Bright lights and nausea
 

Kia ora, this is my first post on NeuroTalk,
And I have a simple question, which I'll begin with a wee bit of background. During a bad stint of vertigo (ongoing), I hit my head, face-on, in early December and was concussed.
I'm a huge music lover and have been to literally hundreds of concerts in my life.
On Saturday I went to a big concert (it's OK, I live in NZ, so we can do this) and, for the first time, I was absolutely floored by the bright lights and strobing effects, even though I as wearing sunglasses (at night).
I felt myself feeling sicker and sicker, until I realised I was close to throwing up. I turned around, did some deep breathing and mental calming exercises. I spent most of the concert with my back to the stage.
Also, my balance was completely thrown. As I lurched off to the loo, a woman nearby laughed because she thought I was drunk. I had to explain I had vertigo.
Has anyone else become extremely sensitive to bright lights, to the point of wanting to vomit, following a concussion? Also, balance - have bright lights affected your balance too?
If so, did the light sensitivity disappear as you healed?
Be great to hear from someone with experience.
Kind thoughts,
Wetawoman

Photosensitivity is a common symptom of concussions. For some, it reduces over time. For others, it may reduce some but still be a life-long struggle.

I have worn sunglasses or photochromic glasses since 1970 after a concussion.

Strobing lights can be miserable. Add the sounds and you brain can easily become overwhelmed. Over-stimulation is often the most prolonged symptom of a concussion.

You need to stay away from these events for an extended period then slowly try increasing your stimulation level.

Vision contributes greatly to balance. When your vision is struggling due to lights, your brain cannot use your vision to help with your balance.

Your brain can also become overwhelmed with stimulation and cause your vestibular system to become overwhelmed.

It is unfortunate you had to experience this. For many, doctors explain this issue and tell the patient to avoid excessive lights and sounds until after all symptoms are resolved. Even then, returning to these activities is done slowly.

Thrown a light on lights
 

Thanks Mark!
Oh no, I have four concerts coming up from now until May, but only one is a big event. I am thinking I might have to miss the latter. In the scheme of life and world events, that's not major.
No, my doctor didn't tell me any of this, but I didn't know what to ask. You've been incredibly helpful.
Kind thoughts,
Wetawoman

I learned to accept that I would pay a price for some events and activities. Early after my injury, recovery just to pre-event levels could take 2 weeks.

Your brain stops recovering while you are recovering from an over-stimulation event.