Migraine headaches affect a very large percentage of American men and women. While most migraine headaches can interrupt the daily life, doctors do not see them as a dangerous medical condition. However there are several conditions that are accompanied by neurological dysfunction.
Vertebrobasilar Migraine Headaches
Vertebrobasilar migraine headaches are caused by dysfunction of the brainstem. The brainstem is the lower part of the brain that is used for automatic activities such as consciousness and balance. Symptoms of vertebrosilar migraine headaches include fainting as an aura, vertigo and double vision.
Vertebrobasilar migraine headaches can affect people of all ages, but usually begin during childhood or the teen years. According to studies, women are slightly more likely to have this type of migraine headache than men.
Hemiplegic Migraine Headaches
Hemiplegic migraine headaches characterized by paralysis or weakness of one side of the body, typically they mimic a stroke. This paralysis or weakness is usually temporary but sometimes it can last for days.
Three genes have been linked with hemiplegic migraine headaches. Defects or mutations in any one of these three genes leads to a breakdown in the body’s ability to make a certain protein. This protein is needed for clear communication among nerve cells. When this protein is not present nerve cells have difficulty releasing or taking up neurotransmitters, which are the chemical messengers between nerve cells.
Usually, those who suffer from this type of migraine headache have inherited the gene mutation from one of their parents who also had the condition.
Retinal (Ocular) Migraine Headaches
Retinal or ocular migraine headaches are rare attacks that are characterized by repeated instances of scotomata or blindness on one side, lasting less than an hour and can be associated with a headache. Scotomata is blind spots in the field of vision. Unfortunately, a complication of this rare migraine headache is irreversible vision loss.
Migraine headaches can sometimes mimic other conditions, so doctors may test for multiple other conditions. This can mean many other laboratory tests and scans. After a diagnosis has been made, the doctor will move on to trying to treat the condition to help with everyday tasks. This may include preventative medications or abortive medications.
Tags: headaches, migraine attacks, migraine treatment, Migraines, side effects, symptoms, treating migraines, vascular headachce
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