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3D Movies that Cause Seizures Dizziness Nausea and Migraines

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Do movies like The Avengers, The Titanic in 3D, Breaking Dawn, Avatar, Clash of the Titans and other 3D movies or movies with strobe effects cause seizures and more?

Read below a comment by someone who became ill watching The Avengers in 3D and a report that The Titanic in 3D caused dizziness and migraines. There are many other reports below.

"Breaking Dawn", the newest movie in the Twilight series has also caused seizures, and the Epilepsy Foundation has warned it's thousands of Facebook followers not to attend the movie. My interest in movies causing illness began when there were reports of 3D movies like Avatar causing nausea, dizziness, and more as a result of viewing 3D movies.

How do 3-D movies affect you? Did you have any trouble while viewing the graphic scene in question in "Breaking Dawn"?

Moves that I have read reports on that have caused some type of nausea, dizziness, seizures etc., include The Titanic in 3D, Avatar, Voyage of the Dawn Treader (that one made me dizzy in 3D), Clash of the Titans, Breaking Dawn, and there may be others. Let's explore this topic further below.



Image Credit: Old style paper 3D glasses from Wikimedia Commons

Claudia a/k/a happynutritionist
Updated 5/28/12

3D Glasses Then and Now

In searching for 3D glasses, the newer style is available as pictured, but I also saw some in frames that look much like the glasses pictured in the introduction, so I am guessing there are still times when people use these. Glasses like these are given to you when you go to the movie theater, there is usually a fee t pay to use them, at least in our theater there is.
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There were no Seizures caused by early Twilight Movies

They are caused by a particular scene in Breaking Dawn

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Did The Titanic, Breaking Dawn with Strobe Effects, or any other 3D Movie make you sick?

Start typing the text box and options will appear

Here is where you can share your stories. We have some who experience sickness while watching 3D movies, and some who through experience have learned that 3D movies cause dizziness the next day.

Did you get Nauseous, Dizzy or have seizures watching any movies?

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Yes - Tell us what happened

Jay Jay Abels says:

Hey guys. I recently watched The Avengers in 3D and immediately after the movie I experienced, without a doubt, the worst migraine headache I've ever had. I do suffer from migraines about 3 to 4 times annually and although migraines by definition are cruel... the one suffered after watching The Avengers in 3D was far, far more painful and lasting. This migraine was a 3 day affair and the subtle throbbing or dull pain is still there - almost a week later. I remember taking the 3D glasses off like 4 times over the course of the movie and squinting. It's hard to tell because you can be so caught up in the movie that you don't want to lose focus on it. All I can say for sure is that 3D movies... at least for me... ARE a trigger for my migraines and after experiencing this last one I will simply avoid them like the plague. I have watched Avatar in 3D and had no issues with it whatsoever so it may have to do with the quality of the glasses themselves. After Googling this issue I've seen many others faced with a similar problem so I know I'm not alone on this. I would do anything I could to help prevent someone else from going through what I went through though. Anyways thanx for the ear and The Avengers WAS awesome regardless!
Jay Jay

Vbd says:

Omg! Yesterday I watched the avengers in 3d. And after an hour I got dizzy I went to the washroom to run water in my eyes just because I feel my eyes were will burst at any moment.. I didnt finished the movie anymore. And I can't think any of way that will make me feel better again.. Meanwhile I still felt like I'm spinning around all the people that I saw walking and passin by me is like they were all running and bumping to each other.. Wat d heck and suddenly I felt throwing up and yah coz of that I throw up like 4 times. So after that I swear I'm never gonna watch 3d movies again!!! I felt like I'm dying.. When I woke up on the next day I still feel like anything around me is spinning.. This is the worst feeling that I had!!!

Judy T says:

I got very dizzy and nauseous watching Titanic in 3D. I am sitting at the computer right now, some hours after getting home from the movie with a very bad migraine. Why is this happening?

