Migraine Symptoms
Types of Migraine
Table of Contents
Classification of Migraine
There is no cure for migraines, but there are treatments that can be used to provide relief. Read on to find out about the various types of migraine so you can get the education you need to get closer to the root of your problem.
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Types of migraines can be classified as episodic and chronic.1 Here’s a breakdown of each.
- Episodic: An episodic migraine headache happens occasionally. Sufferers may experience them up to fourteen days per month.
- Chronic: A chronic migraine headache happens more frequently and will occur fifteen or more days per month.
What is Aura
While having a migraine, it is possible to develop a migraine aura. Migraine aura is characterized by the following symptoms:2
- Blind spots
- Zigzag lines across your vision
- Shimmering spots and dots
- Changes in vision or vision loss
- Light flashes
It may classify it as an ocular migraine.
Symptoms can also include numbness and tingling in one hand or the side of the face, muscle weakness, and difficulty speaking. A migraine aura and migraine without aura can be treated in similar ways. However, if the latter symptoms occur, it is advisable to see a doctor as it could be a sign of a stroke.
Types of Migraines
Types of migraines can further be classified as follows:3Â
Menstrual
Menstrual migraine develops during menstruation or just before menstruation as part of PMS.Â
Hemiplegic
Hemiplegic types are severe migraines defined by migraine aura. They are characterized by weakness on one side of the body.Â
Abdominal
Abdominal migraines are so-called because they have triggers that are like migraines, but they make your belly hurt instead of your head. Symptoms include nausea, cramps, and vomiting.Â
Vestibular
A vestibular migraine headache is a nervous system disorder that occurs in people with a history of migraine headaches. It causes dizziness, nausea, and vomiting.Â
Basilar
A basilar migraine headache is believed to be a type of migraine aura. It starts in the lower part of the brain, and symptoms include dizziness, double vision, and a lack of coordination.Â
Retinal
A retinal migraine causes visual problems like temporary blindness and the appearance of flashing lights. Although the symptoms are frightening, they are usually short-lived and would not be classified as severe migraines.Â
Ophthalmoplegic
An ophthalmoplegic is a type of ocular migraine headache that affects the eyes and head. People with this condition will get pain around their eyeballs. They may have double vision and their eyes may get weak making them difficult to move.Â
Silent Migraine
People with a silent migraine headache will have aura ocular migraine symptoms without the pain.Â
Types of Migraine Pain
Just as there are different types of migraines, there are also different types of migraine pain. Here are some you may experience.
- Pulsating: Pulsating pain may feel like it is getting weaker and stronger in rhythm with your pulse. This type of headache is more common in women than men.
- Throbbing: Throbbing pain and pulsating pains are the same.
- Perforating: A perforating severe migraine may feel as if it is absorbing into your brain.
- Pounding: Pounding pain is like throbbing and pulsating, but it may be a bit more intense.
- Debilitating: Sometimes migraine pain is so severe, it can make it difficult for the person to do anything but lie in bed. This type of pain is considered debilitating.Â
Other Migraines Not Related to Headaches
There are some types of migraines not related to headaches. They may manifest in other parts of the body. These include the following:
- Hemiplegic Migraine: A hemiplegic migraine is the same as an aura migraine. While the aura symptoms of vision issues and weakness on one side of the body may be present, a headache may or may not be involved.
- Abdominal Migraine: An abdominal migraine headache occurs in the abdomen, not the head. However, it is considered a migraine because it is caused by the same triggers.
- Vestibular Migraine: A vestibular migraine headache is a nervous system disorder that occurs in people with a history of migraines. Symptoms include dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. These may occur alongside the headache or separately.
- Medication Overuse Headaches: A migraine headache may occur in people who take an excessive amount of medication. It commonly occurs in those who take too many OTC pain relievers. Excedrin migraines are a good example.4Â Â
Treatment for Migraines
There are many types of migraine, but fortunately, there are also several types of migraine treatments.Â
Novel Migraine Therapies
Novel migraine treatments are orally administered receptor antagonists that reduce common migraine pain and severe headaches.Â
Home Remedies for Migraine Headaches
Several home remedies treat migraine headaches. Some drink caffeinated drinks, some lay down in a cool room, some administer an ice pack to the source of pain to find relief.5Â
Biofeedback
Biofeedback uses a magnetic or electrically charged instrument to measure body response such as muscle tension or skin temperature. It provides feedback to promote relaxation to modify the response.6Â
Acute Treatments
Acute treatments involve educating migraine sufferers about the condition, using novel therapies if the patient is not responding to OTCs, using nonoral routes if necessary, and reducing medication overuse.Â
Acute Treatments
Acute treatments involve educating migraine sufferers about the condition, using novel therapies if the patient is not responding to OTCs, using nonoral routes if necessary, and reducing medication overuse.Â
Preventative Treatment
Preventative drugs prevent migraines from occurring and include beta-blockers, divalproex sodium, and topiramate.7Â
Preventative Treatment
Preventative drugs prevent migraines from occurring and include beta-blockers, divalproex sodium, and topiramate.7Â
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J. Flowers Provides Migraine Treatment
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There are plenty of migraine treatment centers that promise migraine relief, but J. Flowers takes an approach that sets us apart.
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At J. Flowers, we use a variety of therapies ensuring we find one that’s right for you. We offer neuromodulation, an acute and preventative therapy that works by stimulating the patient’s nervous system, novel migraine therapies, and biofeedback. We combine these with home remedies such as nutrition, exercise, hydration, sleep, and stress management.
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Migraines can reduce your quality of life. Do not let them rob you of another day. Call J. Flowers today to find out how you can say goodbye to migraines for good.Â
Resources
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3258393/#:~:text=Episodic%20migraine%20(EM)%20is%20characterized,more%20headache%20days%20per%20month.Â
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/migraine-with-aura/symptoms-causes/syc-20352072Â
- https://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/migraine-headache-typesÂ
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/medication-overuse-headache/symptoms-causes/syc-20377083Â
- https://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/ss/slideshow-home-remedies-for-migrainesÂ
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/biofeedback/about/pac-20384664Â
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4640499/Â
