Migraines are chronic headaches that can last for hours or even days. Approximately 29.5 million people in the United States struggle with migraines, according to headaches.org. They are classified according to the types of symptoms that accompany the headache. The exact cause of migraines is not known, but biological and environmental factors are thought to play a role in triggering them. Although there is no cure for migraines, they can be treated with medication to reduce how often they occur and how severe they are.
Migraine Without Aura
This kind of migraine is the most common type of migraine, and can be one-sided or on both sides of the head. It is a vascular headache, which means the pain is caused by the arteries in and around your skull changing their size. Symptoms are typically nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light, according to neurologychannel.com. The day before the headache, you may have fatigue or changes in your mood.
Migraine With Aura
The Mayo Clinic defines migraine with aura as a migraine headache that is accompanied by visual, olfactory or physical symptoms. Approximately one-third of people who have migraines have migraines with auras, according to headaches.org. These symptoms can include blind or shimmering spots, flashes of light, strange smells, painful or sensitive skin, light sensitivity, tingling or numbness in parts of your body and confusion. Auras typically appear approximately an hour before the migraine headache and can last ten to 30 minutes. Auras can also occur without a headache, which is called a headache-free migraine.
Menstrual Migraines
Some women have migraines around the time of their periods, and these are called menstrual migraines. They are thought to be caused by changes in hormone levels and typically do not occur, or lessen, during pregnancy. However, there are some women who did not have migraines prior to pregnancy but develop them either after pregnancy or after menopause.
Hemiplegic Migraine
Hemiplegic migraine is a type of migraine with aura that is rare, but individuals who suffer from this type typically have a family history of this kind of headache. It starts with temporary motor paralysis or sensory problems on one side of your body, with a headache appearing within an hour. A feeling of "pins and needles" or numbness may also be felt with this kind of migraine.
