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3 Major Types of Migraines

Migraine headaches can cause moderate to intense pain and a variety of other symptoms that often interfere with daily life for sufferers. There are many types of migraines and migraine sufferers each experience migraines differently. Treatment varies depending on the type, symptoms and severity for each person. Three types of migraines are more common than others.

  1. Common

    • Most people with migraines have common migraines, according to Health.com. Common migraines are characterized by throbbing pain, often on one side of the head, that builds intensity with physical activity. Migraine pain is debilitating for some sufferers. MayoClinic.com explains that other symptoms of migraine include drowsiness, irritability or depression, thirst, craving for sweet foods or candy, feelings of elation and bursts of energy prior to the migraine hitting and nausea (sometimes with vomiting) and sensitivity to light and sound once the migraine hits.

    Classic

    • Classic migraines have symptoms similar to common migraines, but are preceded by additional symptoms. This group of additional symptoms is called an aura, according to Health.com. The aura usually starts about 30 minutes before the actual headache and includes visual disturbances (such as flashing lights, blurred vision and seeing spots or wavy lines), tingling sensations in extremities, numbness or weakness and feelings of confusion. Some people experience only one symptom during the aura. Others experience many symptoms, one after another. For some, the aura fades as the headache pain builds, for others the aura continues into the actually migraine.

    Rebound

    • HealthTree.com describes rebound headaches as the third major type of migraine. Rebound headaches, sometimes called rebound migraines, are common among migraine sufferers and are actually the result of overuse of pain medication. Over time the body becomes resistant to certain medications, like those used to treat migraines. As the body builds resistance, more and more medication is needed to reduce migraine pain. According to MayoClinic.com, once the body has built up a significant resistance, taking pain medicine can actually trigger headache symptoms.

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