A popular misconception among people is that a migraine is just a kind of headache. But those who suffer from this chronic ailment know that a migraine is worse than a headache. And migraine does not always cause headaches; it can cause nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. Sometimes a migraine patient may not even face a headache.
This is because migraines have various types, and not all cause headaches. Read on because here we will discuss different types of migraines and everything about the condition.
Migraine with aura
In this kind of migraine, people visualise bright coloured lines or lights in the visual field, called an 'aura phase'. They can also feel sensations in their bodies during migraine attacks because this condition changes blood flow in some brain areas that are responsible for touch and vision.
Migraine without aura
It is one of the common types of migraine headaches. People with migraines without aura do not face the ‘aura phase’. They can feel symptoms like sensitivity to sound and light, headache, vomiting, nausea, etc.
Chronic Migraine
There are several kinds of migraines. And if your migraine headache stays longer than a week or at least 15 days, it is probably a chronic migraine. Chronic migraine cannon develop all of a sudden but over time. Usually, it occurs if one excessively uses migraine medications like ibuprofen, opioids, and barbiturates.
Hemiplegic migraine
Hemiplegic migraine can be caused by genetics and is a rare migraine type. In this ailment, people can experience aura and muscle weakness during an attack. People can also find difficulty in speech and confusion in understanding simple things. Though the condition tends to be genetic, recent research says that overactive brain nerve cells can cause hemiplegic migraine.
Retinal Migraine
Retinal Migraine is also one of the rare types of migraine where the affected nerves in the retina trigger attacks. In this types of migraine attack, people experience aura but only in one eye. It can also cause partial or permanent vision loss.
Menstrual migraine
Menstrual migraine is a headache a woman can feel after three or two days of their menstruation cycle. But the headache can last longer and create a severe nauseous feeling. It can be triggered due to a lack of progesterone and estrogen during the start of the menstrual cycle.
Vestibular migraine
A vestibular migraine is among the different types of migraines where people experience aura. But in this case, people also feel vertigo and dizziness, which may cause vomiting and nausea.
Abdominal migraine
Abdominal migraine causes pain in the abdomen but no headache. This pain in the abdomen is considered one of the types of migraine pain as it is caused by genes responsible for migraine. It only occurs in children under 12 and goes away with time.
Causes of migraine
Scientists are yet to find the causes of migraine; some assume genetics and some abnormal brain activity as causes of migraine. But some triggers cause different types of migraine pain.
- Extreme weather or severe heat.
- Bright or flashing lights.
- Loud noise.
- Hormonal changes in AFAB people, especially during menstruation, menopause or pregnancy.
- Excessive stress or physical activity.
- Dehydration.
- Fasting.
- Various medications like nitroglycerin or oral contraceptives.
- Specific food.
- Use of alcohol and smoking.
Migraine medications
Migraine is an ailment related to the nervous system. Researchers have not found any cure for this condition. But you use OTC or prescribed medications to manage types of migraine pain caused by migraine. Migraine medications include-
- Triptans
- NSAIDs
- Antiemetics
- Antihypertensives
- Ergot alkaloids
- Botox
- Antidepressants
- Anticonvulsants
Conclusion
Knowing about the types of migraines can help you understand the symptoms and triggers of the condition. And seek medical help when needed. LivLong is the best healthcare provider in India, where you can get expert consultation and treatment for migraine.
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