Migraine and photic stimulation: report on a survey of migraineurs using flickering light therapy

Complement Ther Nurs Midwifery. 2000 Aug;6(3):138-42. doi: 10.1054/ctnm.2000.0477.

Abstract

Users of a commercial light therapy device who were using it to treat migraine were surveyed prospectively to determine what results they obtained after 30 days of daily use. Out of a total of 55 migraineurs, 44% reported that the frequency of their migraine attacks after the treatment was 'Somewhat Less' or 'Much Less' (under a conservative interpretation of these categories). Considering only the 28 migraineurs who stated that their migraine attacks were normally preceded by warning signs, 53% reported that the frequency of their migraine attacks was 'Somewhat Less' or 'Much Less'. In view of the limited efficacy and undesirable side-effects of the available migraine preventive drugs, photic stimulation (flickering light therapy) must be considered a possible preventive treatment for migraine.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Migraine Disorders / classification
  • Migraine Disorders / therapy*
  • Migraine with Aura / therapy
  • Migraine without Aura / therapy
  • Photic Stimulation / instrumentation
  • Photic Stimulation / methods*
  • Prospective Studies
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Surveys and Questionnaires / standards
  • Treatment Outcome