Scientists have solved the mystery of why migraine sufferers shun the light.

Light intensifies migraine headaches because of a particular group of retina cells at the back of the eye, research has shown.

The photoreceptors send signals to the brain via the optic nerve which stimulate migraine pain neurons.

Even small amounts of light are enough to affect the nerve pathway, sending victims running for the shadows.

People who are totally blind due to eye diseases such as retinal cancer and glaucoma are not affected by light during migraine attacks, the study found.

But this was not true of "legally blind" individuals with severely impaired eyesight, who cannot make out images but detect the presence of light.

Migraine is a one-sided, throbbing headache associated with symptoms that can include nausea, vomiting and fatigue.

The pain is believed to develop when the meninges - the system of membranes that surround the brain - becomes irritated.

Nearly 85% of migraine sufferers are highly sensitive to light, a condition known as photophobia, but until now no-one understood why.

Professor Rami Burstein, from the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Centre in Boston, US, who conducted tests on totally and "legally" blind migraine sufferers, said: "While the patients in the first group did not experience any worsening of their headaches from light exposure, the patients in the second group clearly described intensified pain when they were exposed to light, in particular blue or grey wavelengths."

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Low Energy Bulbs Cause "Migraines".

The Government is set to ban the sale of the old style light bulbs within the next four years in a bid to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

The first bulbs to go will be the 100 watt and Frosted Incandescent Light Bulbs.

This new ban is sparking outrage amongst consumers and campaigners who say that Low Energy Light Bulbs can trigger significant health problems for those who are sensitive to light or have certain medical conditions such as Epilepy, Anxiety, Migraines and even Lupus.

Those Charities working with people with Light-Sensitive Health Conditions, said the Government was "disregarding" public concerns over the usage of the new generation of bulbs.

Low Energy light bulbs use technology very similar to Fluorescent Lights, which can have a "flickering" effect. It is this effect that is said to cause Migraines, Anxiety Attacks and even increase the risk of seizures for those who suffer from Epilepsy.

Some individuals even report that they experience dizzyness, lack of concentration, pain ( Lupus) and nausea when subjected to light from Low Energy Light Bulbs.

Despite these reports EU health experts concluded that there is not enough evidence to suggest that Low Energy Light Bulbs can aggravate Epilepsy or Migraines.

Do you suffer from any of the above conditions, are Low Energy Light Bulbs causing you problems? Let us know, simply leave a comment.