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Migraines cause many unusual physiological symptoms during a migraine attack; one valid concern migraine patients often have involves dilated pupils, mydriasis. Below are some common conditions that cause dilated pupils, many of which correlate strongly with or mimic symptoms of migraines.

To date, there are more than 70 health conditions, illnesses, and injuries that are associated with dilated pupils, many of which are directly related to chronic headaches, such as migraines.

Warning

If you suffer from constant migraine attacks that also cause your pupils to dilate, then it’s important to be able to cancel out any underlying health problems, such as brain tumor, or comorbid condition to migraine disorder that also cause your eye pupils to widen or dilate.

Please discuss any occurrence of dilated pupils with your doctor, especially if you have recently been in a car accident or suffered even a mild head injury.

Migraine headaches- Adults and children who experience frequent migraines may notice dilate pupils, in addition to visual distortions (migraine aura), double vision, and hypersensitivity to bright lights and stark white backgrounds. Other migraine symptoms include severe head pain, nausea, fatigue, vomiting, numbness, tingling, and confusion.

Ocular migraines- Also called “retinal migraines” or “ophthalmic migraines,” ocular (eye) migraines cause visual problems such as temporary partial blindness, blurry vision, and double vision, in addition to vertigo and fatigue.

(Related: Headaches can Cause Blindness- 4 Facts about Ocular Migraines)

Cluster headaches- Cluster headaches are a chronic headache condition separate from migraines. Cluster headaches cause eye dilation, eye pain, and sudden sharp head pain.

Tension headaches- Tension headaches caused by tight muscles are also not in the same category as migraines, but frequent tension headaches may sometimes trigger migraines.

Sinus headaches- Stuffy nose and sinus pressure from chronic sinusitis may cause your pupils to dilate, while also aggravating migraines.

(Related: Migraine Headaches Triggered by Coughing)

Stroke- One of the symptoms of stroke includes dilated pupils, in addition to headache, dizziness, confusion, paralysis, and temporary speech impediments.  Chronic migraines are a high risk factor for stroke and heart disease, so it’s worth visiting your doctor if you experience sudden, unusual eye dilation.

(Related: Migraines and stroke: How to tell the Difference)

Botox side effects- Botox injections, commonly used to treat migraines, may cause side effects, including dilated pupils, headache, nausea, and pain at the injection site.

Visual disorders- Eye problems such as nearsightedness or double vision are also common causes of eye pupil dilation.

Medication side effects- It’s worth noting that dilated pupils may be a reaction to medications, including migraine drugs. Other side effects may include nausea, dizziness, vomiting, headache, and seizures.

Caffeine – If you’re currently trying to cut caffeine out of your diet as a means of controlling migraine triggers, then your eye pupils may be dilated as a result of caffeine withdrawal.

Arthritis- Cervical spondylosis (arthritis in the neck) is a degenerative condition that causes neck stiffness and pain, in addition to strong headaches.

Pernicious anemia- Vitamin B12 deficiency from pernicious anemia may result in visual problems, including eye dilation. Vitamin B12 deficiency often occurs with migraine disorder; other symptoms include fatigue, depression, memory loss, and painful numbness and tingling in the extremities from peripheral nerve damage.

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Like this? Read more:

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Sources:

Enlarged (dilated) pupils and Headache: Common Related Medical Conditions

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Millions of people suffer from migraine headaches, yet few patients are able to figure out exactly what causes their migraines.  Even with the help of an experienced migraine specialist, the elusive migraine mystery cause sometimes takes years to solve. Actually, there are many causes of migraines, but few theories.

The short answer

Previously, experts thought that migraines were caused by a blood vessel disorder.

Now, scientists understand that migraines are a neurological disorder, and that migraines are caused by overexcited neurotransmitters in the brain that misbehave, corrupt blood vessel behavior, and produce painful symptoms- headache, neck stiffness, eye sensitivity- that cause a migraine attack.

(Also read: What Causes Migraine Dizziness?)

