Confusional Migraines


The condition should be differentiated from seizures, sudden headache, hypertension headache and various causes of confusion, including toxic, metabolic, mitochondrial, or infectious encephalopathies. To know more about  Confusional migraines, read Be Careful About What You Expose Yourself To.

This type of migraine includes a confusional state that occurs in only about 5 % of migraine patients. The confusion is tinctured with inattention, distractibility, and difficulty with speech and motor activities; and may last anywhere from 10 minutes to 20 hours, and commonly ending in deep sleep. Confusional migraines may result from head trauma, and they commonly do not return. Midrin, Imitrex, and Zomig which cure headache have all been used to successfully halt this type of migraine.
This is rarely seen in post-pubertal adolescents or adults. Sometimes, a child who experiences episodes in pre-pubertal years may also have episodes after puberty and adolescence.

Confusional Migraines usually have a period of disorientation, sometimes associated with agitation, headache nausea and then vomiting. Although, they may not bring constant headache. Diagnosis can be difficult as the confusional state following the head trauma can lead a headache specialist into undertaking more extensive diagnosis or even hospital admission without considering the possibility of a Confusional Migraine attack.

This type of migraine is characterized by short-lived episodes of amnesia (memory loss), confusion, agitation, lethargy, and dysphasia (speech difficulties) brought about by minor head trauma. Some children also experience recurrent episodes of temporary amnesia and confusion.


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