The Different Types of Migraines

Most people suffer from migraine headaches in which they experience severe head pain that can be accompanied by nausea, dizziness, vomiting or vision problems. In some instances, migraines can also lead to complications in other parts of the body. Migraines also lead to pain on one or the two sides of the head. Below are some types of migraine headaches.

List of the Types of Migraine Headaches

Ophthalmoplegic Migraine

This is a rare type of migraine headache that is mostly common in children and young adults. It begins with pain behind the eyes and can lead to double vision or paralysis of the eye muscles. A patient might also experience seizures and vomiting. During treatment the doctor checks for an aneurysm which is a spot in the brain that bulges out to find out if it might be the cause of the symptoms. When one suffers from this type of migraine headache one is advised to visit a doctor before engaging in any type of over the counter or prescriptive drugs. Doctors usually prescribe antidepressants such as nortriptuline or asamitriptyline to treat this problem. Other methods of treatment include steroids, acupuncture, chiropractic techniques and hypnosis. Combination of the above treatment may also be prescribed by a doctor depending on individual circumstances.

Basilar Migraine

This is a type of migraine headache that is accompanied by vertigo and dizziness before the real headache begins. The major causes of this problem include stress, hunger, caffeine, bright light, sleep deprivation or certain medications. It might also lead to ringing in the ears, loss of balance, slurred speech, syncope and loss of consciousness before the headache occurs. It mostly affects young women and adolescent girls thus it is believed that it is caused by hormonal changes that affect ladies of these ages. The treatments of this problem focus of relieving the pain symptoms and nausea. Some of the medication administered includes ibuprofen, naproxen, and other antinausea medicines. The doctor might also prescribe anticonvulsant medications such as topamax, depakote to prevent migraines.

Chronic Migraine

This affects those people who suffer from repeated or ingoing episodes of migraine. The major symptoms include headaches for at least half of the days in one month. It mostly starts during the late teenage period or early adulthood stage. The frequency of this migraine headache increase with time. This problem is treated using prescription and over the counter drugs, but overmedication can make the headaches worse. In most cases patients suffering from this migraine headache tend to get depression. In such instances antidepressant are administered to them. Chronic migraine is also treated using prescriptive drugs and over the counter drugs in order to stop the pain. There are also preventative medications provided to prevent the headache before it arises. One is advised to visit a doctor if the headache persists for more medications.

Familial Hemiplegic Migraine

This type of migraine headache is associated with genetic defects. It is characterized by dizziness, blurred speech, loss of balance and coordination, body paralysis and pain in one or both sides of the head. The headache can last for five to ten days. Treatment for this problem may include preventative medications such as anticonvulsant medications or acute medications such as magnesium sulfate or intravenous valproic acid.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published.