Migraine triggers, the long answer

Finding the cause for migraines is not really that simple. While we know that migraines happen because of a neurological malfunctioning, what we don’t always know is what outside factors trigger (cause) migraines; in other words, what initiates the chain reaction of symptoms that cause a migraine attack.

Migraine triggers are any elements that push your brain’s “migraine buttons.”

Like a match to a stick of dynamite, migraine triggers don’t really cause migraines, but rather they tease the overactive neurotransmitters into action.

Boom.

Over 100, and counting

Recently, UC Berkeley scientists calculated over 100 migraine triggers that “cause” migraine attacks. These include influential elements in nature, food, behavior, mood, and biological functioning.

(Also read: Avoiding Migraine Triggers- Here, There and Everywhere)

Common migraine triggers include:

• Stress
• Hormonal fluctuations
• Food additives, such as MSG and nitrites
• Chocolate
• Coffee
• Red-skinned fruits
• Aged foods, such as cheese, avocadoes, and bananas
• Dairy products
• Yeasted foods, including beer and bread
• Alcoholic beverages
• Skipping meals
• Sleeping late, or napping
• Scents
• Humidity
• Changes in barometric pressure
• Sinus headaches

Migraine Weather Triggers- Seasonal Migraines in the Fall

Finding your trigger

Narrowing down migraine causes, or triggers, requires patience and determination.

Many migraine patients discover that a nutritional deficiency or allergy is the root cause of migraines.  By correcting the underlying disorder- by avoiding gluten or dairy, or by supplementing with magnesium or B vitamins- they often see a vast improvement in migraine management.

Another way to find the cause of migraines is to start logging into a migraine diary. Keep track of what foods you eat, which medications you take, your mood, and any other relevant information.

Please tell us…

Have you successfully tracked migraine causes with a migraine diary?

Have you tested for magnesium deficiency as a cause of migraines?

Do you have any questions or suggestions?  Please leave your comments below.

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Treat Migraine Headaches caused by Food Allergies- without Drugs

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Migraine Triggers- University of California, Berkeley PDF

Migraine Causes

What Is Migraine? What Causes Migraines?

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There is no cure for migraines, but there are many natural migraine treatments that promote healthy responses in chronic headache patients of migraine disorder.  Here is a list of the 25 herbs, vitamins, and minerals that are most prescribed by natural migraine treatment practitioners.

Note: Never begin any new migraine treatment before first speaking with your doctor. Even “natural remedies” can have dangerous side effects if used incorrectly or without taking into account any current medications or underlying health conditions.

Below are 25 beneficial nutrients- vitamins, minerals, herbs, and spices- for natural migraine treatment.

1- Butterbur (Petasites hybridus): Butterbur supplements have been the focus of many studies on natural migraine prevention. Researchers have found encouraging evidence in support of using 50-75mg of butterbur extracts daily for at least three months for optimal health in patients suffering from migraines, asthma, and muscle spasms. Caution: Avoid butterbur supplements that contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA’s), a known carcinogen. Look for butterbur extracts carrying the label “PA-free.”

Also read: Conquer Allergies and Migraine Headaches with Butterbur- a Migraineur’s Best Friend

2- Riboflavin (Vitamin B2): Alternative medical practitioners recommend about 400mg of riboflavin, taken daily, for about three months. Riboflavin benefits migraine sufferers by promoting cellular metabolism and reducing the effect of oxidative damage.

Also read: Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) in Natural Migraine Ingredients

3- Coenzyme Q10: Coenzyme Q10 is an antioxidant that benefits migraine patients by increasing blood flow to the brain, sustaining healthy circulation, regulating blood-sugar levels, and supporting cellular metabolism. Doctors recommend 60mg-100mg of coenzyme Q10 daily for effective natural migraine management.

4- Magnesium: Some migraine patients suffer from magnesium deficiency, a common trigger of migraine attacks. Health experts recommend beginning with 200mg of magnesium per day, to be increased to 1,000mg if needed. Magnesium helps to sustain health neurological functioning.

