[Erkhel]

I'm looking for help on behalf of my friend. She's a woman in her late 20s, who since the age of 15 has been getting headaches whenever she exposes the top of her head to sunlight. In the summer it takes only 30 seconds' exposure to give her a headache that lasts all day.

Sunglasses don't help, and heat alone (e.g. saunas) is no problem. Could this suggest there's a problem with UV exposure to her scalp? She's never dehydrated.

She's seeing a neurologist next month; it'd be a good idea to bring as much info, experience, and anecdotes as possible.

[Dr. Smith]

Hi Erkhel, Welcome.

Sunshine is a known trigger of migraines and headaches; there are a number of theories why. Wearing a hat with a wide brim (e.g. sun hat) should help (more than something smaller like a baseball cap). Are the sunglasses UV blocking? If not, they should be.

sunshine headaches

sunshine migraine

There is also a Headache and Migraine Forum here.

Doc