In many cases, doctors misdiagnose patients who come to them with migraines. A “silent,†or acephalgic migraine is a common example where diagnoses fall short. Typically, these are migraine attacks without the headache. What many people don’t know is that a migraine attack includes four phases:
• Prodome
• Aura
• Headache
• Postrodrome
Not everyone experiences all four phases during a migraine attack, and those who suffer from acephalgic/silent migraines, are said to not experience the headache (third) phase. While there are a few different types of migraines, any of those types can also be labeled as acephalgic. The only item needed for that label is for the patient to not suffer a headache during the migraine attack.
When a patient is diagnosed with a migraine, he or she should be sure to find out what type of migraine it is and whether it is acephalgic or not. There are seven main types of migraines, all of which can be, but sometimes are not, acephalgic:
• Migraines without aura
• Migraines with aura
• Abdominal migraines
• Basilar-types migraines
• Familial hemiplegic migraines
• Sporadic hemiplegic migraines
• Retinal migraines
Any of these types are covered under the heading of “migraine disease.†Diagnoses are usually made on the basis of symptoms, family medical history, and physical examination.
After a diagnosis is made, a form of treatment is decided upon, which are always medicinal. There are different medicines to chose from, including triptans, NSAIDS, anti-nausea pills, and Midrin. The type prescribed depends on the severity and frequency of the migraines, as well as the age of the patient. A few of the most commonly used prescription medications include Zomig and Imitrex, but there are over-the-counter (OTC) medications available as well, such as Excedrin Migraine and Advil Migraine.
If you think you may suffer from migraines, se a doctor right away. Symptoms can get worse depending on the type of migraines you suffer from, and in some cases, migraines are indicative of other medical problems.