Also read: Magnesium- for Migraines and Beyond

5- Omega-3’s: Omega-3 fatty acids have been found to sustain healthy responses to inflammation in people suffering from migraines.  Experts recommend approximately 1,000mg of omega-3 fatty acid supplements daily.

6- 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP): 5-HTP is produced by an amino acid, tryptophan, and is helpful for serotonin management. Doctors suggest 5-HTP as a natural migraine treatment for headaches caused by vascular disorders as a result of low serotonin.

7- Feverfew: Feverfew has been the focus of several studies on natural migraine treatment. Although not clinically proven to have a singular effect on migraine headaches, many Chinese medicine practitioners endorse feverfew tablets for improving inflammatory responses to migraine triggers in the blood vessels.

8- Coffee: For some, caffeine is a migraine trigger. For others, however, a cup of coffee can do wonders to effectively relieve migraine headaches.

9- Ginger: Ginger is helpful for relieving nausea and vomiting caused by migraine attacks.

10- Ginkgo biloba: Some migraine patients have found beneficial properties in ginkgo biloba extracts in naturally treating migraines.

11- Bay laurel: Bay laurel contains many of the same beneficial properties of feverfew in treating migraines naturally.

12- Valerian: Valerian is helpful for reducing stress that triggers migraine attacks.

13- Peppermint: Peppermint promotes gastrointestinal health in alleviating nausea, stomach cramps or vomiting associated with migraines.

14- Cinnamon: Cinnamon has many natural painkilling properties which work by improving inflammatory responses.

15- Lavender: Lavender has an overall calming effect on the body, and is helpful for migraine patients suffering from stress and anxiety.

16- Lemon balm: Lemon balm tea relaxes the stomach muscles and eases the nerves.

17- Vervain: Vervain is another herb that is beneficial for natural migraine treatment of nausea.

18- Jamaican dogwood: Jamaican dogwood tea beneficial for neurological functioning.

19- Kava: Kava contains therapeutic phytochemicals that promote relaxation in the nerves and muscles.

20- Skullcap: Skullcap is one of many herbs that promote mental balance and tranquility.

21- Xiao yao wan: The Chinese herb Xiao yao wan treats migraines naturally be helping to rid the body of toxins which trigger headaches.

22- Rosemary: Inhaling the invigorating scent of rosemary oil is often helpful for patients of chronic pain.

23- Juniper: Like rosemary, juniper oils are also an effective natural migraine treatment.

24- Cayenne: Topical creams containing cayenne are helpful for relieving neck stiffness, back pain, and sore joints.

25- Chasteberry: For treating menstrual migraines, many health experts recommend drinking several cups of chasteberry tea daily.

Please tell us…

What natural migraine treatments do you currently use?

Do you have any questions or suggestions?  Please leave your comments below.

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Like this? Read more:

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Little-known Herb Butterbur Cures Symptoms of Migraine Headaches

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7 Natural Cures for Migraines

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There is no cure for migraines, but there are many natural migraine treatments that promote healthy responses in chronic headache patients of migraine disorder.  Increasingly, migraine specialists agree that by implementing natural migraine treatments such as magnesium, butterbur, and riboflavin, many of their chronic migraine patients have reaped enormous health benefits in managing migraine symptoms.

Migraines are neurological

Migraines are a neurological disorder that occurs only in people who are genetically disposed to them. Migraineurs have “sensitized” nerves that react to various migraine triggers, such as food, alcoholic drinks, weather, hormones, and stress, by producing migraine attacks. Symptoms of migraine attacks include severe headache, nausea, vomiting, neck stiffness, visual distortions, fatigue, disorientation, and sudden speech difficulties. Many of these symptoms are targeted in popular natural migraine treatments, as we will see.

Also read: Migraine Nausea and Vomiting- 10 Natural Home Remedies

Migraine drug side effects

Anti-epilepsy drugs like Topamax, for example, can effectively block migraines by working as an anti-spasmodic.  Long-term, Topamax can cause debilitating symptoms such as chronic fatigue, memory loss, dizziness, and disorientation. Sometimes, Topamax can even cause headaches.

