Migraine headaches affect about 11 percent of the population, women more often than men, according to Medline Plus. These headaches cause severe pain and illness, often disrupting work and daily activities. Basilar artery migraines are those affecting the basilar artery in the brain stem, causing symptoms like vertigo, vision changes, slurred speech and poor coordination in addition to the typical pain that accompanies migraine headaches.
Poor Coordination
Generally, individuals experiencing a migraine become weak and tired. In addition to fatigue, those with basilar arterial migraines may notice poor muscle coordination. This may make it difficult to complete normal tasks requiring balance. While these symptoms persist, it may be dangerous to drive or operate heavy equipment.
Vision Changes
Though sensitivity to light is a common symptom of migraine headaches, other vision-related symptoms are apparent with basilar arterial migraines. This type of migraine is rare, causing a combination of symptoms that lead to vision loss and other sensory disturbances. An individual experiencing this type of headache may notice blurred vision or double vision.
Slurred Speech
Slurred speech is often associated with a stroke or transient ischemic attack, caused by a blood clot in the brain or narrowing of a blood vessels leading to the brain. However, this symptom can also be a sign of an impending basilar arterial migraine. Those who experience these migraines may be alerted with the onset of these symptoms to take proper medication to combat the migraine, relieving pain and other bothersome symptoms that accompany the migraine.
Vertigo
Vertigo is described as a dizzy feeling, which may cause nausea and loss of balance. According to the American Hearing Foundation (AHF), vertigo is more likely to occur in migraines preceded by auras. Vertigo may mild, causing slight dizziness and the desire to rest, or it may be so extreme that it becomes difficult to stand or walk.
