (Australia too) so there is no place to hide unless you want to live in the dark. And LED light I do not find inviting either.

    1. Maureen, it is unfortunate how ubiquitous fluorescent lights are and that government regulations promote their use. Warm LEDs are better for most people than cool LEDs, but it’s often difficult to verify the color spectrum (especially if you’re in a a store with fluorescents).

      Take care,
      Kerrie

  2. I keep a small jar of Vick’s vapor rub in my purse, and dab some under my nose when confronted with one of the smells that assault us. Doesn’t take care of everything, but helps some. Got the idea from someone’s blog – can’t remember who.

    1. Good suggestion, thanks. I used to carry a tissue scented with essential oils (usually lavender or peppermint), but I’ve become so sensitive to smells that I can’t handle even that anymore.

      Take care,
      Kerrie

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