Connie says:

ye

happynutritionist says:

We FINALLY went to a 3D movie tonight...I went anticipating the best, but my experience wasn't a good one. I am so disappointed as I really wanted to like the 3D experience. We went to Voyage of the Dawn Treader, and it was in a small theater, would have LOVED to be much further away from the screen even though we were in the 2nd to the last row. I felt strange almost right away, and it got worse with the intense action scenes, had to close my eyes through them...but still felt dizzy. I had a hard time enjoying the story because the visuals were simply to much, and felt to "close". I looked over to my husband next to me and said "you look further away than the people on the screen". So, no more 3D for me, I'm afraid. Very disappointed.

geekpop says:

After every 3d movie i watch, I get dizzy, but never sick or anything.

NittanyD says:

Yes, I saw the 3D, but covered my eyes most of the time after nausea struck in the first 30 minutes or so. I ended up running out of the theater and vomiting 4 times. I am prone to motion sickness but had no idea this could happen from a movie.

FishyW says:

Yes, Avatar in 3D definitely made me sick to my stomach....started after only 10 minutes or so. Couldn't watch the whole thing. Never happened while watching any other 3D movie, but Titanic and IMAX movies made me nauseated as well.

cathy says:

IT was AWFUL! I had to stop watching after about 10 minutes--I covered my eyes! Still I had to go vomit about half way through and sat out for part of it. Still felt a bit sick the next day.

happynutritionist says:

Sam, I'm sorry to hear that you had such a bad experience. We did finally go to the movie, and watched it in 2D, not 3D, it wasn't what I expected as far as a story line goes so I was a bit disappointed, but since we didn't watch 3D, I didn't feel the affects of that.

Sam says:

The movie made me nauseous, I suffer terrible motion sickness so watching in 3d made me feel soooooo sick!!! :(

kassy day says:

If you get motion sickness, then maybe you could get sick, or maybe epalepsy or somthing...but i watched the movie in 3D and absolutly nothing happened to me....it was an amazing movie :D....most of my friends have seen it at least 3 times.....none of these time has anything happened. so i dont hink you have anything to worry about :)

No Way - Tell us about it

TheyCallMeVarmit says:

Nope, thank goodness.

Raimondas says:

no

athomemomblog says:

If you're worried about getting sick, I recommend watching it on DVD when the movie comes out. I watched it on our television screen with no issues, but I imagine someone who gets dizzy watching IMAX would probably have problems in a theater.

 

I have heard it suggested that if strobe lights affect you, closing one eye, if not both, during scenes that contain them will help prevent seizures in those affected by strobe lighting.

The Avengers 2012 Theatrical Movie Trailer

The Avengers 2012 Trailer
by asmithproduction | video info

9,233 ratings | 5,713,253 views
curated content from YouTube

Why and How do 3D and IMAX Movies Cause Nausea, Dizziness and Sickness?

Plus News Features about 3D Movies and Nausea

The feeling that comes from 3D movies is similar to that of motion sickness. What you are seeing isn't lining up with what your body is experiencing causing mixed signals and some of your discomfort. It makes one wonder if taking something for motion sickness, like ginger capsules or tea, before viewing a 3D movie would help? Has anyone tested this? Let us know in a comment below.

Here are articles about 3D movie motion sickness, some articles may not apply:
The aliens still bite, but the movie's actually funny this time
It was also in 3D, and if you've been reading you know by now I'm not the biggest fan of leaving movies with migraines and/or motion sickness. So maybe it was low expectations or my fondness for Tommy Lee Jones but there is good news, everyone: "Men in ...
Green Lights, Yo! After 80 Years 'The Great Gatsby' Is All The Rage
It's for The Great Gatsby, and Luhrmann is going to release the film in 3D so we can swoop through 1920s Manhattan like Spiderman and also get motion sickness like Spiderman. But also it might be awesome maybe. Luhrmann told MTV recently that he was ...
Why movies are moving from 24 to 48 fps
It's probably no small coincidence that Cameron and Jackson are two of the largest promoters of 3D movies, not only shooting them that way but with Cameron converting his own Titanic to 3D for re-release. Like 3D, proponents of high-frame-rate argue ...
Summer Movie Season 2012
So, if you are prone to motion sickness, take caution or avoid the 3D showings. Another film generating a huge buzz is the latest Ridley Scott flick, ?Prometheus?. The trailers for this one have been vague and mysterious, so no one is really sure what ...
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Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medicines and Natural Remedies to take for 3D Motion Sickness

