Home VRHeads Q&A > Health & Safety

I have chronic migraines, will using VR exacerbate it?

Asked: May 26 2016 | 3:28 pm EDT 6495 Views 6 Answers View Best Answer

I suffer from chronic migraines, will using virtual reality equipment and programs exacerbate it? I want to enjoy this new technology but I don't want crazy migraines.


By VR Question

Best Answer

543
May 26 2016 | 4:36 pm EDT Russell Holly

My understanding is that migraines are a little different for everyone, so I can only offer anecdotal evidence, but I live with two different people who suffer from chronic migraines and neither have ever had a problem after using either of the several VR headsets I have.

More Answers

2,241
May 26 2016 | 7:49 pm EDT pkcable

I'm a migraine sufferer myself, so I HAVE done a little research on this. I don't believe there is a direct connection to VR and migraines and I don't believe that VR is a migraine trigger. HOWEVER, prolonged use of VR can cause dizziness and headaches, so you might want to consider doing it in small doses until you see how you tolerate it.

6
May 27 2016 | 7:40 am EDT anon(9602380)

This is great news. I suffer from migraines and these responses will be taken into consideration.

196
May 27 2016 | 4:23 pm EDT KermEd

Originally Posted by firedept10
This is great news. I suffer from migraines and these responses will be taken into consideration.
For what its worth, I get migraines REALLY badly - and mine are caused by bright lights and eye strain mostly.

I develop for VR full-time, and I haven't had a headache driven by it yet... But some people are sensitive in different ways. I will say, it definitely won't help

6
May 27 2016 | 5:30 pm EDT anon(9602380)

Originally Posted by KermEd
For what its worth, I get migraines REALLY badly - and mine are caused by bright lights and eye strain mostly.

I develop for VR full-time, and I haven't had a headache driven by it yet... But some people are sensitive in different ways. I will say, it definitely won't help
Thank you for the info.

30
Jun 06 2016 | 12:07 am EDT STARGATE

Originally Posted by pkcable
I'm a migraine sufferer myself, so I HAVE done a little research on this. I don't believe there is a direct connection to VR and migraines and I don't believe that VR is a migraine trigger. HOWEVER, prolonged use of VR can cause dizziness and headaches, so you might want to consider doing it in small doses until you see how you tolerate it.
I agree.