What are the main Types of Migraine and Their Causes?

What are the main Types of Migraine and Their Causes?

Migraine is a kind of cerebral pain (Headache) that can cause extraordinary pulsating or pulsing pain in one area of the head. It's a widespread neurological condition that affects millions of people around the world. There are different types of migraine, and each one has its own set of causes. In this blog post, we'll be looking at the main types of migraine and their causes. We'll also discuss how to recognize the symptoms of each kind of migraine and what treatment options are available.

What is Migraine?

Migraine is a type of headache that affects up to 12 percent of the populace and can be weakening for the people who experience the ill effects of it. Migraine headaches typically cause throbbing pain on one side of the head, joined by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. It is essential to understand what migraine is in order to recognize the different types of migraine, identify the symptoms, and determine the best treatment option.

Difference between migraine and headache

Migraines are more intense than regular headaches and can be accompanied by a variety of other symptoms. While the intensity of migraine headaches can be debilitating, headaches caused by tension or sinus issues typically don't cause as much disruption to daily life. Typical migraine symptoms include sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, vomiting, and extreme fatigue. 

Migraine types can vary from person to person, but the most common type is migraine with aura. This type of migraine typically involves a visual disturbance, like seeing spots or flashing lights, and can be preceded by an atmosphere that causes a tingling sensation or other physical changes. Migraine without aura is another common type that is characterized by a severe headache, often accompanied by nausea and vomiting. 

Basilar artery migraines, hemiplegic migraines, ophthalmoplegic migraines, and status migrainosus are other types of migraines that may affect individuals differently. Treatment for migraine headaches often includes medications as well as lifestyle modifications like stress reduction, regular sleep schedules, avoiding certain foods, and getting regular exercise.

Types of Migraine

Migraine is a complex condition that can manifest itself in various forms. Knowing the different types of migraine is vital to get the correct diagnosis and proper treatment. Here are some common types of migraine and their symptoms: 

Migraine with Aura: 

This type of migraine includes neurological symptoms that occur before or during a headache. These symptoms can consist of flashes of light, blind spots, difficulty speaking, tingling sensations, and other visual disturbances. 

Migraine Without Aura: 

This type of migraine does not present any neurological symptoms before or during the headache. 

Basilar Artery Migraine: 

This type of migraine involves dizziness and vertigo, difficulty speaking, double vision, and other symptoms related to issues with blood flow to the brain.

Ophthalmoplegic Migraine: 

This type of migraine is characterized by pain behind the eye, drooping eyelids, double vision, and difficulty moving the eye. 

Hemiplegic Migraine: 

This type of migraine causes paralysis or weakness on one side of the body, along with a severe headache. 

Status migrainosus: 

This is a highly severe form of migraine that causes severe and debilitating headaches lasting more than 72 hours. Symptoms of this type of migraine can also include fever, vomiting, stiff neck, confusion, and other neurological disturbances. 

It is essential to discuss your specific symptoms with your doctor so they can diagnose and treat your condition correctly. Different types of migraines require other treatments, and Your doctor may recommend medication, lifestyle changes, dietary changes, or alternative therapies to help manage your migraine symptoms and reduce the frequency of your headaches.

Migraine with aura

Migraine with aura is one of the most common types of migraine and is characterized by the appearance of visual, sensory, or cognitive changes before the onset of a headache. This type of migraine usually starts with neurological symptoms, such as a shimmering light in the field of vision, changes in smell or taste, numbness in the face or limbs, difficulty speaking, or confusion. These symptoms are usually followed by a severe headache which can last up to 72 hours if left untreated.

The causes of migraine with aura are not yet fully understood, but they may be related to inflammation of the blood vessels in the brain. Other possible factors include genetics, specific triggers, stress, and hormonal changes.

When it comes to migraine treatment, medications like triptans are commonly prescribed for migraine with aura. These medications are used to reduce the intensity and frequency of headaches. Non-pharmacological treatments such as relaxation techniques, massage, and yoga can also be effective for managing migraine symptoms.

Migraine without aura

Migraine without aura is the standard type of migraine and is the simplest to diagnose. It is characterized by recurrent moderate to severe headaches, typically on one side of the head, that last anywhere from four to 72 hours. Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.

But experts believe it is due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. It can be triggered by certain foods, stress, bright lights, alcohol consumption, hormonal changes, or lack of sleep.

While there is no known cure for migraines, there are many treatments available to help reduce their frequency and intensity. These include medications such as pain relievers, antinausea medications, or anti-inflammatory drugs; lifestyle modifications such as getting enough sleep, avoiding triggers, and stress management; biofeedback and relaxation techniques; and acupuncture.

Basilar artery migraine

Basilar artery migraine is one of the migraine types that affect the brainstem. Symptoms typically involve vertigo, double vision, and trouble speaking. This type of migraine is often accompanied by auras that can be visual, sensory, or motor. The diagnosis of basilar artery migraine can be difficult because its symptoms are similar to other illnesses, including stroke and epilepsy.

Common symptoms of basilar artery migraine include dizziness, loss of balance, ringing in the ears, double vision, slurred speech, nausea, and vomiting—consciousness or sensation on one side of the body. 

