A migraine is a frequent neurological disorder that is characterized by a throbbing, pounding headache on one side of the head. Here I will try to provide you ideas about what is migraine headache and all the different types of migraines. Naturally, if you exercise or are in the presence of bright lights, loud noises, or potent odors, your migraine will worsen.
Although some qualities are similar to all migraines, different types of migraines can be categorized according to their traits, causes, and accompanying symptoms. Individuals and healthcare professionals can diagnose and treat the disease more successfully by having a better understanding of the many types of migraines.
This article will cover
1. What is a migraine headache?
2. Different types of migraines.
3. FAQ about migraine headaches and types of migraines.
1. What is a migraine headache?
One of the characteristics of a migraine headache is a throbbing pain on one side of the brain. Other symptoms associated with migraines include nausea, vomiting, light sensitivity (photophobia), and sound sensitivity (phonophobia).
They can last from a few hours to several days and have a substantial influence on everyday activities and the quality of life.
Various types of migraines are classified as neurological illnesses, although the specific etiology is unknown. It is believed, however, that a combination of genetic and environmental factors contribute to their development.
There are different types of migraines, including chronic migraine, migraine with aura, and migraine without aura.
Two basic strategies are used to treat migraines: symptom alleviation and prevention. While acute medicines are intended to address symptoms while a migraine attack is actively occurring, preventive medications can be recommended to lessen the frequency and severity of migraines.
A healthcare expert should be consulted if you have migraines or believe you might have them to have an accurate diagnosis and the best treatment options.
2. Different types of migraines
Different types of migraines cause severe migraine headaches. The two types of migraines that occur most frequently are migraines with aura (sometimes called "classic migraines") and migraines without aura (also called "common migraines").
Other types of migraines are as follows:
There are various types of migraines and different names may apply to the same type:
Aura-accompanied migraine
In addition to the typical migraine headache, some migraine sufferers have an "aura phase" before or during their migraine. When you have an aura, you may notice flashing lights or vivid colorful lines across your visual field, as well as tingling feelings in your body.
Experts aren't sure what causes migraine aura, but it's most likely caused by abnormal activation of cells on the surface of your brain.
According to Charles Flippen, MD, a professor of neurology at the University of California, Los Angeles, when this happens, it causes alterations in blood flow to the parts of your brain that govern vision and touch.
Headache without an aura
Without any of the visual signs associated with aura, migraine sufferers only experience the typical migraine symptoms, such as excruciating headache pain. Other symptoms of migraines include sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, and vomiting.
Although experts are still unsure of the exact etiology of migraines, we do know that genetics play a role, according to Flippen.
Changes in your brain stem, a region of your brain connected to the trigeminal nerve, which serves as a significant pain channel in your body, may also be associated with migraines.
Hemiplegic migraine
In the US, only a very small percentage of persons experience hemiplegic migraine.
Attacks of hemiplegic migraine can cause weakness or paralysis on one side of the body, as well as speech and visual problems and other symptoms that frequently resemble strokes. Though it seldom lasts more than a few days, the paralysis is usually just transitory.
There are two types of hemiplegic migraine:
Familial hemiplegic migraine
One type of hemiplegic migraine is familial. FHM, a hereditary migraine disorder, causes hemiplegic migraine. If you have the gene alterations linked to this migraine variation, you can find out through genetic testing. You are more likely to have FHM if a parent, sibling, or kid does.
Sporadic hemiplegic migraine
SHM is linked to hemiplegic migraine in patients who do not have a hereditary condition or a family history of hemiplegic migraine. If you do not have a family member who has been diagnosed with hemiplegic migraine, your doctor may suspect you have SHM.
FHM and SHM are both identified after experiencing hemiplegic migraine symptoms on multiple occasions. The sole difference between the two is the presence of the recognized hereditary risk.
Even if there is a family history of stroke, a hemiplegic migraine episode is usually treated as a medical emergency to rule out a stroke.
If you've been diagnosed with hemiplegic migraine, your neurologist should advise you on what to do if another episode develops, so you don't have to go through a thorough examination every time an attack occurs.
Retinal migraine (ocular migraine)
You may experience a dull aching behind one of your eyes that may radiate to the rest of your head, as well as temporary, partial, or whole loss of vision in that eye. The loss of vision could endure for a moment or several months.
Migraine without a headache
This type of migraine is often referred to as a "silent migraine" or an "acephalgic migraine," and it features the aura symptom but not the headache that typically follows.
Chronic Migraine
People who suffer frequent and continuing migraine attacks may have chronic migraine. This type of migraine is also known as converted migraine.
If you have this variety, you will normally have attacks at least half of the time in a month. You may experience migraine symptoms on a daily or near-daily basis. You may get chronic migraines followed by your usual migraine frequency.
