Are all migraines the same?

There are a number of different types of migraines. The two main categories are migraine with aura and migraine without aura. Certain migraine types occur most often in specific groups of people. It is also actually possible to have a migraine without an actual headache.

Migraine with or without aura

Although migraine with aura used to be referred to as a classic migraine, this type actually occurs in only about a third of migraine sufferers. Aura refers to warning signs that appear ahead of an actual migraine headache and can manifest in a number of ways. Common symptoms of aura are visual disturbances like flashing lights or just strange, unusual feelings.


Less common types of migraine

There are other specific types of migraine that can be thought of as subsets of the two main categories. Basilar migraines, for example, have symptoms such as lack of coordination, jerky eye movements and hearing problems.

Migraines that affect specific groups

Some migraine types occur among specific groups of people. Abdominal migraines can occur in adults but are mainly seen in children between the ages of 5 and 9. Some can experience migraines during the first couple of months of pregnancy and are thought most likely to be hormone related.

Silent migraines

It is possible to get migraines without headaches and the common symptoms of which include visual disturbances, slurred speech, face pain and tinnitus (ringing in the ears).


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