Computer triggering migraines?

[K_001]

Hi All,

Hope someone can help, I started a new job 6 months ago and have noticed that my migraines have increased. My migraine presents itself with a stiff/sore neck, vertigo, nausea and dizziness. I’ve noticed being at a computer screen my neck becomes sore, vertigo starts and then dizziness - feel like I’m on a boat. It’s over taking my life and depressing me. I work from home one day a week and notice I don’t have these symptoms.

Does any have these issues when working at a computer for long periods? What have people tried that’s worked for them?

Someone recommended pink or green tints in my glasses but I have a cataract which is made worse by bright lights. I don’t know if the tints for migraines would work for my cataract. I’d need transition lenses for my cataracts.

[AlanShearer]

I use Migralens glasses and they work for me. I do use two pairs though, one pair of small glasses with overglasses over the top of them. The glasses underneath need to be quite small to fit under the overglasses.

[AlanShearer in reply to AlanShearer]

Maybe one pair would be fine for you though. You can buy a pair from Amazon and return them for a refund if they are unsuitable for you.

[bamboo89]

I get what you describe when I'm on my device at home for too long, though I don't believe its actually migraine, it seems to be caused by my neck, so maybe some kind of cervical instability causing vertigo, aggravated by sitting in a particular position for a few hours, probably holding my neck in a particular way. What is the difference between the sitting position at work and your workspace at home - are the chairs a different height or shape, forcing you to sit in a particular way? When you're at home working, do you get up and move around more often than you do when in the office? Sitting in the same position for 2 or 3 hours can aggravate the neck and shoulders if you're in front of a screen.

[K_001 in reply to bamboo89]

I’m not as stressed, 😂! I work in a stressful, toxic environment. Also, bright lights don’t help either. At home I can set the lighting to my requirements.

[e7seif]

I'm putting this advice here more for others having issues while working at a computer as your symptoms seem very unique. I think you need to talk to your doctor about it. But as for more general computer use advice for migraineurs, instead of expensive glasses, I use free blue-light filter apps on every device I have. On my PC I use a program called "f.lux", spelled like that, and set it permanently to night settings. You can also use the night mode filter included with Windows, but I find it to be a bit too murky dark. The filters make such a huge difference, for me. I can't stand looking at my husbands unfiltered computer screen for very long. Posture while sitting at your computer is a hard one, though. Ergonomic chairs are possible to get, but expensive. Lots of breaks and drinking lots of water are my solution, plus you are also protecting yourself from strokes.

[K_001 in reply to e7seif]

I’ve heard great things about flux- I’ll check it out

[Chleo11]

Hello. If you think it is worse at the office, it could be done to other things as well, such as the air con, the actual light around the office (usually too bright), the noise surrounding you making it more difficult to concentrate and you strain more to focus on your screen. Could be the difference in the type of breakfast/lunch and drinks you're taking in when you work from home or at the office. I can remember the day I discovered that wearing mascara (which I don't do at home) tends to give me headaches. So, I stopped wearing mascara at work. Could be a combination of all those things. Have you thought about Computer Vision Syndrome or what is called cyber dizziness? I have it and my daughter as well. Your symptoms would match that. All the best!

[K_001 in reply to Chleo11]

Yes - I think that’s what I have computer vision syndrome or cyber dizziness. What things help you over come this?

[Chleo11 in reply to K_001]

I haven't found anything yet, unfortunately. I'm trying to be more aware of the signals my body is sending me when I am in front of a computer. When scrolling down or up I do it slowly otherwise I get nauseous, or look away altogether. I avoid moving repetitive pictures such as GIFs like the plague. I avoid using my phone too much (neck strain + small screen). But really, bright lights and noise when I work on a computer seem to be the triggering factors. I hope you'll find a solution.

[K_001 in reply to Chleo11]

Thanks, I use a package called JAWS for my cataract, as my vision has become blurry . This is an accessibility software which is voice controlled, so it reads to me on what’s on screen rather than me looking at. Useful for emails and long reports. It’s operated by keystrokes rather than scrolling with a mouse. Windows narrator does the same thing. I also use colour invert, which is black on white - and helps reduce the white / black contrast. It’s not as bright to look at.Due to my cataract even natural light -I.e bright / sunny day is too bright for me. So hopping glasses tints makes a difference.

[K_001]

Thanks for all your replies. I should also mention I have drop attacks as well. Which is part of my migraine. For those that don’t know what these are, they are episodes of falling on the ground where I am awake and fully aware. I can have 7-9 of them in a row, feel fatigued after. Drop attacks are rare with migraine but can happen They seemed to have increased since the new job started.😬!

[K_001]

Update: had a meeting with my neurologist today, after waiting for 18 months. I have vestibular migraine which is made worse by lights and posture. Also, I’ve been referred to physio for shoulder and neck issues. Will keep you posted.

[Cara71]

Hi is the neurologist giving you any medications to take either preventative or acute? Asking because I suffer dizziness and vertigo with my migraine and it's bad when on a computer too thanks

[K_001 in reply to Cara71]

Lamagrinie 25mg which will increase to 50mg twice a day. It’ll take 1-2 months to notice a change. I was also on procoplhazrine, which was short term use only and have stopped this.

My neurologist said posture at a computer and bright lights are migraine triggers, which is why he’s referring me to physio.

I use inverted colours or night mode depending on the lighting and a talking software package which reduces my time looking at the computer. The talking software means the computer talks to me and I navigate it using keystrokes, so not scrolling with a mouse. It’s called JAWS.

I also use the dictate feature on my computer, available on Microsoft 365 I think. This reduces my time typing and looking at screen. It’s like Siri on the iPhone.