All migraines are the same right? Wrong!
Just like ice-cream, migraines come in a variety of “flavors”. But unlike ice-cream, no one looks forward to tasting the symptoms of a hard-core migraine.
Did you know that 60% of women and 70% of men are misdiagnosed when it comes to the type of migraine they are experiencing?
But hold on a second, how many types of migraine are there? And what are the different migraine types? Read on to find out the mind-boggling truth.
Different Types of Migraine
Finding the right treatment may range from painkillers to searching out neurological services. An accurate diagnosis is critical to finding the right treatment.
According to the International Headache Society, there are 7 migraine types. Let’s take a look one by one.
1. Common Migraine
The common migraine (migraine without aura) is one of the most common migraine types. The symptoms include a pulsing burning headache on one side of the head that occurs without warning. It may come with nausea, blurry vision, tiredness, mood changes, and sensitivity to light and sounds.
Common migraine attacks last from 4-72 hours and may occur fairly regularly.
2. Complex Migraine
A complex migraine (migraine with aura) is like a common migraine except you will experience an “aura”. An aura usually brings about visual disturbances.
This short-lived headache may last up to 1 hour. Besides the common migraine symptoms, you may also feel a tingling sensation, muscle weakness or numbness. You may also lose your sight temporarily and have trouble speaking.
3. Retinal Migraine
Retinal migraines are rare. These migraine types may result in visual loss or disturbance in one eye. You may see twinkly lights or experience temporary blindness, in one eye only.
This migraine is different from a complex migraine as the disturbances are coming from the eye itself, not the brain.
4. Migraine Without Headache
Migraine without headache or head pain may not feel like a migraine at all, but it is!
The migraine without pain in the head transfers its symptoms to other areas. You may experience dizziness, nausea or unexplainable pain to a body part.
5. Migraine with Brainstem Aura
Migraine types with brainstem aura are different from a complex migraine. This is because the pain comes from both the brainstem (the base of the brain) and the sides of the brain.
The effects will feel like a complex migraine but there are notable differences. Such as slurred speech, vertigo, impaired hearing, uncoordinated movements, and double vision. The effects normally last about an hour.
6. Chronic Migraine
Chronic migraines may feel like a burning headache. But it only becomes chronic if it occurs 15 or more days in a month for more than 3 consecutive months.
Chronic migraines can be with or without aura and can be extremely debilitating. Preventative medications are a must.
7. Hemiplegic Migraine
This type of migraine is also pretty rare. But it can be severe and cause temporary paralysis, sometimes lasting days.
Along with head pain, some may feel a pricking sensation, have trouble swallowing and hearing or suffer from vertigo. These symptoms usually stop soon after the migraine.
Prevention Is Better Than a Cure
As you can see, there are various types of migraines which have various symptoms. Once you know what the issue is, you can find the right treatment.
While you can’t stop the attacks, you may be able to reduce the chance of migraines with a healthy lifestyle. Prevention is better than a cure, after all!
Before you go, don’t forget to check out the health and lifestyle section of our blog for some more life-changing tips.