There are many different types of migraine (unfortunately, they’re all equally painful). They all share a few basic symptoms, but each type has its own differentiating characteristics. Generally, all migraines begin the same way: a dull ache that, over a period of a few minutes, turns into a throbbing or pulsating pain that’s located in the temples and the back or front of one side of the head. The two most prevalent types of migraine are the common migraine and the classic migraine.
Common migraines (also known as migraine without aura): These are “regular” migraines. They’re caused by changes in the size of the arteries in the brain. These headaches last for three to four hours (or longer, depending on the severity; some can actually last for a week!). There’s no real pattern to when they occur; they can happen at any time of day.
Classic migraines (also known as migraine with aura): The only feature that distinguishes this from a common migraine is that sufferers see an aura before the headache begins. The aura – or visual disturbance – is caused by neurological symptoms, and begin anywhere from five to thirty minutes before the onset of a migraine. They can manifest as wavy lines, dots, flashing lights, tunnel vision, or blind spots. In more severe cases, a person’s neurological disruption can be really frightening – there may be a tingling or “pins and needles” feeling in the head, visual or auditory (sound) hallucinations, even trouble remembering words. These symptoms can last for up to an hour, but normally fade away when the actual headache begins.
Opthalmoplegic migraines: With this relatively rare type of migraine, the pain is centered in the eye. It surrounds the eye socket and may even cause temporary paralysis in the muscles around the eye. These symptoms can be caused by pressure on the nerves located in the back of the eye, so medical attention should always be sought if this type of migraine occurs.
Hemiplegic migraines: This type is also relatively rare, and very severe. Sufferers of hemiplegic migraines get an aura before the onset of the headache. Its distinguishing feature is that, in addition to the aura, it causes temporary motor paralysis or sensory disturbances on one side of the body immediately before the headache hits. This type especially seems to run in families.
Retinal migraines: This type begins with a loss of vision in one eye. It can be either complete or partial loss, but is always temporary. The pain will be a dull ache concentrated behind the eye and sometimes spreading to the rest of the head.
Basilar artery migraines: Very rare, this form of migraine tends to strike adolescent girls and women in their early twenties, since it is most likely related to hormonal influences. It’s among the most frightening type of migraine for those who aren’t accustomed to them; symptoms include dizziness, confusion, the inability to balance, the inability to speak correctly, vomiting, visual problems, ringing in the ears, and a throbbing pain centered in the back of the head. Basilar artery migraines come on very suddenly. They usually go away as the sufferer reaches adulthood, and are generally replaced by classic migraines.
Abdominal migraines: Did you know that migraines don’t always have to be centered only in the head? That’s the case with abdominal migraines – as the name implies, they’re initially felt in the abdominal area. That’s why this type is often difficult to diagnose, because its symptoms – nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea – can be easily mistaken for other problems. The symptoms show up as a forerunner to a migraine, and can last for hours at a time. This type is most prevalent in children.