Summer Blockbusters or Summer Headbusters?

Did you know that a big action movie can lead to a migraine?

Joseph E. Safdieh, MD

Summer has arrived. Anybody who suffers from migraines is likely to be quite painfully aware of the usual summer headache triggers like prolonged heat waves, bright sunlight and dehydration. Not to mention sangria, for those alcohol-sensitive migraneurs out there.

However, one trigger that is not as well known or identified is something as summery as the beach: Hollywood movies.

Hollywood usually releases many of its major movies in the early summer. Not surprisingly, these are often the loudest, brightest and most "exciting" movies of the year. And don't forget all of those cool 3D effects. Surveys of migraine patients corroborate my suspicions that movies and migraines may not mix well.

Interestingly, it is not the headaches per se that are triggered by the movies. It is usually significant motion sickness that is induced by the movies. Yes, the same motion sickness that keeps migraine sufferers off of buses and stops them from reading in cars. One published survey of migraine patients shows that 1 in 4 migraine sufferers develops motion sickness watching wide screen movies, seven times more likely than a non-migraine sufferer. Motion sickness leads to nausea and vomiting, and often can trigger a pretty nasty migraine headache. And it is likely that all of the salty dehydration-inducing popcorn doesn't help any.

So, my advice: if you have migraines and you know movies make you queasy, save the $15 admission and use it for the DVD.

 

Q:  Have you ever heard of the Nettie Pot and do you recommend it to clean the sinuses? Sometimes I feel like I can't breath properly thru my nose.

Dr. S: That is a good question. Treatment with a Neti Pot 3 times per week can help sinus congestion. I do recommend it, but if after one week there is no relief, you should consult your doctor.