Due to its similarities with stroke-like symptoms, it is crucial for a doctor to rule out any other medical causes before diagnosing basilar artery migraine. Treatment for this migraine type is usually medications prescribed by a doctor, such as anti-seizure medications, beta-blockers, and calcium channel blockers. Additionally, lifestyle modifications such as stress reduction and avoiding triggers can help reduce the frequency of migraines.

Ophthalmoplegic migraine

Ophthalmoplegic migraine is a rare type of migraine that affects the muscles and nerves around the eye. It is characterized by sharp, shooting pain around the eye, usually in one eye, along with other symptoms such as eye paralysis, double vision, drooping eyelids, and tearing. This type of migraine typically lasts for several days and requires medical treatment.

The exact cause of ophthalmoplegic migraine is unknown. However, it is believed to be related to the blood vessels in the eye, which may become inflamed during an episode. Genetics may also play a role as some individuals with this type of migraine have a family history of the condition.

The most common symptom of ophthalmoplegic migraine is eye pain that is felt around the eye or temple area. This type of migraine may also cause other symptoms, such as eye paralysis, double vision, drooping eyelids, and tearing. Other migraine symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light, may also be present.

Treatment for ophthalmoplegic migraine is similar to treatment for other migraine types. If over-the-counter medications are not effective, a doctor may prescribe more vital medicines, such as triptans or ergotamine, to reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines. In addition to medications, lifestyle changes such as avoiding triggers and getting regular sleep can help reduce the occurrence of migraines.

Status migrainosus

Status migrainosus is a rare type of migraine that is characterized by prolonged and severe symptoms that last for more than 72 hours. It is one of the most painful and debilitating forms of migraine and is not as common as other migraine types. Symptoms associated with status migrainosus include an intense headache, nausea, vomiting, vision disturbances, light and sound sensitivity, vertigo, and neck stiffness.

The exact cause of status migrainosus is unknown, however, it is thought to be triggered by certain lifestyle factors such as stress, lack of sleep, dehydration, alcohol consumption, and changes in hormones. In some cases, underlying medical conditions such as high blood pressure or an abnormal heart rate can also trigger status migrainosus.

Treatment for status migraines will depend on the severity of the symptoms and can include medications, lifestyle modifications, and natural remedies. Medications typically prescribed for this type of migraine include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or naproxen; triptans such as sumatriptan; antinausea medications such as metoclopramide; and corticosteroids such as prednisone. Lifestyle modifications can include avoiding potential triggers, getting enough sleep and rest, eating healthy, regularly exercising, and reducing stress. Natural remedies for status migraines may consist of herbs such as feverfew and butterbur, essential oils such as lavender and peppermint, acupuncture, yoga, and meditation. 

Hemiplegic migraine

Hemiplegic migraine is one of the rarest types of migraines and is often confused with stroke symptoms. It is characterized by temporary motor weakness on one side of the body, along with typical migraine symptoms such as severe head pain, nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light. As this type of migraine has a higher risk of recurrence, it is vital to receive proper treatment.

Common symptoms of hemiplegic migraine include a tingling or numbing sensation, muscle weakness or paralysis on one side of the body, and temporary vision changes or loss. Other migraine symptoms, such as head pain, nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light, can also occur.

Treatment for hemiplegic migraine typically involves the use of medications that reduce the intensity and frequency of migraines, such as triptans, beta-blockers, or anti-seizure medications. In some cases, lifestyle changes like reducing stress, getting adequate rest, and avoiding triggers like certain foods and drinks can also help reduce the frequency of migraines. Additionally, your doctor may recommend physical therapy to help improve strength and coordination if you experience lasting muscle weakness after an attack.

Treatment of migraine

Migraine treatment depends on the type and severity of symptoms. It's essential to identify the type of migraine you have in order to determine the best treatment plan. Common treatments for all migraine types include medications, lifestyle changes, and relaxation techniques.

Medications are used to help relieve migraine symptoms, as well as reduce their frequency. Common medications used for migraine treatment include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), triptans, ergotamines, and combination medications that contain both pain relief and antinausea components.

Lifestyle changes can also help reduce migraine symptoms. Keeping a regular sleep schedule, avoiding known triggers,  a balanced diet plan, and staying hydrated are some of the best ways to relieve migraines. In addition, engaging in regular exercise, practicing stress management techniques, and avoiding alcohol can all help reduce migraines.

Relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, yoga, and meditation, are also beneficial for managing migraines. These techniques can help reduce stress and relax your body, which can help reduce the intensity of migraine symptoms.

If lifestyle changes and relaxation techniques are not effective in reducing migraine symptoms, it may be necessary to seek medical help. Your doctor may recommend medications, Botox injections, or nerve blocks to treat your migraines. In some cases, surgery may be recommended to treat severe and chronic migraine headaches.

No matter what type of migraine you suffer from, there is an effective treatment available. Speak to your doctor about your migraine symptoms and the various treatment options that are available. With the right combination of treatments and lifestyle modifications, you can manage your migraines and live a more comfortable life.