8 Common Types of Migraine Disorders

The types of migraine disorders include migraine with and without aura, hemiplegic, retinal, and menstrual. Each type has specific symptoms and management options. Migraine is an umbrella term for neurological conditions that typically cause moderate to severe pounding or pulsating pain on one or both sides of the head. However, a headache is not always a symptom of migraine.

The most common types of migraine are migraine with aura and without aura. Other types include:

• chronic
• menstrual
• migraine without headache
• migraine with aura
• migraine with brainstem aura
• retinal
• status migrainosus
• hemiplegic

This article discusses the different types of migraine disorders, their symptoms, and how to manage them medically. 

About 75% Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source of migraine cases fall under the migraine without aura category. This type of migraine, also known as common migraine, typically has no early signs.

Migraine attacks may last 4–72 hours and are typically focused on one side of the head.

Migraine without aura symptoms involves moderate to severe pulsing pain, typically on only one side of the head. Pain typically worsens with physical activity. 

Accompanying symptoms may include: 

• nausea
• sensitivity to light and sound
• blurred vision
• changes in mood
• fatigue

Migraine with aura is another common type of migraine, also known as classic migraine.

Migraine with aura usually starts with neurological symptoms. These symptoms can appear up to an hour before a headache. In some cases, aura symptoms occur without a headache.

Symptoms of aura may include:

• visual disturbances, such as loss of vision or short spells of flashing lights
• difficulty speaking
• mental confusion
• nausea or loss of appetite
• increased sensitivity to light or sound
• numbness or weakness on one side of the body
• tingling in the hands or face

Migraine pain is typically pulsing or pounding on one side of the head. 

Chronic migraine is when a person has recurring episodes for at least 15 days a month for at least 3 months. 

Chronic migraine symptoms are similar to migraine with aura and migraine without aura. However, the symptoms are more frequent and can be more severe. 

M Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source igraine with brainstem aura was once known as basilar migraine Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source . It is a rare subtype that primarily affects young females and may be associated with the menstrual cycle. 

This type of migraine often occurs with aura episodes that last more than 5 minutes but no more than 60 minutes.

Symptoms of migraine with brainstem aura may include:

• aura symptoms
• vertigo
• loss of balance
• changes in vision
• poor muscle coordination
• ringing in the ears
• fainting
• difficulty speaking due to weakness in the muscles used for speech

This type of migraine typically causes throbbing pain that may start quickly and be felt in the back of the head on both sides.

Menstrual migraine is often triggered by hormonal changes related to the menstrual cycle.

Menstrual migraine symptoms may resemble those of migraine without aura. However, aura symptoms such as nausea can occur and be more severe, and pain may last longer. 

Migraine without headache Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source , also called silent migraine or aura without pain, involves aura symptoms without subsequent migraine pain.

Diagnosing this type of migraine is difficult because, unlike migraine with aura, no pain is ever present after aura symptoms. 

Symptoms of migraine without headache may include:

• visual disturbances in both eyes
• aura symptoms that increase gradually

Opthalmoplegic migraine Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source is a rare type that involves severe pain around one or both eyes. It also involves paralysis or weakness of the muscles that control eye movements. 

Symptoms of ophthalmoplegic migraine typically include:

• head pain
• droopy eyelid
• large pupils
• double vision

Retinal migraine Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source involves temporary vision disturbances or blindness in one eye. 

Symptoms of retinal migraine that may accompany the vision changes include pounding or pulsing head pain, nausea, and vomiting. 

Status migrainosus Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source is a severe and prolonged migraine episode that lasts 72 hours or longer.

The pain associated with this migraine type is intense. Some people may require hospitalization.

Symptoms of status migrainosus may include: 

• severe and long lasting head pain 
• nausea and vomiting
• sensitivity to light or sound
• fatigue

Hemiplegic migraine Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source is a rare type of migraine that causes temporary paralysis on one side of the body before or during migraine head pain. This migraine sometimes lasts several days and can be debilitating. 

When more than one family member experiences this type of migraine, medical professionals call the disorder familial hemiplegic migraine (FHM).

A hemiplegic migraine may include symptoms before a headache that typically stop when the pain begins. These preceding symptoms may consist of:

• vertigo
• visual disturbances
• difficulty speaking or swallowing 
• pricking or stabbing feeling

The cause of migraine is not fully understood. Experts suspect a combination of different factors, including genetics, the environment, and central and peripheral nervous system changes. 

Exposure to specific triggers may induce the start of a migraine. Triggers vary from person to person and may include:

• stress
• skipping a meal or fasting
• drinking alcohol, especially red wine
• strong scents or odors
• changes in weather
• lack of sleep
• too much sleep
• fluctuating hormones
• certain foods
• flashing lights

Migraine has no cure. However, symptoms can be managed, and relief is possible.

Working with a migraine specialist is highly recommended to explore migraine treatment options because these differ depending on the type of migraine.

One of the first steps a healthcare professional may recommend is keeping a migraine journal. Keeping track of foods, sleeping status, stress levels, hormonal changes, and other specifics may help you identify common triggers for your migraine episodes.

Migraine treatments typically focus on preventing and stopping migraine attacks. These treatments may include: 

• Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers: Medications such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or aspirin can help mild to moderate migraine attacks.
• Prescription medications: Severe migraine attacks that do not respond to OTC medications may require prescription medication.
• Preventive medications: Several medications, such as beta-blockers, antidepressants, or anticonvulsants, may help prevent migraine occurrences.
• Behavior and habit changes: Managing stress, getting 8 hours of sleep each day, and eating a nutrient-dense diet may help prevent migraine attacks.
• Biofeedback: This technique uses electronic sensors to monitor your body functions and help you learn how to control your physical responses to stress.
• Relaxation techniques: Techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga may help reduce stress and tension.

Migraine is a debilitating neurological disorder that presents with or without a headache. Several migraine types exist, but the most common are migraine with aura and migraine without aura. 

Medical experts have not yet established the exact cause of migraine but believe it may be a combination of genetic, neurological, and environmental factors. 

Migraine treatment may include OTC or prescription medications, behavioral changes, and relaxation techniques.