7 Types of Migraine Headaches. Which One Do You Have?

Migraine Headaches

Migraine headaches affect at least 1 in 7 Americans, every year.

As a primary headache disorder, it remains a fairly common condition most of us have experienced at least once in our lives. However, some of us experience these migraines more frequently than others.

To be able to get the right treatment for our pain, it is important to identify what types of migraine headaches we’re experiencing.

Let’s have a look at how many there are, and how we can learn to tell them apart.

How Many Types of Migraine Headaches Are There?

Generally, migraines are classified into two categories. These include migraines with aura (the classical migraine) and migraines without aura (the common migraine). Aura refers to the experience of seeing lines, flashes or loss of vision.

In addition to these, there are other sub-categories of migraines.

Hemiplegic Migraine

This kind of migraine can cause temporary paralysis within the person. A person may experience symptoms similar to that of a stroke, so it is important to distinguish between the two. The hemiplegic migraine generally causes weakness within at least one side of the body.

This usually manifests as a “pins and needles” sensation or a dull numbness. These migraines usually run within the family, however, sometimes they can also occur sporadically. These kinds of migraines are fairly rare.

Retinal Migraine

A retinal migraine is one that is accompanied by the loss of vision. They’re also called ocular migraines. The loss of vision can be partial or complete and may occur in one or both eyes.

However, this is usually reversible and passes by itself within a few minutes or an hour. If the loss of vision persists, it is highly advisable to consult a medical professional.

Vestibular Migraine

A vestibular migraine is one that is accompanied by vertigo. You will notice dizziness, disorientation, and difficulties maintaining your balance. You are likely to feel both, pain as well as a feeling of lightheadedness brought upon by vertigo.

Chronic Migraine

A chronic migraine refers to a condition where you have headaches for a minimum of fifteen days a month, for more than three months. Another diagnostic technicality is that the headaches must resemble migraines for at least 8 of the 15 days within the month.

Due to the frequency of pain, this type of migraine is perhaps, one of the most debilitating.

What to Do if You Have a Migraine?

Often migraines can be a sign of something more severe, and it is important that you get both, the pain as well as the root cause addressed. If you have any of these types of migraine headaches, we encourage you to consult a qualified, experienced professional.

Pain management is a big part of what we do, and we can assist you with yours. Get in touch with us to set up your appointment, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible!