Logo
Donate
Keep in Touch

The Migraine Sufferer

Home/The Migraine Sufferer

MIGRAINE SUFFERER

Possesses a super-human threshold for pain. Friends jokingly call him a vampire because he always keeps the lights off, the shades drawn, and often wears sunglasses inside.

But that migraine he gets whenever he’s in bright lights? It could be Irlen Syndrome! Take a self-test to find out.

IRLEN SYNDROME IS A COMMON PERCEPTUAL PROCESSING DISORDER, BUT OFTEN OVERLOOKED OR MISSED BY HEALTH AND EDUCATIONAL PROFESSIONALS

Migraines can have lots of triggers. One trigger is lighting. If your migraines often occur after being in bright or fluorescent lighting, or as a result of engaging in visually intensive activities such as reading or computer work, it’s worth taking a few seconds to check out the list below to see if you’ve been putting up with unnecessary challenges and pain in your life:

  • You’re bothered by bright and fluorescent lights in stores, your office, or the classroom
  • If you don’t wear sunglasses outside, you’ll definitely get a migraine (and sometimes you’ll get one anyway, even if you wear them)
  • Reading and/or computer screens often give you a headache, make you nauseous or dizzy
  • Glare from white pages or the sun bothers your eyes or head
  • Headlights from oncoming traffic bother you
  • Certain patterns, stripes, or neon colors bother you
  • You have persistent and medically resistant headaches or migraines and light sensitivity as a result of a concussion or head injury

These are just a few of the many ways Irlen Syndrome can make your life harder and more painful than it needs to be!

Warning. Headaches, migraines, and other physical symptoms may be due to a medical condition. Check with your physician to rule out any possible medical causes. 

MORE ABOUT IRLEN SYNDROME

It is not an optical problem. It is a problem with the brain’s ability to process visual information. This problem tends to run in families and is not currently identified by standardized educational, psychological, optometric, or medical tests. This problem can manifest itself differently for each individual. Irlen Syndrome is not remediable and is often a lifetime barrier to learning and performance.

SIGNS OF IRLEN SYNDROME

  • Light Sensitivity
  • Reading Problems
  • Headaches and Migraines
  • Attention and Concentration Problems
  • Strain and Fatigue
  • Problems with Depth Perception
  • Print or Environmental Distortions

More Information About Signs and Symptoms of Irlen Syndrome

WHO IS AFFECTED?

Irlen Syndrome is present in a variety of populations, including individuals identified with reading and learning difficulties, low motivation, attention deficit disorder (ADHD), discipline problems, headaches and migraines, autism, and traumatic brain injury.  While more common in populations with specific difficulties, such as reading problems and ADHD, even gifted and highly successful individuals can be impacted by this issue – often working harder and suffering more than necessary to succeed.

IRLEN BY THE NUMBERS

  • 14 % General population
  • 46% Individuals with reading or learning difficulties, including dyslexia
  • 35% Individuals who have suffered TBI or concussion
  • 33% Individuals on the autism spectrum
  • 33% Individuals with attention and concentration problems, including ADHD
  • Individuals with medically resistant headaches and migraines (incidence data not yet available)