Over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers, when used in excess, can have a rebound effect, essentially triggering more migraine headaches in the future. Many can also cause stomach or esophageal ulcers years later, or symptoms such as tinnitus (ear ringing).

For narcotic migraine treatments, there is always the danger of overdose or harmful drug interactions with other medications or foods.

Also read: Natural Migraine Remedies Surge with Prescription Drug Deaths

Natural migraine treatments

As mentioned, there is no “cure” for migraine disorder. Still, scientists have found that a wide variety of beneficial nutrients- vitamins, herbs, and minerals- may help migraine headache patients by targeting neurological, vascular, or psychological mechanisms in our bodies that have a profound effect on migraine frequency and severity.

Instead of curing migraines, many of these natural migraine treatments aid migraine sufferers by addressing each individual symptom, only without producing the harmful side effects associated with many prescription migraine drugs.

Used under doctor’s supervision, herbs, vitamins, and minerals such as butterbur and magnesium are perfectly safe for migraine patients of all ages, and can be used as a healthy complementary or alternative factor in migraine management.

Also read: Introducing Natural Ingredients for Migraines: What are the Benefits?

Stay tuned: In the next post, we will cover 25 popular natural migraine treatments used by alternative medicine professionals for patients of migraine attacks.

Please tell us…

What natural migraine treatments do you currently use?

Do you have any questions or suggestions?  Please leave your comments below.

Share with your friends!

If you found this article helpful, then please share with your friends, family, and coworkers by email, Facebook, or Google+.

Like this? Read more:

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If you suffer from chronic migraines, cardiovascular disease may also be in the horizon, according to current research from scientists who studied the heart attack rate of migraine patients, compared to people who don’t get migraine headaches.  Here’s the latest information on migraines and cardiovascular disease risks.

Thirty years ago, most people thought that migraine attacks were nothing more than excruciating headaches that lasted longer than common stress headaches.

Today, through numerous scientific studies, we know that migraines are actually a neurological disorder that not only produces debilitating pain; it also impairs cardiovascular health, increasing the risk for heart attack, stroke, and hypertension for many patients of migraines.

And where past studies have exclusively targeted cardiovascular illness among patients of migraines with aura (migraines which cause stroke-like symptoms), latest research also includes migraines without aura as a significant risk factor for heart disease.

Study links migraines and cardiovascular disease

According to scientists at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Yeshiva University, migraine patients are twice as likely to experience heart attacks as non-migraineurs. 

Moreover, patients who get migraines with aura are three times more likely to suffer from cardiovascular disease than people who don’t get chronic headaches.

The study, which was published in 2010 by Neurology, found increased risk for stroke, heart attack, diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol among migraine patient participants.

When treating migraines, most headache specialists fail to address prospective cardiovascular disease in their patients.

(Also read: Migraine Headaches and Then Some…Migraine Comorbidities)

Migraines, with or without aura

Previous studies have found a noticeable cardiovascular health risk among migraine with aura patients over the age of 45.

Now, according to the Einstein College study, scientists see a significantly increased risk for heart disease among all migraine patients, regardless of the appearance of aura symptoms.  Cardiovascular disease symptoms studied include heart attack, high cholesterol, diabetes, hypertension, and stroke.

Where migraine patients, as a whole, are twice more likely to suffer from heart attacks or strokes than people who don’t suffer from chronic headaches, the risk for migraine with aura patients is three times higher.

Also, age doesn’t seem to be a factor, as the chances of having a stroke or heart attack are significantly higher for migraine patients of all ages, even as early as eighteen years of age.

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Sources:

Migraine May Double Risk of Heart Attack

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Migraine + cholesterol = one big headache. Scientists have identified over 100 migraine triggers in food and drink that increase your chances of suffering from a migraine attack. One migraine trigger, cholesterol, has escaped the attention of the public, until recently.

