Migraine Without Aura
You could also consider this the "common" type of migraine. It can still be a very painful experience, but lacks the complex additional neurological symptoms known as an "aura." Here are some qualities of this type of migraine:
- The rate of occurrence is three times higher among women than men.
- The pain is typically in the front or side of the head.
- In adults the pain is unilateral (one side of the head); children may have bilateral migraines of this type.
- These migraines are idiopathic, meaning they may occur without a known stimulus or cause.
- Last anywhere from 4 to 72 hours.
- Throbbing moderate to severe pain that may include nausea/vomiting, sensitivity to light (photophobia), and sensitivity to sound (phonophobia).
- Physical activity often increases the pain.
Migraine with AURA: "Classic Migraine"
These types of migraines are typically preceded by visual phenomena like:blind spots, clouded or tunnel vision, flashing lights, and scintillating lines. Less common sensory changes preceding this type of migraine include:
- Numbness or tingling (paresthesia)
- Hypersensitivity to touch (allodynia)
- Auditory hallucinations
- Vertigo
- Confusion
- Difficulty speaking We typically treat this sort of migraine in the following ways:
- Placing ice on the neck
- Placing heat on the hands or neck
- Adjusting the upper cervical spine
- Soft tissue manipulation
- Nasal Specific Treatment (NST) to alleviate pain
- Avoiding "nightshade" foods like eggplant, tomatoes, okra, and carrots
- Encouraging supplements such as magnesium, fish oil, cod liver, calcium, feverfew, and vitamins B2, E, and D.
