Can You Have a Migraine Without Aura?

Can You Have a Migraine Without Aura
Migraine without aura is the most common type of migraine

You can have a migraine without an aura. In fact, migraine without aura is the most common type of migraine. Aura refers to a set of symptoms that usually precedes a migraine headache, such as vision changes, dizziness, or weakness.

What are the symptoms of migraine without aura?

A single episode of migraine with or without aura can last between 4-72 hours and goes through several stages. Common symptoms include:

Throbbing pain that is typically on one side of the head and worse with movement
Sensitivity to light, smells, sound, motion, and touch
Upset stomach
Nausea
Vomiting
Stiffness in the shoulders and neck
Crankiness or irritability

What causes migraine without aura?

Scientists are not sure what exactly causes migraines, but believe that they are caused by a combination of factors:

A wave of nerve cell activity spreads across the brain and excites the trigeminal nerve. This excitement leads to the release of neurotransmitters or brain chemicals, such as serotonin, calcitonin gene-related peptide, and dopamine, that trigger a change in the size of blood vessels, releasing more neurotransmitters and causing an inflammatory process
Migraines often run in families, suggesting a genetic component.
Changes in estrogen levels, such as during menopause, menstrual cycles, and pregnancy, can lead to migraines for some people.

What are other types of migraine?

Migraine with aura: Characterized by temporary focal neurological symptoms (seeing bright spots or zigzags, tinnitus, and dizziness) that usually precede or sometimes accompany the primary symptom, which is a headache.
Brainstem migraine: Occurs when the aura starts in the base of the brain (brainstem) and includes symptoms such as vertigo and difficulty hearing or speaking.
Hemiplegic migraine: A rare type of migraine in which aura causes weakness on one side of the body (hemiplegia).
Retinal migraine: Characterized by temporary loss of vision in one eye that may or may not accompany a headache.
Chronic migraine: A highly disabling condition characterized by headaches that occur at least 15 days per month with at least 8 days of headaches with migraine features for over 3 months.

What triggers migraine without aura?

Stress
Missing or skipping a meal
Certain foods (aged cheese, alcohol, chocolate, food additives, and fermented foods)
Caffeine (excessive caffeine consumption or caffeine withdrawal)
Routine use of pain-relief medications
Flashing lights
Loud noises
Not drinking enough water
Not getting enough sleep
Overexertion
Lack of sleep
Perfumes and strong odors
Excessive dieting
Changes in weather conditions or altitude
Hormonal changes

QUESTION

Who suffers more frequently from migraine headaches?
See Answer

How is migraine without aura diagnosed?

After performing a thorough physical examination and analyzing your medical history, your doctor may recommend certain tests to confirm a diagnosis:

Computed tomography (CT) scan: Takes detailed images of the brain.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan: Takes images of tissues, organs, and structures inside the body through magnets and radio waves.

What are complications of migraines?

Physical complications

Stroke or migrainous infarction (mostly seen in younger women, wherein the blood vessels to the brain get narrowed and the oxygen supply is cut off)
Status migrainosus (relentless attack that lasts for more than 3 days)
Migraine-triggered seizure
Vertigo
Insomnia
Serotonin syndrome (syndrome caused by overuse of triptans and characterized by agitation, confusion, diarrhea, twitchy muscles, and racing heartbeat)
Rebound headaches