Migraine with aura and cholesterol

If you regularly experience migraines with aura, then you may need to check your cholesterol and triglyceride levels routinely.

According to a scientific study published in Cephalalgia, elderly patients who suffer from migraines with aura are more likely to experience higher-than-normal cholesterol levels than elderly patients of other types of chronic headaches, including migraines without aura. Additionally, migraine with aura patients who participated in the study also exhibited signs of significantly high triglycerides.

The study focused on over 1000 senior citizens, including 925 people who did not suffer from chronic headaches, 64 patients of non-migraine chronic headaches, and 166 migraineurs, out of which 23 experienced migraines with aura.

Scientists are not able to explain why elderly migraine aura patients are six times more likely to suffer from skyrocketing cholesterol levels than their peers. For the moment, researchers acknowledge that hypertension caused by high cholesterol may be a trigger for people who get migraines with aura, and warn migraine patients to check their cholesterol levels routinely.

Other health conditions that highly correlate with migraines with aura include epilepsy, heart disease, stroke, and asthma.

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Like this? Read more:

Migraines and Cardiovascular Risk

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Sources:

Migraine With Aura May Mean Higher Cholesterol

Associations between lipid levels and migraine: cross-sectional analysis in the epidemiology of vascular ageing study

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Today begins Migraine Awareness week in the UK. From September 2-8, migraine patients and specialists all around England and Ireland are making their best effort to help more people understand about migraine attack causes, symptoms that occur with migraines, and the various treatments that are available to help prevent migraines. Here are a few things that you can do to help to raise migraine awareness.

Go to events

Many migraine advocacy groups hold scheduled events in areas all over the US and the UK. Stay updated on migraine group meet-ups and lectures by liking them on Facebook. If they don’t currently sponsor one in your area, don’t be shy…ask them when they plan to schedule your city onto their itinerary.

Volunteer

Better than attending migraine awareness events is volunteering to help out when one comes to your area. You can help by handing out flyers, answering questions about migraines, or collecting money for fundraisers.

Set an example

Every day brings an opportunity to increase awareness of migraines as a neurological disorder. Don’t be shy about (politely) answering questions from friends, coworkers, or even strangers about migraines. The only way to break negative stereotypes or stigmas that people often associate with migraines is to keep the lines of communication open.

5 Migraine Misconceptions you shouldn’t believe

Socialize

Social media is one of the quickest, easiest, economical, and most efficient ways to spread migraine awareness.  Get more involved by becoming active on Facebook, Twitter, or any number of similar social media sites.

Donate

Even a small donation will go far towards funding your favorite migraine awareness campaign. Your charitable donation is tax-deductible, too.

Don’t have money to spend? Set up a fundraiser in your community, will all proceeds going towards your favorite migraine awareness campaign. Encourage friends, neighbors, teachers, and relatives to help you spread the word.

Great migraine sites

Don’t know who to like? Check out these great migraine advocacy sites and blogs for more information on migraine awareness involvement.

• The Migraine Trust (UK)
• Migraine.com
• Help for Headaches & Migraine
• Migraine Research Foundation
• Migraine Action (UK)
• National Headache Foundation
• Somebody Heal Me
• Healing Well
• The Migraine Project
• MAGNUM
• American Headache Society
• National Migraine Centre (UK)

Image(s) courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net

The link between migraines with aura and epilepsy (migralepsy) has been the focus of many scientific studies. Still, migralepsy- epileptic seizures triggered by migraines with aura- are often misunderstood. Do migraines cause epileptic seizures, or is it the other way around? Here are some quick facts about migraines and epilepsy, migralepsy.

