A quantitative assessment of photophobia in migraine and tension headache

Drummond, P.D. (1986) A quantitative assessment of photophobia in migraine and tension headache. Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain, 26 (9). pp. 465-469.

Abstract

Intensity of photophobia in dull and bright light was assessed in 39 migrainous patients and 15tension headache sufferers during headache, and in 20 nonheadache control subjects. In 24 patients, measurements were repeated during the headache-free interval. Subjective estimates of glare and light-induced pain were greatest in patients with migraine at the time of examination, but ratings by tension headache sufferers also exceeded control ratings at most levels of illumination. In 19 of 25patients with unilateral headache, light-induced pain was greater on the symptomatic side. During the headache-free interval, glare ratings in dull and bright light, and pain ratings in bright light, were greater in headache-prone patients than in nonheadache controls. Sensitivity to glare could thus form part of a general hyperexcitability of the special senses, while bright light appears to exacerbate pain resulting from activation of trigeminal pain pathways during headache.