Some things that you can try that may help

We are big fans of Ginger for Motion Sickness and nausea, and always have a bottle of capsules around. It worked every time for one member of our family who had motion sickness when traveling, and we are thinking it may help with 3D Motion Sickness. The usual over-the-counter meds like Dramamine may help as well.
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Avatar - the 3D Movie that Started the Talk

Avatar is the first movie that I'm aware of that caused significant talk about 3D's affect on health

Avatar - Official Trailer (HD)
by FoxMovies | video info

3,290 ratings | 2,103,302 views
automatically generated by YouTube

Clash of the Titans caused dizziness etc. as it was a 3D Movie

Personally I have to avoid 3D Movies and watch 2D

Clash of the Titans

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3D Movies Currently Available

Don't see what you're looking for? Click through and search

Despicable Me - Despicable Me (Four-Disc Combo: Blu-ray 3D / Blu-ray / DVD / Digital Copy)

The Universe - 7 Wonders of the Solar System - The Universe: 7 Wonders of the Solar System [Blu-ray 3D]

Tangled - Tangled (Four-Disc Combo: Blu-ray 3D/Blu-ray/DVD/Digital Copy)

Piranha - Piranha [Blu-ray 3D]

Disney's a Christmas Carol - Disney's A Christmas Carol (Four-Disc Combo: Blu-ray 3D / Blu-ray / DVD / Digital Copy)

Under the Sea (IMAX) - IMAX: Under the Sea (Single Disc Blu-ray 3D / Blu-ray Combo)

Polar Express - The Polar Express (Single Disc Blu-ray 3D/Blu-ray Combo)

Open Season - Open Season [Blu-ray 3D]

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs - Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (Blu-ray 3D)

Alice in Wonderland w/ Johnny Depp - Alice In Wonderland (Four-Disc Combo: Blu-ray 3D / Blu-ray / DVD / Digital Copy)

(More to come....)

Poll: Have You Seen Breaking Dawn?

If Not, Are You Planning To?

Breaking Dawn Poster

Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson Picture Poster ---> Breaking Dawn Poster

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Miscellaneous 3D Movies Currently Available

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You can change the search terms if you like to look for something specific in DVD's, and the results will come up right on this page.

MP3 3D Movie Soundtracks

Click the arrow in the middle of the box and a list of clips from soundtracks of various 3D Movies will appear.

Enjoy, they are available for sale if you wish.

NOTE: Stop the player before watching videos, etc., on this page, or sound will overlap.

Where you can Buy 3D Televisions

They are pricey, and remember, you'll have to wear those glasses whenever you watch

While shopping for a HD Television last year, we found out we were behind the times as there was a 3D Television available. We sat down, put on the glasses, and viewed the 3D television. I didn't find the picture to be as dramatic as what I saw at the movies, but still, no 3D for me until I can come to terms with watching 3D movies without getting dizzy....and wearing the glasses required.

But that's just me, maybe you're ready for one!

This one and others at the site offer free shipping, 30 or more days free return, and low price deals.

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What's the latest 3D Movie you have seen?

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  • GeekGirl1 Dec 30, 2011 @ 8:17 pm | delete
    Very informative lens!
  • cmadden Dec 5, 2011 @ 11:37 pm | delete
    I enjoyed "Avatar" in all it's 3D glory, and suffered no ill effects. The 3D effect was fun - I found myself wanting to reach out to touch things in the movie!

