Are there different types of migraines?
There are different types of migraines, but the most common types fall into two categories:
· Migraine with aura.
· Migraine without aura.
The ‘migraine with aura’ is also used for some of the rarer forms of migraine, which also have another name. These include migraine with brainstem aura, where symptoms such as loss of balance, double vision, or fainting can occur. Familial hemiplegic migraine, where reversible paralysis occurs, is also classed as ‘migraine with aura’. There are other rare forms of migraine, which are classed separately.
The 'migraine without aura' last between 4 and 72 hours when untreated or unsuccessfully treated. The headache is usually on one side of the head with a throbbing or pulsating pain which affects your normal daily life and will worsen when if you do everyday exercise such as walking or climbing stairs. During this type of migraine you will be likely to feel sick and may vomit or have diarrhea. You may also become sensitive to light (photophobia) and/or sound (phonophobia).
Likely frequency of attacks may occur anything from once a year to several times per week.