What are 6 of the Most Common Types of Migraines?

A migraine is a medical condition causing intense headaches or throbbing, auras and other symptoms depending on the type and severity. While migraines are common they can be debilitating and interfere with daily activities. 

Migraines are not all the same. There are several different types of migraines that can each come with their own set of triggers. Below we’ve listed the most common types of migraines. 

Chronic migraine: 

Occurs more than 15 or more days per month for more than 3 months.

Migraine with aura:

One of the most common types of migraines, a migraine with aura is often accompanied by symptoms such as:

• Visual sensitivity (seeing lights or sparkling, blind spots) 

• Dizziness

• Ear ringing

• Sensitivity to light and/or sounds

• The feeling of pins and needles

• Trouble speaking

• Gastrointestinal distress (nausea, diarrhea, vomiting)

Menstrual migraine:

Migraines that occur in a pattern with a woman’s menstrual cycle. This type of migraine is hormone related, directly influenced by the changing levels of estrogen and progesterone surrounding the menstrual cycle. Symptoms typically resolve after menstruation but can also be influenced by things such as:

• Birth control

• Hormone replacement therapy

• Menopause or perimenopause

Abdominal migraine:

Abdominal migraines are common in children, specifically under 14 years old. This type of migraine causes distress in the gut and digestive system and is paired with nausea, diarrhea or vomiting. The primary complaint may be “stomach pain”. 

Vestibular migraine:

Vestibular migraines are paired with severe vertigo (dizziness) that can be debilitating and are caused by an issue in the nervous system. Different from other types of migraines, people who experience vestibular migraines may not have any head pain or throbbing at all. Symptoms associated with this type of migraine are:

• Dizziness

• Issues with balance

• Nausea or vomiting

• Motion sensitivity

• Sound sensitivity

Basilar migraine:

The Basilar migraine, aka Migraine with brainstem aura, is less common than other types of migraines. This type of migraine starts in the brainstem and can cause neurological symptoms such as:

• Dizziness

• Double vision

• Trouble speaking

• Loss of balance

• Confusion

• Difficulty hearing

• Difficulty seeing

• Body tingling

In general, migraines are often genetic but can also be triggered by different medical conditions, environmental factors and medications. If you are experiencing any symptoms associated with a migraine please call us today to determine the root of your problem and begin effective treatment measures.

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