Individualized spectral filters alleviate persistent photophobia, headaches and migraines in active duty military and Veterans following brain trauma.
Brain Inj
; 38(3): 177-185, 2024 02 23.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38334039
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE:
Consistent with association between photophobia and headache, growing evidence suggests an underlying causal relationship between light sensitivity and central pain. We investigated whether an intervention to regulate light sensitivity by filtering only wavelengths causing difficulties for the specific individual could alleviate headaches/migraines resulting from traumatic brain injury (TBI).METHODS:
Secondary data analysis of a clinical database including N = 392 military personnel (97% men, 3% women), ranging in age from 20 to 51 years, diagnosed with TBI, persistent headaches/migraines, and light sensitivity. The average elapsed time from TBI diagnosis to intervention was 3 years. Headache/migraine severity, frequency, medication use, and difficulties related to daily functioning were assessed pre and 4-12 weeks post-intervention with individualized spectral filters.RESULTS:
Monthly migraine frequency decreased significantly from an average of 14.8 to 1.9, with 74% reporting no migraines post-intervention. Prescription and over-the-counter medication use decreased by more than 70%. Individuals also reported significant improvement in light sensitivity, headaches/migraine severity, and physical and perceptual symptoms.CONCLUSIONS:
Wearing individualized spectral filters was associated with symptom relief, increased subjective quality of reported health and well-being, and decreased objective medication use for TBI-related persistent headaches/migraines. These results support a suggested relationship between dysregulated light sensitivity and central regulation of pain.Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Veteranos
/
Lesões Encefálicas Traumáticas
/
Transtornos de Enxaqueca
/
Militares
Limite:
Adult
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
/
Middle aged
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Brain Inj
Assunto da revista:
CEREBRO
Ano de publicação:
2024
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Estados Unidos