One of the characteristics of a migraine headache is a throbbing pain on one side of the brain. A specific trigger, such as food or odor, could cause these migraine attacks.
A migraine is considered chronic when it happens at least 15 days a month. Both the frequency of the symptoms and the intensity of the discomfort may vary. Unfortunately, using painkillers for headaches more than 10 to 15 days a month can make headaches much more common for people who suffer from chronic migraines.
Migraine during a period
Your migraine headache can happen at the beginning of your period. These frequently begin two days before the start of your period and last for three days after. Even while you could have other migraine headaches throughout the month, the one that hits around menstruation usually doesn't have an aura.
Silent headache
The absence of normal headache pain characterizes a migraine type known as a silent migraine, also this type of migraine is known as an acephalgic migraine or migraine without headache. Although severe head pain is frequently linked to migraines, quiet migraines present without this symptom. Other migraine symptoms, like visual problems, sensory alterations, nausea, and sensitivity to light or sound, can also occur.
Consult a healthcare provider for a precise diagnosis and the best management options if you believe you are suffering from silent migraines. They can advise you on the best course of action, which can entail altering your lifestyle, figuring out your triggers, and looking into drug choices to lessen the symptoms and enhance your quality of life.
Vestibular headaches
Another type of migraine with aura is called vestibular migraine, and it is characterized by sensations of vertigo and dizziness.
According to Flippen, "Patients describe feeling like they are moving or that their surroundings are moving." Both nausea and vomiting may result from these symptoms.
According to Flippen, a vestibular migraine develops when the nerves in your brain that control balance misfire, giving you the sensation of being unbalanced or moving.
You experience balance troubles, vertigo, nausea, and vomiting whether or not you have a headache. This type of migraine typically affects people who have previously experienced motion sickness.
An abdominal headache
Abdominal migraines generally affect children the most. The following symptoms, which typically last 1 to 72 hours:
- nausea
- vomiting
- flushing
Children who have experienced this migraine type for a prolonged period may also have the following symptoms:
- issues with attention deficit
- clumsiness
- a sluggish development
Children who have a family history of migraine attacks are more likely to have this variation.
Pediatricians may write prescriptions for children who suffer from abdominal migraine to assist treat bouts as they happen.
While children who experience these migraine episodes are likely to develop typical migraine symptoms as adults, abdominal migraine is typically not accompanied by a headache.
Basel migraine (migraine accompanied by a brainstem aura)
Before experiencing head pain, basilar migraine, sometimes referred to as Bickerstaff syndrome or migraine with brainstem aura, frequently produces dizziness and vertigo.
But in addition to discomfort, this migraine variety can also bring on the symptoms listed below:
- hearing ringing
- halting speech
- Loss of equilibrium
- fainting (syncope)
- consciousness loss
Since adolescent girls and young women are more prone to experience this form of migraine episode, researchers think it is probably connected to the hormonal changes that occur during this time.
Migraine status
This sort of severe and uncommon type of migraine can linger for more than 72 hours. Both the headache and the motion sickness can be very painful. You may have this form of migraine as a side effect of some drugs or after medication withdrawal.
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3. FAQ about migraine headaches and types of migraine
1. Are migraines curable?
Ans: Migraine can be controlled in the majority of instances with simple therapy and avoidance of "triggers." However, a tiny number of patients may require more advanced treatments. Migraine control with correct therapy could be a life-changing experience for a large proportion of individuals.
2. Which migraine type is the most severe?
Ans: Every type of migraine can be extremely painful and may interfere with daily life. Some forms, such as hemiplegic migraine or status migrainosus, can even necessitate hospitalization.
It is challenging to categorically identify one form of migraine as being the most severe, though, because the severity of a migraine episode depends on numerous circumstances.
3. What is the average migraine duration?
Ans: A migraine commonly lasts 4 to 72 hours if ignored. Everybody has a unique migraine experience. Every month, migraines can strike sporadically or regularly.
4. What is the main cause of migraine?
Ans: The exact cause of migraines is unknown. They are assumed to be the result of abnormal brain activity impacting nerve messages, neurotransmitters, and blood vessels in the brain for a short period. Nearly half of all migraine sufferers have a family member who also has the disease. This implies that genes might be involved.
5. What is the best headache light?
Ans: According to one study, green light causes fewer headache-inducing impulses than other wavelengths, including red light.
At the end of the article
Finally, different types of migraines can be classified based on their
unique characteristics, triggers, and accompanying symptoms.
Understanding the various types of migraines is critical for proper
diagnosis and efficient migraine therapy. If you feel you have migraines,
it is best to speak with a healthcare professional who can provide an
accurate evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment options tailored to your
unique needs.
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