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Overview
The stereotype of migraine headaches is a vicious, painful headache with clearly defined symptoms. While this is the most typical type of migraine, there is also an atypical kind. As its name implies, it has a different set of symptoms that might not even result in head pain. It's important for possible sufferers to know the symptoms of atypical migraines so they can talk to their doctors and get the proper diagnosis.
Description
An atypical migraine is also known as a common migraine or a migraine without an aura. This means that sufferers do not see the visual aura that is often associated with the onset of a migraine headache, nor do their symptoms follow the usual pattern of a common migraine headache. Although the word migraine is usually associated with an extremely painful, sometimes incapacitating headache, pain may be totally absent or may occur in other areas rather than just the head, making them a challenge to recognize.
Frequency
Approximately 23 million Americans suffer from atypical migraines. Females are three times more likely to have these migraines than males, and they occur most often in Caucasians. Although atypical migraines are most common in adults, children can suffer from this condition too.
Causes
There is no single known cause for atypical migraines, although it is believed that they happen because of blood vessel constriction. Some of the most common suspected culprits include stress, lack of sleep, fluorescent lights or very bright lighting, and motion sickness. Weather changes have been known to trigger atypical migraines, and there also seems to be a genetic predisposition to having these headaches.
Symptoms
The symptoms of an atypical migraine vary, based on the individual, and differ from the usual symptoms triggered by most migraine headaches. Some of the most common include facial pain and a headache on both sides of the head rather than the usual one in a typical migraine. Atypical migraines may also cause vomiting and motor symptoms like hemiparesis (weakness on one side of the body). Nausea and abdominal pain can occur, either with or without a headache. This particular manifestation is most common in children who suffer from atypical migraines.
Diagnosis
Because the symptoms of an atypical migraine differ from those usually associated with migraines, diagnosis can be a challenge. This is especially true because the symptoms often mimic other conditions, such as sinus problems. Doctors will usually perform a battery of tests to rule out any other causes. Because there is often a genetic component, they will also take a complete family medical history and try to look for any important patterns. If no other condition or cause can be found, they will make a diagnosis of atypical migraine.
Treatment
Treatment for atypical migraines is often the same for typical migraine headaches. This might mean drug treatment with over-the-counter medications or prescribed pills, or simply lying down to rest in a dark room when the symptoms begin. Treatment might also be symptom-based, to relieve problems such as abdominal pain or vomiting. Alternative treatments such as breathing exercises and acupuncture provide relief for some atypical migraine sufferers.
