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Migraine Types and Symptoms

Diagnosing Them Is Not As Clear-Cut As It Seems

Feb 19, 2009 Sarah Slama

There is a significant difference between a simple headache and a migraine. In fact, there is a difference in each migraine experienced by an individual.

With people throwing around the statement, "I have a migraine," so freely, it can be frustrating to true migraine sufferers. Migraines are much more than simple headaches. It involves more than a "Ouch my head hurts" sensation. The pain is at times excruciating and unbearable. The National Headache Foundation states that migraines are considered vascular headaches. Blood vessels become inflamed and swollen causing pressure and pain. Anyone that endures this pain knows that having a migraine can disrupt his or her life even if the episode only lasted a few hours. Imagine the anguish a person would feel if it lasted for days.

Usually a family doctor can diagnose someone with migraines. Doctors will first take a family history. In many cases, migraines are genetic- passing from generation to generation. Further tests may also be necessary. These tests may include: blood work, CT, MRI, MRA, and/or EEG. If however, there are added symptoms, a specialist may be called in to address the situation further. Some additional symptoms to migraines make them harder to diagnose, therefore it's important to be sure a patient is suffering from a migraine instead of a serious neurological condition.

At first it was thought that there were only two types of migraines: common and classic. Further research has proven that there are several different types. Many of the other migraines experience the same symptoms of the common and classic (ex. nausea and sensitivity to light); however, there are additional warning signs.

Common Migraine

(also referred to as Migraine without aura)

Nausea
Vomiting
Throbbing pain on one side of head
Sensitivity to light and sound

It's believed that these kind can last anywhere from a few hours to a few days. In some cases a Common Migraine can last up to one week.

Classic Migraine

(also referred to as a Migraine with aura)

First, in order to understand this type, one must know what aura is. This sensation is experienced before a patient develops a migraine. It's a warning sign that one is approaching. Aura may not be the same for everyone, but many describe it as a period where they see "lights" or lines. There may also be some numbness or weakness in the body. This normally will not last for more than an hour. Other symptoms include all those of the Common Migraine.

Menstrual Migraine

This form may or may not include aura. Women may experience this before, during, or after her monthly cycle. The symptoms include all those mentioned for the Common Migraine.

Acephalgic Migraine

(also referred to as Migraine Aura Without Headache, Amigrainous Migraine, Ocular Migraine, Optical Migraine, Migraine Equivalent)

Aura without headache
Vision problems
Nausea
Vomiting
Constipation
Diarrhea

Complicated Migraine

Includes nervous system problems
Trouble speaking
May not be able to move limbs
Numbness and/or tingling

In this case, symptoms may last after the headache is gone.

Hemiplegic Migraine

This migraine is rare and comes in two forms: familial or sporadic. Familial means that the condition runs in a patient's family; whereas sporadic means that the source is unknown. Though many do not suffer from this condition, it can be one of the more dangerous migraines. Hemiplegic patients are difficult to diagnose and hard to treat. In several instances the migraine can seem like a stroke or even epilepsy given its symptoms.

Aura
Paralysis of one side of the body
Fever
Nausea
Vomiting
Impaired consciousness
Sensitivity to light and sound
Difficulty or inability to speak

Additional Migraines

There are several other forms of migraines that can occur, some more common than others. These variations include: Opthalmoplegic, Basilar Artery, Abdominal, Nocturnal, Benign Exertional Headache, and Status Migrainosus.

Given that there are many types of migraines, it's easy to see that there is probably a category for every patient. With the proper diagnosis, treatment can begin for those seeking a "normal" life.

Sources: The National Headache Foundation, Mayo Clinic, About-Headaches.com

The copyright of the article Migraine Types and Symptoms in General Medicine is owned by Sarah Slama. Permission to republish Migraine Types and Symptoms in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.