Here are some useful statistics and facts regarding migraines and epilepsy:

1. Migraines and epilepsy share many common triggers– both are neurological disorders of a chronic nature that are influenced by factors such as bright lights, food ingredients, stress, and lack of sleep.
2. Migraines and epilepsy both cause symptoms such as severe headache, loss of muscular coordination, stomach cramps, vomiting, fatigue, speech slurring, and loss of consciousness.
3. Patients of migraines and epilepsy share a common comorbidity for chronic depression.
4. In one study on epilepsy and migraines, scientists noted a 20% increase of migraines in epileptic patients, versus non-headache sufferers.
5. Of epilepsy patients who suffer from migraines, about 16% say that epileptic seizures often occur before or during a migraine with aura.
6. The term “migralepsy” was first coined by Dr. Douglas Davidson, but it was alluded to in prior studies focusing on comorbid migraine and epilepsy symptoms.
7. Many scientists believe that genetic makeup may predict one’s chances of developing migraines or epilepsy.
8. Migraines with aura patients are 10 times more likely to experience epileptic seizures than non-migraineurs- approximately 6% of migraine patients have or will have symptoms of epilepsy.
9. Migralepsy is more common in children than adults.
10. Because of the strong correlation between migraines and epilepsy, many migraine specialists prescribe anticonvulsants such as Topamax for their migraine headache patients, particularly when migraines with aura are apparent. However, side effects such as memory loss, chronic fatigue, and dizziness can be equally debilitating.

Please tell us…

Do you have any questions or suggestions?  Please leave your comments below.

Share with your friends!

If you found this article helpful, then please share with your friends, family, and coworkers by email, Facebook, or Google+.

Like this? Read more:

Migraines and Epilepsy: Is Migralepsy for Real?

Migraine Headaches and Then Some…Migraine Comorbidities

Migraine Symptoms- a Short List

Sources:

Epilepsy and migraine- PubMed

Migraine-related seizures in an epileptic population- PubMed

Medical Conditions Associated with Migraines- Epilepsy – Stroke – Anxiety – Depression – RealAge

Should “migralepsy” be considered an obsolete concept? A multicenter retrospective clinical/EEG study and review of the literature- PubMed

ORNL finds common genetic cause for epilepsy, migraine

Co-occurrence of major depression or suicide attempt with migraine with aura and risk for unprovoked seizure

Image(s) courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net

The link between migraines and epilepsy has been the focus of many scientific studies for years. Migralepsy– epileptic seizures triggered by migraines with aura– is a term that is still under much debate, as scientists are hesitant to confirm any migraine-epilepsy relationship beyond mere correlation.

Migraines & epilepsy- the diabolical duo

Migraines and epilepsy share many common traits- they are both chronic neurological disorders that are triggered by various external and internal stimuli. Both epileptic and migraine attacks result in excruciating headaches, stomach cramps, vomiting, and depression.

Migraines and epilepsy are also comorbid conditions. According to statistical data, people who have migraines with aura are more likely to suffer from epilepsy than patients of migraines without aura or other chronic headaches. Likewise, epilepsy patients have a high ratio of migraine headache incidence, more so than non-epileptics.

If you suffer from migraines, then you are likely to have epileptic seizures, as well, and vice versa.

Are Migraines linked with Epileptic Seizures? It’s Genetics

Is migralepsy a real word?

The term migralepsy was coined by Dr. Douglas Davidson, but referred to previously in a scientific study focusing on migraine and epilepsy symptoms that occur together in a seizure:

“…the migraine-like symptoms appear first−the characteristics of ophthalmic migraine with perhaps nausea and vomiting, followed by symptoms−characteristic of epilepsy, impairment or loss of consciousness and involuntary muscle movement.”

However, given the rarity of migraine-induced seizures, as defined by the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD), combined with the burden of causation, some health professionals are tentative to confirm migralepsy as a separate condition which combines migraines and epilepsy together.

Antiepileptic drugs for migraines

It’s no surprise, given the strong correlation between migraines and epilepsy, that many headache specialists, along with the FDA,  endorse the use of anti-epileptic drugs such as Topamax and Valproate as a migraine prophylaxis (preventative treatment) for chronic migraine with aura patients.

Side effects of long-term Topamax medication may include short-term memory loss, difficulty concentrating, fatigue, “brain fog,” and dizziness. Also, certain drug interactions while using Topamax or other anticonvulsant drugs are to be considered before beginning a new migraine treatment.

