Basilar Migraines


Since the migraine of this type is so rare, there has been less research done specifically on them. However, they are often treated in similar ways as other migraines. Some preventative medications used include triptans, beta blockers and calcium channel blockers. To know more about migraines read A Synopsis On Migraine Headache.

Basilar migraines are usually followed by incoordination (ataxia), double vision, vertigo, ringing in the ears, jerky eye movements, trouble hearing, slurred speech, headache nausea, prickly feelings on the body, sensitivity to light and/or sound, and trouble thinking clearly. This stage of the headache usually lasts about 5-60 minutes, but can last for days in some cases.

Basilar migraines may have certain symptoms which are similar to other neurologic, vascular, psychiatric and metabolic diseases yet there are specific criteria which can help differentiate it from other diagnoses. It is characterized by a throbbing occipital headache rack which may be preceded by an aura. The unusual symptoms of basilar migraines, which may precede and continue throughout the duration of the headache and even after it, include bilateral visual symptoms, altered mental status, vertigo, gait ataxia, bilateral paresthesia and bilateral paralysis.

Amongst a variety of migraines the important ones are: migraine with aura and migraine without aura. The other classifications are: basilar artery migraine, headache- free migraine, status migraine, tension headache, menstrual headache, cluster headache, pregnancy headaches, vascular headache and optical migraine.


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