Silent migraines
We have previously addressed the typical symptoms during a migraine attack in the article "Migraine Symptoms". The article addressed the four distinct phases of a migraine attack: 1. Prodromal symptoms; 2. Aura; 3. Headache and 4. Postdromal symptoms. The symptoms of silent migraine include any of the typical signs and symptoms of a migraine but without the headache (acephalalgic migraine). Silent migraines may be encountered in 5% of patients.
Silent migraines are less recognized, less common, and less well understood than the typical migraines (both without and with aura) and usually affect children and young adults.
Symptoms may be characterized by the following:
- Paroxysmal episodes of prolonged visual auras
- Atypical sensory, motor, or visual aura
- Confusion
- Dysarthria
- Focal neurologic deficits
- Gastrointestinal (GI) manifestations
- Other constitutional symptoms, with or without a headache
Examples of Migraine variants that can present without headache:
- Basilar migraine - (Bickerstaff syndrome) most prevalent in adolescent girls and commonly presents with dizziness and vertigo.
- Childhood periodic syndromes - multiple cyclic attacks of pain or vomiting
- Retinal migraine - (also called ophthalmic or ocular migraine) is a fairly common cause of transient blindness in one eye. This disorder is manifested by recurrent attacks of unilateral visual disturbance or blindness lasting from minutes to 1 hour.
Get frequent migraines? Act now!
If you or a member of your family suffer from frequent migraines then we may be able to help. Simply contact us to book an appointment for assessment and treatment at one of our clinics (or if you have any questions).
