Migraine with Aura
In many sufferers, migraines can also be accompanied by ‘aura’. Aura is the term used to describe the gradual development of neurological symptoms, which precedes a migraine attack. It lasts from 20-30 minutes, followed by the main attack.
Symptoms may include:
– Altered vision with flickering lights, dark or white spots, lines, waves, or in some cases temporary loss of vision
– Sensory symptoms such as a burning or prickling sensation, or loss of sensation
– Speech disturbances
– Nausea and or vomiting
– Sensitive to light, sound and smell
– Abnormal sensation, weakness or numbness down one side of the face or body
– Confusion
Migraine without Aura
Migraine without aura occurs in approximately 70-90% of people with migraines. This refers to a migraine attack without visual disturbances such as flickering lights, colourful lines, dark or white spots, or temporary vision loss. These attacks will usually occur without warning and pain is usually felt on one side of the head.
Symptoms may include:
– Nausea and or vomiting
– Confusion
– Mood changes
– Fatigue
– Sensitivity to light, sound or smell
– Diarrhoea
Migraine without Headache (Silent Migraine)
Migraine without headache, as the title suggests are for those who suffer with the associated migraine symptoms, however without any typical head pain or headache. This indicates that the actual pain in the head is completely absent. Although the headache pain is absent, a migraine without headache can still be debilitating due to the other side effects it comes with.
Symptoms may include:
– Altered vision with flickering lights, dark or white spots, lines, waves, or in some cases temporary loss of vision
– Speech disturbances
– Nausea and or vomiting
– Sensitive to light, sound and smell
– Abnormal sensation, weakness or numbness down one side of the face or body
– Confusion
– Mood changes
– Fatigue
– Diarrhoea
Chronic Migraine
Chronic migraine is classified by having migraine and headache attacks more than 15 days per month, for more than 3 months in a row. Of these attacks, at least 8 require to be migraines, and other attacks can be other forms of headaches such as tension-type headache. These migraines can be with or without aura, and are usually disabling due to the frequency of attacks per month.
Episodic Migraine
Episodic Migraine is classified by having migraines and headache attacks less than 15 days per month. These migraines can be with or without aura, and are usually disabling due to the frequency of attacks per month. Including both episodic and chronic migraines, it affects approximately 14% of the world’s population and up to 18% of women.
Migraine with Brainstem Aura (Basilar-Type Migraine)
Migraine with Brainstem aura occurs more commonly in children and adolescents. It most often occurs in teenage girls and can be associated with the commencement of their menstruation. This migraine includes ‘Migraine with Aura’ symptoms, and usually originates from the brainstem, without the symptoms of motor weakness (muscle weakness). Due to the origin of this disorder, it can affect the balance of that person with vestibular symptoms.
Symptoms may include:
– Dizziness
– Imbalance issues
– Vertigo
– Poor muscle coordination
– Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
– Fainting
– Temporary partial or total vision loss or double vision
– Throbbing pain on either side of the head
Hemiplegic Migraine
Hemiplegic migraine is a form of migraine that causes temporary paralysis to one side of the body. This usually occurs prior to or during a migraine attack, which can last from one hour to several days. During an attack the person will experience temporary weakness which can involve the face, arm or leg, and is usually accompanied by pins & needles or numbness. The attack can be terrifying as symptoms mimic and are similar to a person suffering from a stroke. The head pain can be similar to a typical migraine with aura, or at times be absent.
Symptoms may include:
– Vertigo
– Pricking or stabbing sensation
– Swallowing difficulties
– Speaking difficulties
– Confusion
– Weakness on one side of the body
– Temporary partial or total vision loss
