What Are the Treatments for Silent Migraines?

Treatment for silent migraines, which usually involve appearance of visual aura but no pain, can be complex and often combines medication with preventive measures, including lifestyle changes, to help curb the attacks.

Causes

• Researchers believe that decreased blood flow to the brain, coupled with overstimulation of nerve cells, results in the visual disturbances.

Features

• Auras are often described as a wavy or jagged line of bright or colored lights passing across the field of vision. The visual symptoms are often accompanied by distortions of smell, hearing and taste.

Effects

• Silent migraines can be frightening and debilitating, and many people find it hard to function normally during and after an event because of the intensity of the visual and sensory disturbances.

Triggers

• Triggers include stress, bright lights, noises, extreme weather conditions, lack of sleep, caffeine, alcohol and certain foods, such as aged cheese, nuts, chocolate, wine and pickled foods. Hormonal changes in women can also be a contributing factor.

Prevention/Solution

• Keep a daily journal of symptoms, along with a record of the food you consume, changes in sleep or stress levels and other possible triggers, which can help your doctor determine the best treatment. Medications that may alleviate symptoms include some blood pressure medications, antidepressants and anticonvulsants.