Types of Migraines

Did you know that there are different types of Migraines?

**Most common ones are migraines with and without aura. Auras are symptoms one senses before a migraine headache comes on. These could be visual symptoms such as seeing lines, shapes, and or flashes. Other symptoms could also be sensations of tingling in your arms and legs. People with migraine aura often say that their aura is their warning signal that a migraine is coming on.

**Hemiplegic migraines are those that cause a temporary weakness, possible slight paralysis, on one side of the body and may or may not accompany a headache.. Can be often mistaken for a stroke. However, this weakness/paralysis can last 24 hours, however can last up to less than 72 hours.

**Menstrual migraines usually come on 2-3 days before the menstrual cycle and within the first few days of the womans cycle. This migraine is primarily caused by the estrogen and progesterone level changes in a womans body. Fortunately, this type of migraine only occurs once a month and in females.

**Vestibular migraines symptom is not pain on the head, it is dizziness. Vestibular refers to the inner ear, which controls our balance. When a migraine of this type occurs, the person does not have a headache, they feel dizziness, nausea and vomiting, balance issues, feeling unsteady, disoriented or confused. and extreme motion sickness, When one experiences this, they usually stay in bed until the symptoms last.

**Migraines that last more than 72 hours are called status migrainosus. Often people need to go to the hospital (Emergency room) to help alleviate symptoms of pain, nausea, vomiting, and dehydration. Intravenous (IV) medications are often needed to help control pain and symptoms unrelieved by other medications taken by mouth or intranasal. Also, IV fluids are needed to rehydrate the body.

So remember, it is best to seek medical advice and evaluation to be properly diagnosed with which type of migraine you are experiencing and to be prescribed the best treatment for it.