Why Flashing Lights Cause Nausea, Dizziness and Eye Strain

Understanding Nausea and Dizziness Caused by Flashing Lights

Flashing or flickering lights can trigger a range of unpleasant symptoms in some people, including nausea, dizziness, headache, fatigue and eye strain. This complex condition is known as photosensitivity or photophobia. For those who are susceptible, exposure to certain lighting conditions can seriously impact comfort, health and quality of life.

What Causes Photosensitivity to Lights?

Photosensitivity appears to be caused by an abnormal reaction within the visual cortex and autonomic nervous system. In a healthy individual, the nervous system is able to adjust to light changes with ease. But in photosensitive individuals, rapid flashing or flickering seems to disrupt this response, resulting in visual discomfort and nausea.

The exact causes are still being researched, but factors like the following are believed to play a role:

• Overactive visual cortex - Increased sensitivity in the brain's visual processing areas
• Autonomic dysfunction - Abnormal regulation of involuntary nervous system responses
• Brain chemistry imbalances - In serotonin, dopamine, magnesium, and more
• Abnormal cortical hyperexcitability - Increased stimuli sensitivity in the brain

Why Do Lights Cause Nausea and Dizziness?

The connections between light sensitivity, nausea, and dizziness are complex. But in general, the symptoms seem to arise from a mismatch between what the eyes see and how the brain interprets that visual information. Here's a look at some of the potential mechanisms involved:

• Conflict between visual and vestibular systems - This sensory mismatch leads to nausea and dizziness.
• Overstimulation of the visual cortex - The brain receives too much information, causing symptoms.
• Disruption of autonomic responses - Impaired regulation of involuntary reactions.
• Triggers in the nervous system - The vestibular nuclei and cranial nerves are thought to play a role.

Common Triggers and Risk Factors

While specific triggers vary by individual, those with photosensitivity often report nausea, headache and dizziness in response to:

• Flickering fluorescent or LED lights
• Strobing lights
• Flashing TVs, computer screens and videos
• Sun glare and reflected light
• Light streaming through trees and blinds while moving
• Bright or flashing screens and images

Risk factors that can increase susceptibility include:

• Migraines and headache disorders
• Head injuries or neurologic conditions
• Anxiety disorders
• ADD/ADHD
• Low blood sugar
• Hormonal imbalances
• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• mold illness

Coping With Nausea and Dizziness from Lights

If you experience nausea, dizziness or other symptoms from light sensitivity, there are things you can do to minimize your discomfort and reduce episodes.

Avoid Triggers

Pay attention to the types of lighting conditions that seem to cause problems for you. Then make efforts to avoid those specific triggers whenever possible.

• Wear sunglasses outdoors on sunny days
• Sit farther away from flashing screens and displays
• Install non-fluorescent lighting at home and work
• Close blinds in vehicles and use visors to block glare

Adapt Environments

Make changes to lighting conditions in your home, workplace, and school environments to create more photosensitive-friendly spaces.

• Use dimmer switches to reduce light intensity
• Install blackout curtains or shades
• Change fluorescent bulbs to incandescent or natural light bulbs
• Use flat matte displays and screens to reduce glare

Try Tinted Lenses

Wearing glasses or contacts with FL-41 tinted lenses can help filter out excess light and visual stimuli that lead to symptoms.

OTC Medications

Over-the-counter medications like naproxen, ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help relieve headaches and nausea from photosensitivity episodes.

Prescription Options

For severe light sensitivity, doctors may prescribe medications to prevent nausea and headaches, such as beta blockers, tricyclic antidepressants, anti-seizure drugs and more.

Understanding Photosensitivity Disorders

In some cases, light sensitivity is associated with an underlying medical condition that classifies it as a type of photosensitivity disorder. Two of the most common are Persistent Migraine Aura (PMA) and Idiopathic Photophobia.

Persistent Migraine Aura (PMA)

With this condition, patients experience migraine auras continuously or near-continuously over an extended period of time. Visual disturbances are common, including increased sensitivity to light and patterns that can trigger nausea, dizziness and headache.

Idiopathic Photophobia

This refers to photosensitivity without any underlying eye or neurologic disease. People experience disabling light sensitivity and symptoms without other medical explanations. It most commonly affects adolescent girls.

Other Conditions Linked to Photosensitivity

Light sensitivity and nausea can also occur with:

• Migraine disorder
• Concussion and TBI
• Stroke
• Epilepsy
• MS
• Lupus
• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Fibromyalgia

Determining any underlying cause can help guide treatment approaches.

When to Seek Emergency Treatment

In rare cases, photosensitivity symptoms may signal a serious medical emergency requiring immediate care. Seek emergency help if you experience:

• Sudden loss of vision
• Blurred or double vision
• New uneven pupils
• Severe headache or pain with nausea
• Confusion
• Seizure
• Loss of consciousness

These can indicate stroke, seizure, or other neurological conditions requiring rapid treatment.

Seeking a Diagnosis

Consult your doctor if flashing lights frequently cause nausea, headache, dizziness or other disruptive symptoms. To obtain a diagnosis, your physician may:

• Take a medical history
• Perform a physical exam
• Do vision and neurological tests
• Order blood work or imaging
• Refer you to a neurologist or ophthalmologist

Based on results, they can determine if an underlying condition is causing your photosensitivity.

Treatment Options

Treatments for nausea and dizziness caused by flashing lights aim to:

• Limit exposure to triggering stimuli
• Reduce symptom frequency and severity
• Address any underlying conditions

Options may include medications, glasses, therapy, and lifestyle changes. Preventing episodes is key, as effective treatments for stopping symptoms in the moment are limited.

Medications

Medications may be prescribed to help increase tolerance to lights, prevent episodes, or reduce symptom intensity. Options include:

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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.