Acephalgic Migraine Treatment Options

An acephalgic migraine is also known as a "silent migraine" and refers to a migraine attack without the headache. Migraines have four potential phases: prodome, aura, headache and postdrome. Every migraine attack is different and does not have to incorporate each phase. Treatment for acephalgic migraine is consistent with other types of migraines with a de-emphasis on treating the headache.

Acephalgic Migraines

• Each migraine attack is unique and can incorporate different phases and symptoms. Acephalgic migraines refer to migraine attacks without the headache phase. Any type of migraine can be an acephalgic migraine and the treatments are consistent to migraines with headaches. The main difference is there is no emphasis on the headache as this symptom is not present.

  As with all migraines, there is no diagnostic test to confirm acephalgic migraines. Evaluating the symptoms and the patient's personal and family history are the only method to deduce migraine disease. Seizure disorders should be considered in the event that a symptom is affected consciousness.

  Migraines are treated by attempting to assuage the symptoms. With acephalgic migraines, since there is no headache, the other symptoms are considered. Medications include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), anti-nausea medication, Mildrin and ergotamines.

  Mildrin narrows the widened blood vessels consistent with migraine as well as relaxes the body. NSAIDs relieve pain and lower elevated temperature. In higher doses they decrease inflammation. Ergotamines also narrow the blood vessels.

  The causes of migraines are unclear so preventive treatment does not exist. However, if the symptoms are managed the attack can be less traumatic.