Glare Triggered

[Martin Stein]

I had my first SS 3 years ago at 64.  

All events have been triggered by glare so I have been trying various measures to reduce the stimulus and other factors which may bring it on.  What I personally find unique to the onset is that it is not just bright light but the orientation of the glare AND contrast with background.  For example, sitting in a dark room watching a presentation with a shimmer of sunlight reflecting off the window sill may cause the SS.  For me, it seems that the orientation is also a factor since horizontal glare seems to be the main trigger vs. spot or vertical glare.  I suspect this creates the initial stimulus overload to start the CSD wave propagation through the visual cortex.  Has anyone else noticed a unique pattern of light causing this?  I've had 3 episodes in a week after being symptom free for 2 months.  I also suspect the lower angle of the sun in Spring and Autumn may play into this by creating the horizontal glare and light polarization.  Besides the typical SS symptoms, I also get nausea, a hangover feeling, and sometimes a mild headache.

I just joined the group and was hoping to find a way to stop the SS before it gets going.  I thought the neck manipulation and yogic breathing may be a help and will try this.

I do not take any medications for this.  The doctor recommended Excedrin ( Aspirin, Acetaminophen, Caffeine).  I thought this was pretty lame considering caffeine may also exacerbate the onset.  I also saw some comments on another site which stated Cannabis may stop the SS and resulting symptoms.

ANy suggestions are much appreciated.

[Jessekig Baka]

hi there Sun man, and welcome. Personally I try to limit my exposure to computer monitors as a major preventive for SS, for any amount of hours on the computer I try to have equal time off of it. This seems to work out fairly well as I am getting SS less frequently, perhaps two or three times a month lately. I would also apply this toward cell phones and televisions.
Actually as I type this now an episode is finishing up and exiting the corners of my vision. I am recovering from some sort of stomach bug and Fever and tonight's SS episode seemed to of passed nearly twice as fast as normal. My normal episodes usually taking at least 45 minutes to clear, this one resolving in under 25.

[kate....@comcast.net]

Hi, 

Most of my SS episodes are triggered by glare on sunny days out my office window. They zigzag aura recedes fairly quickly, but the headache that follows can be awful. I take ibuprofen as soon as I can, but I would like to know what other suggestions for treating and ameliorating the headaches others might know of.