Migraine sufferers beware: Halloween a potentially wicked trigger for headaches

Spooky mist, flashing lights and scary sounds are the stuff great Halloween displays are made of — unless you suffer from migraine headaches.

Health experts said Halloween displays and celebrations can be full of triggers for some people who are prone to develop migraines.

"A lot of people with migraines have sensitivity to bright lights, loud sounds and strong smells," said Dr. Daod Pak, a neurologist and headache specialist at Stony Brook Medicine.

The cooler weather, dehydration and high consumption of candy and resulting blood sugar spikes can also set off migraines.

Additionally, Halloween falls on a Friday this year, which could mean a late night of trick-or-treating and partying that could throw off a person’s sleep.

"Some people who have migraines feel like they do best if they have a set sleep schedule," Pak said. "But during Halloween, especially for younger individuals, they might be staying up past their bedtime, and that disruption in their sleep schedule could also exacerbate their headaches."

Migraine is a neurological disease with varying symptoms that include head pain, nausea, brain fog and dizziness, according to the American Migraine Foundation. In the United States, it affects 1 in 4 households, and the majority of those say it impacts their work, social life or education.

The length of a migraine spans from hours to days. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke said a common symptom is "moderate to severe throbbing pain that usually happens on one side of the head." The agency said research shows it may be caused by "abnormal activity among nerve signals, chemical signals, and blood vessels in the brain."

Pak said a lot of people with migraine have aura symptoms such as flashing lights, zigzag lines, blind spots or blurry vision, which occur either right before the headache or during the headache.

"Some people might have numbness, some people might have trouble with their speech," he said. "So it's really more than just a headache."

The American Migraine Foundation has posted several messages on social media urging people with migraines to take rest breaks during Halloween and bring along a "tool kit" consisting of earplugs, water, sunglasses and medication.

"If you know your triggers, then try to avoid them," Pak said. "If you are at a party with a lot of flashing lights or there's strong smells, try moving away from that or take a break outside. If you take medication, take it as soon as you feel a migraine coming on."

People can go home and rest in a dark, quiet room. But if different kinds of symptoms arise or the migraine is lasting longer than usual, that person should head to the emergency room, he said.

By Lisa L. Colangelo

lisa.colangelo@newsday.com@lisalcolangelo

Lisa joined Newsday as a staff writer in 2019. She previously worked at amNewYork, the New York Daily News and the Asbury Park Press covering politics, government and general assignment.