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Basilar Artery Migraine Treatment

The basilar artery is a major artery that brings blood to the back of the head. According to "Migraines For Dummies," written by Diane Stafford and Jennifer Shoquist, M.D., when this artery malfunctions, migraines and auras are a result. Now known as basilar migraines or basilar-type migraines, some doctors still refer to it by the old name of basilar artery migraines or BAM.

  1. Diagnosis

    • Because the symptoms of basilar migraine so closely resemble a stroke or brain aneurysm, the patient first has to be diagnosed for these life-threatening conditions. This requires an MRI or a CAT scan of the brain. The doctor may also check the skull to be sure there is not a hairline fracture. After all these conditions have been ruled out can the diagnosis of basilar migraines be given and treatment started.

    Preventive Medication

    • Unfortunately, there is no medication specifically available for the treatment of basilar migraines. But there has been some success with prescribing the calcium channel blocker verapamil off-label. Calcium channel blockers were originally made to help lower high blood pressure. The patient is started on a small dose and gradually built up to whatever dose the doctor thinks is best for that particular patient. Beta blockers can also be tried if calcium-channel blockers are not working.

    Pain Medication

    • Preventive medication will not work for basilar migraine attacks already under way. Painkillers given for basilar migraines are the same as for giving to other types of migraines, with the exception of triptans. These include NSAIDs, ergotamine and narcotics. If an attack is far more severe than usual, go to the hospital.

    Expert Advice

    • MAGNUM, the National Migraine Association, recommends that anyone with basilar artery migraine wear a medical identity bracelet at all times. Because attacks may leave you unable to speak, you will not be able to tell anyone what is the matter with you. Any emergency crews or doctors will immediately begin testing you for stroke instead of giving you pain medication.

    Warning

    • One of the most common types of painkillers for other types of migraine is triptans, such as Zomig (zolmitriptan). Basilar migraines can cause one side of the body to become paralyzed. For this reason, taking triptans for the pain can cause life-threatening side effects, such as extreme dizziness and even seizures.

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