Fluorescent lights = automatic migraine. Solutions?

Fluorescent lighting is guaranteed to give me a migraine. Unfortunately, I have to work under them all day!

I've tried several medications with little success (so far).

Has anyone had a similar experience and have you found a solution (pharmacological or other) that works for you?

Not just fluorescent lights, but also driving along trees on a sunny day, stripy patterns on a fabric, color clashes and any old blinding light can trigger a migraine in a nanosecond.

P.

Fluorescents are evil.....

I have a great deal of trouble with fluorescents..............I have tinted my glasses a rose/smoky color which does help and also just wearing my sunglasses for extra protection. You can also get wrap-around sunglasses that fit over regular glasses to help block the glare. Do you work in an office? Can you remove the lights that are directly above your work area? Lately I have had to wear my sunglasses all the time when I leave the house...........the glare from the sun (especially bouncing off the snow!) is also a great migraine trigger!

I actually feel fluorescents with the top of my head, so sunglassed only help a little. I always wear them in supermarkets - these lights are posion, as they exhude a chemical (I foget which, now).

The same halogen lighting and heating, and this long life bulbs (I will only have them in my rooms if I am seldom there). Most new llamps do not have any old fixings for normal bulbs any more, so I began to search in charity shops for any lamps - I love lots of lamps in my house as I dislike over head lighting anyway, so I am buying dozens of old type bulbs here, as they will soon be illegal in Europe.

I also have an extreme sun sensitivity, and get most afwul migraines after even short exposure, specially in summer. Funny, I do suntan very well and never go red - at least I always did in the past, now I do not dare to be in sunlight, becasue it is like allergic light reaction but inside of me, it makes me quite ill all over. Apparently I am light sensitive.

Most hospitals have terribly lighting, I despair at times.

Then, I am also smell sensitive, noise sensitive - my nerves are much too finely tuned. They protest against any sensory stimulus, my head most of all.

Had to smile about your comment about hospitals Mini.............they are the worst places to be if you are migraine-prone. I am always shocked by the patterns they choose for their carpeting - they set me off!

Thanks for the Suggestions JM. Unfortunately, I've already tried the rose tinted glasses and they weren't able to help. I will definitely give the rap around shades a try.

That's a great suggestion about taking the lighting out. I've suggested it, but my boss lacks understanding, empathy or both. He essentially takes the line of take a pill and get over it. I would if I could find something that actually works! It's so frustrating.

My next trial drug is the dreaded topamax. Something I had been hoping to avoid, but...

If anybody else has found something that works for them, I would love to hear about it.

In large part what I find so frustrating is the lack of solutions. I've heard from people that their migraines respond to propanalol, depakote, amytriptaline or drug x and y. With these fluorescent light migraines I feel like patient zero. They are so darn treatment resistant, I've never heard of someone responding to anything. And so I have no idea where to start or possibly go next.

Sorry about the rant. Any other ideas?

Thanks,
EF

I have recently written in respose in the thread " I don't have a single friend with migraine" and if you look read this thread you read my responses about possible treatmenst. Other people also pffer some suggestions which you might find useful.
Stay with us and read more, you might come across things that will be suitable for you. Do you have a good doctor or neurologist?

Thanks for the encouraging words Mini. Yes, I'm actually seeing a headache specialist. But the pace of progress is frustratingly slow and discouraging. Nature of the beast I guess.

Yes, I am affraid it is true, but do not loose hope, since it is often trial and error process, as each of us reacts differently to medications, or treatements.
Talk more with your Dr about things that you have not tried. Things that are mentioned in that thread - did you get a chance to read it?

posted twice, sorry

Jewishmother is right.

Good sunglasses are a migrainers best friend.

P.

Fluorescent bulbs contain mercury and pose a danger to the environment.Some may be required to pay for disposal of fluorescent bulbs.If the bulb breaks, it contaminates it's surroundings including food. Proper clean up can be expensive. Led's use less energy than a Compact Fluorescent for the same light output.

I wear a cap and it really helps to block out the fluorescents. Also, your employer is bound by law to make an adjustment by taking out the fluorescents directly over your head. Contact the ADA.

Do the LED and halogens cause problems like the flourescents?

I work in a medical office and I'm surrounded by Fluorescent lights and on top of my desk is one!!! I had maintenance remove 2 tubes which was ok'd by my boss. It helps a bit its not as strong as having all the tubes on. Maybe that can be an option.