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Different Levels of Migraine Headaches

Migraines are severe recurrent throbbing headaches, often occurring on one side of the head and accompanied by other symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, light sensitivity, difficulty sleeping and depression. Migraines may persist for hours or days at a time and may be triggered by hormonal fluctuations, food sensitivities, physical exercise, stress and environmental changes. According to S.J. McPhee and M.A. Papadakis in "Current Medical Diagnosis and Treatment," many migraines are preceded by a prodome (specific symptoms), such as loss of appetite, food craving, changes in patterns of eilmination or mood changes. An aura with visual disturbances may also occur. Severity of symptoms varies widely with all types of migraines.

  1. Without Aura

    • According to Neurology Channel, the most common migraines are those without aura. These migraines may occur on one side or both sides of the head and often include a prodrome of mood changes and feeling of tiredness. Headaches are often accompanied by gastrointestinal upset and light sensitivity, so people often stay in a room with curtains drawn and lights out until the headache subsides.

    With Aura

    • An aura occurs with some migraines. The aura begins about half an hour to an hour before the headache starts with visual disturbances, such as bright spots in the field of vision, shimmering lights or flashes or zigzags of light. Some people see visual hallucinations. The aura occurs as the vessels in the brain constrict (narrow), decreasing circulation. The aura may include numbness and tingling of the face and hands and generalized weakness.

    Basilar Artery

    • Basilar artery migraine affects the basilar artery in the brain stem and includes an aura with visual disturbances as well as motor disturbances. People, usually the young, may suffer ringing in the ears, lack of balance, dizziness, difficulty speaking and numbness around the mouth and in the hands and feet. This pounding headache is felt primarily in the back of the head.

    Ophthalmic

    • Ophthalmic migraine results in severe pain about the eye as well as gastrointestinal upset, such as nausea and vomiting. According to S.J. McPhee and M.A. Papadakis in "Current Medical Diagnosis and Treatment," the eye pain results from involvement of the facial nerves (usually 3 and 6) that control the eyes. People may have double vision and persistent ptosis (drooping) eyelid on the affected side.

    Familial Hemiplegic

    • Familial hemiplegic migraine is an inherited form of migraine that includes an aura with visual disturbances and neurological symptoms, including confusion, difficulty moving and walking, seziures, coma and uncontrolled eye movements (nystagmus). According to Genetics Home Reference, people may have impaired memory for weeks after a migraine and about 20 percent develop long-term neurological impairment, such as unstable gait.

    Menstrual

    • Some migraines are directly associated with fluctuations in hormones and usually occur each month with menstruation and lesson during pregnancy. However, some women first develop menstrual headaches during pregnancy or at onset of menopause, so it's probably more accurately described as a hormonal migraine.

    Carotidynia

    • Carotidynia (literally pain in the carotid) is pain and swelling in the area of the carotid arteries that travel along the sides of the neck into the brain. Most pain is felt in the lower part of the face, especially in the neck and jaw. Carotidynia occurs most often in older adults and may be recurrent, lasting for brief periods or for many hours.

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