Acephalgic migraines are also commonly called silent migraines due to the absence of the headache phase of the migraine. There are four typical phases to a migraine, according to the International Headache Society: onset of symptoms, or prodrome; aura; headache; and recovery, or postdrome. Although pain induced by blood vessel dilation in the head does not occur, many of the common migraine preventives work for acephalgic migraines.
Visual Distortions
Alterations in eyesight, also called auras, are a common symptom of acephalgic migraines. Temporary episodes of blurriness, blind spots, color distortions and complete blindness may last from a few minutes to several days. A complete neurological workup will be necessary to rule out any more serious medical problems. Auras have only recently been associated with migraines; however, "The Lancet" journal provides evidence to suggest that Lewis Carroll's famous stories of "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" and "Through the Looking Glass" were actually detailed descriptions of the visual auras Carroll experienced without a headache, suggesting that silent migraines can have a profound effect on a person's vision without causing pain.
Nausea
The National Migraine Association indicates that any type of migraine can be an acephalgic migraine since the term merely references the lack of pain often associated with migraines. Thus, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea often associated with abdominal migraines may also be present in acephalgic migraines. In fact, the lack of head pain associated with abdominal migraines makes them hard to diagnosis; however, traditional migraine remedies that lower overall blood pressure such as beta-blockers, anxiety and stress still work to stop the symptom of nausea associated with acephalgic migraines.
Change in Appetite
The International Headache Society notes that a change in appetite is often associated with silent migraines. The degree of change varies by individual; however, loss of appetite to avoiding entire food categories is common. Since food triggers of migraines are well known, avoidance of entire food categories during a migraine is thought to be indicative of a food allergy that instigates the migraine itself.
Fatigue
The HeadWay group associated fatigue as a common symptom of migraine without a headache. The cause of fatigue is unknown and may simply be the body's natural defense mechanism to prevent more serious complications from occurring. The National Migraine Association lists sleep as a natural remedy for migraine relief since it naturally causes the body to release endorphins and lowers blood pressure throughout the body.