    I don't like strobing effects in movies or anywhere else. It's just plain annoying.
  • JenniferAkers Feb 22, 2010 @ 1:20 am | delete
    I haven't seen the movie, but I did hear about rumors about Avatar making people sick or depressed. I have friends and family who saw the movie and loved it. I appreciate getting some more information from your lens - thanks!
  • happynutritionist Jan 17, 2011 @ 2:01 pm | delete
    Delayed response...but I've only seen 1 movie in 3D and it wasn't Avatar, and don't think I'll do that again...but like you say, others have seen the same movie in 3D and love it.
  • SoyCandleLover-Maker Feb 19, 2010 @ 8:19 am | delete
    Looks like a great movie, but I imagine I would feel a little queasy with IMAX/3D, so I'll wait for the DVD. Thanks for the warning. :D
  • happynutritionist Feb 19, 2010 @ 11:09 pm | delete
    Me to on IMAX, we saw one of the Matrix movies on IMAX and it's not a very pleasant thing to be able to see every pore on a persons face:-) But I like IMAX for outdoors type scenery, things like that. Not action movies.
  • Pukeko Feb 7, 2010 @ 3:57 am | delete
    Interesting lens. I am not into the trendy movies, so I had no idea people were getting sick from the movie. I don't like 3D, so I had no plans to see it before reading this, no I am sure I won't go. Thanks for the lens.
  • prosperity66 Feb 5, 2010 @ 12:12 pm | delete
    Unfortunately for you, I won't bring any answer because if the movie is as bad as Titanic (I wanted to say stupid...) I'm happy to have made decision on not going to watch it. And if in addition this makes people sick, I certainly won't go to see it!
    I'm the kind of person who wouldn't want to watch a movie that is a trend and not really something valuable - Titanic was a trend and not valuable at all in my opinion and most of the story was not credible.
    So, Squidangel blessings from a NON fan of James Cameron.
  • happynutritionist Feb 5, 2010 @ 2:26 pm | delete
    LOL, had fun reading your response...it's amazing how varied the opinions are. It is hard to find good movies these days...at least for people like me. Thanks so much for the SquidAngel blessings. ~claudia
  • prosperity66 Feb 8, 2010 @ 4:54 am | delete
    Well, I'm European and would say that while American cinema relies on Special Effects too much at the moment, French cinema is getting people depressed... so, indeed it's hard to find a good movie these days. Fortunately, there are DVD's and good oldies are available for rent, lol.
  • Superwife Feb 2, 2010 @ 7:50 am | delete
    what a good question- I haven't seen the movie yet, and hadn't thought of the queazy factor!
  • SueM11 Feb 2, 2010 @ 7:13 am | delete
    I've seen the movie though not in 3D. I know some have had a headache when they saw in 3D. It was pretty good without the 3D. We have a choice to see it with or without the 3D glasses.
  • sandyspider Feb 2, 2010 @ 1:53 am | delete
    I haven't seen the movie. I'm not sure if I will be sick from it. Interesting question.
  • happynutritionist Feb 1, 2010 @ 6:29 pm | delete
    Wow, I'm surprised at how many of you commenting haven't seen it either:-) I hope someone comes along to help us all out with an answer to the questions above:-)
  • jptanabe Feb 1, 2010 @ 5:59 pm | delete
    Great question! I definitely want to see Avatar, but I'm not a fan of those 3-D glasses - the celebrities at the Grammy's looked ridiculous watching the Michael Jackson tribute! I certainly don't want to get dizzy and nauseous either, so I'll be checking back for answers to this question!
  • bygproductions Feb 1, 2010 @ 5:57 pm | delete
    I didn't even consider seeing it, because 3D tends to make me nauseous. I've seen a few things in 3D and it doesn't work for me.
  • lakern26 Feb 1, 2010 @ 5:22 pm | delete
    This is a great duel question! We haven't seen it yet, but the hubby and I will eventually get there. I'd like to know the answer to this question before I see it too!
  • seashell2 Feb 1, 2010 @ 3:41 pm | delete
    Haven't seen the movie yet but eventually my husband and I will get there... a friend of ours has seen the movie 4 times. He says it's unbelievable, must be if he's gone that many! Good question lens, I hadn't heard that people were nauseous and dizzy from it! Yikes!
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Table of Contents

  1. 3D Glasses Then and Now
  2. There were no Seizures caused by early Twilight Movies
  3. Did The Titanic, Breaking Dawn with Strobe Effects, or any other 3D Movie make you sick?
  4. The Avengers 2012 Theatrical Movie Trailer
  5. Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medicines and Natural Remedies to take for 3D Motion Sickness
  6. Clash of the Titans caused dizziness etc. as it was a 3D Movie
  7. 3D Movies Currently Available
  8. Poll: Have You Seen Breaking Dawn?
  9. MP3 3D Movie Soundtracks
  10. Where you can Buy 3D Televisions
  11. % Donated to Soldier's Angels
  12. Thumbs up, Pins, Facebook and Tweets
  14. Random unrelated pages you might like

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