A migraine is a severe headache that starts in one side of the head and then spreads to other parts. The pain is usually throbbing, but some people experience sharp pains. Migraines can be one-sided or on both sides and usually cause one eye to become very sensitive to light. They can be accompanied by vomiting, fever, and increased sensitivity to sound and smell. The syndrome is usually periodic, with episodes lasting from a few hours to several days.
They can be debilitating and severely limit a person’s ability to continue daily activities. In all cases, the first step for treatment should always consist of pain relievers, and medication indicated explicitly for migraines, such as triptans or anti-nausea medications. If it does not respond to treatment, you may need to see an Ionia migraines specialist. In this article, we look at the different types of migraines.
Vestibular Migraines
Vestibular migraines are the most common type of migraine, occurring in up to 60% of people who have migraines. The name comes from the word “vertigo,” which refers to the sensation that you or things around you are spinning. This is because vestibular migraines disrupt your sense of balance and cause headaches, often accompanied by sensitivity to light and noise. As well as dizziness, they can cause nausea and vomiting and may affect your ability to concentrate.
Chronic Migraines
Chronic migraines, like vestibular migraines, are less common than classic migraines. They tend to occur more frequently – between 3 and 12 times a month. Chronic migraines may last for days at a time and can severely disrupt your regular activities. They are different from episodic migraines that only affect you 1 or 2 times a month. Chronic migraines are also different from classic migraine as they may be accompanied by auras and do not necessarily result in intense pain.
Acute Migraines
Acute migraines are also less common, occurring in just 25% of people who have migraines. This type of migraine is characterized by intense, excruciating head pain that usually lasts for 30 minutes to several hours. They can be accompanied by nausea and vomiting and may cause extreme sensitivity to light and noise. The onset of acute migraine is usually sudden.
Menstrual Migraines
This type of migraine is closely tied to the menstrual cycle. Many women suffer from migraines just before they start their period or when it is about to end. The pain may also occur during ovulation at mid-cycle. This type of migraine can affect women in their teens, 20s, or 30s, although it usually affects older women.
Classic Migraine
Classic migraines typically affect around 10% of people who have migraines but can occur as often as 16 times a month. They tend to cause intense pain on one side of the head, often accompanied by sensitivity to light and noise and sometimes mild nausea and vomiting. They can last for hours or even days.
In summary, a migraine is a severe headache that occurs in episodic or chronic forms. It is one of the most common types of headache disorders and can result in pronounced pain, nausea, vomiting, and increased sensitivity to light and noise. Vestibular migraines are the most common type of migraine, occurring in up to 60% of people who have migraines. Other migraines include classic migraines, chronic migraines, acute migraines, and menstrual migraines, which mainly affect women.
Johnson