Please tell us…

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If you found this article helpful, then please share with your friends, family, and coworkers by email, Facebook, or Google+.

Like this? Read more:

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Sources:

Epilepsy and migraine- PubMed

Migraine-related seizures in an epileptic population- PubMed

Medical Conditions Associated with Migraines- Epilepsy – Stroke – Anxiety – Depression – RealAge

Should “migralepsy” be considered an obsolete concept? A multicenter retrospective clinical/EEG study and review of the literature- PubMed

ORNL finds common genetic cause for epilepsy, migraine

Co-occurrence of major depression or suicide attempt with migraine with aura and risk for unprovoked seizure

Image(s) courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Silent migraines– migraine auras without headache– are more common than previously thought. Don’t underestimate the significance of a silent migraine attack- though it may not cause excruciating head pain, migraine auras without headache nevertheless signify a serious neurological disorder that is sometimes linked with stroke, epilepsy and heart disease.

What is a migraine aura?

A migraine aura (MA) is phase two of the four phases of migraine attacks. In many scientific studies, migraines with aura are linked with increased odds for stroke, heart attack, diabetes, and hypertension. (Science Daily)

The four migraine phases

The initial prodrome phase occurs several days before a migraine strikes, and may cause irritability, mood swings, unusual food cravings, or excessive tiredness.

The next stage, migraine with aura, may occur mere minutes before a migraine attack. Symptoms like vertigo, nausea, fatigue, visual distortions, speech impairments, and partial paralysis are warning signs of an impending migraine attack.

Not all migraine patients experience this second “migraine aura phase,” just as not all MA patients progress to the third stage, migraine headache.

The migraine headache phase causes very severe, long-lasting pain on one side of the head. As mentioned, it is not uncommon for a migraine with aura to skip the headache phase and proceed directly into the fourth stage- postdrome, or recuperation.

Silent migraines

Because silent migraines (painless migraines) don’t produce head pain, they are often characterized by the visual distortions that can occur during a migraine with aura. Eye migraine, visual migraine, acephalgic migraine, and ocular migraine are other terms used for migraine auras without headaches.

Even if you experience full migraines with aura, including headache, you may still suffer from silent migraines from time to time. Approximately 20% of migraine with aura (MA) sufferers will also experience migraines auras, without headache.

Symptoms of silent migraines

A migraine aura may last up to one hour, causing a variety of sensory, visual, and neurological impairments.

Symptoms of migraines auras without headache include:

• Visual distortions, including zigzagging flashes of light, blind spots, voids, blurring, “heat waves,” shifting eclipse-shaped images with shimmering edges, and double vision
• Hallucinatory scents similar to burnt popcorn, toxic chemicals, or smoke
• Painful tingling and numbness in the extremities (hands, feet, arms, and legs)
• Partial paralysis
• Sudden inability to communicate verbally, speech slurring
• Disorientation
• Vertigo
• Temporary loss of spatial awareness or time
• Loss of consciousness
• Severe weakness
• Amnesia
• Nausea and vomiting
• Stomach cramps

(Also read Go Ask Alice: Migraine Auras in Wonderland)

Silent migraine treatment

To prevent migraine auras, doctors may prescribe calcium channel blockers (CCBs) or anticonvulsants used to treat epilepsy. Alternatively, magnesium supplements are helpful for boosting the effectiveness of CCBs such as verapamil.

Triptans are not recommended, as they do not effectively work to prevent migraine auras in time and may cause harmful side effects.

Besides magnesium, other natural ingredients which are used to improve neurological health in migraine patients include riboflavin, coenzyme Q10 and butterbur root extracts.

Please tell us…

Do you have any questions or suggestions?  Please leave your comments below.

Share with your friends!

If you found this article helpful, then please share with your friends, family, and coworkers by email, Facebook, or Google+.

Like this? Read more:

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Sources:

Migraine May Double Risk of Heart Attack

Migraine Aura Without Headache

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