SILENT MIGRAINE

Acephalgic Migraine

Migraine without head pain. Also called “Silent migraine”.  This type of migraine can be very alarming as you experience dizzying aura and other visual aura. It is characterized by debilitating symptoms, including upset stomach, dizziness and  visual problems or other aura symptoms, nausea, vomiting, and constipation, but without head pain. The causes, risk factor, and treatment for all migraines are similar, regardless of whether or not they are silent migraines.

Symptoms

Prodrome phase: Depression, difficulty concentrating, fatigue, food craving, irritability, Sleep disturbance.

Nausea, sensitivity to light and sound.

Acute phase:  People with silent migraine only experience aura symptoms.

Numbness & tingling in part of body

Temporary loss of sight

visual disturbances (appearance of pattern, flashing lights, blind spots)

Diagnosis are determined by blood tests, MRI or CT scan, EEG tests

Treatment

  • Pain relievers: OTC or Prescriptions
  • Preventative drugs:  Beta blocker, CCBs, antidepressants, anti-seizure meds.
  • Home Remedies: getting enough sleep, dark room, quiet room, ice pack on back of neck, keeping a diary.
  • CGRPs, SPGs, IV therapy, Cefely, Gammacore

By: Rajni Bala, NP, RN