A basilar migraine is an uncommon migraine type that involves the basilar artery, a vessel found in the brainstem. It typically brings a throbbing headache along with nausea, vomiting, and heightened sensitivity to light and sound.
Experts believe basilar migraine stems from a disruption in the brainstem, the region that regulates blood flow to the brain. When the basilar artery narrows, blood supply to the brain drops, and that reduced flow can set off a migraine attack.
Attacks may persist for hours or even days and can come with additional symptoms like visual changes, tingling in the limbs, and trouble speaking. Although the precise cause remains unclear, changes in the brainstem or blood vessels are thought to play a role. Treatment usually involves medication to ease symptoms and ward off future attacks. If you’re seeking more treatment options for basilar migraine, explore migraine clinical trials at Power.
Signs and Symptoms of Basilar Migraine
Signs and Symptoms of Basilar Migraine
Basilar migraine is an uncommon migraine type that involves the brainstem. Its symptoms resemble those of other migraines, yet they tend to be more intense and to last longer. Dizziness is the most frequently reported symptom, followed by nausea and vomiting. Other symptoms include:
- Ringing in the ears
- Loss of balance
- Temporary paralysis
- Loss of vision
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Difficulty speaking
- numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
If any of these symptoms appear, see a doctor promptly. Basilar migraine is a serious condition that can become life-threatening when it is not treated properly.
How Basilar Migraine Is Diagnosed
How Basilar Migraine Is Diagnosed
Reviewing Your Medical History
Reviewing Your Medical History
Basilar migraines are an uncommon migraine type that involves the brainstem, marked by severe headaches, vertigo, and visual disturbances. If you notice these symptoms, seeing a doctor helps rule out other possible causes. Your doctor will likely ask about your medical history and any family history of migraines, so be ready to describe your symptoms and when they happen. That information helps your doctor reach a diagnosis and build a treatment plan.
Physical Examination
Physical Examination
When you show signs of basilar migraine, your doctor will likely conduct a physical examination. This helps rule out other possible causes of your symptoms and confirm the diagnosis.
As part of the exam, your doctor will probably ask about your symptoms and medical history. The physical examination itself may involve checking your blood pressure, heart rate, and reflexes. Your doctor may also order tests such as a CT scan or MRI to evaluate your condition further.
If basilar migraine is confirmed, your doctor will likely recommend treatment to relieve your symptoms and prevent future episodes.
Imaging Tests
Imaging Tests
If you have basilar migraine symptoms, your doctor may order imaging tests to help confirm the diagnosis. Several types of imaging may be used, including MRI, CT, and MRA, and each can reveal useful details about the structure and function of your brain.
MRI is the most common imaging test for diagnosing basilar migraine. It relies on magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed pictures of the brain. CT and MRA are also sometimes used: CT uses X-rays to create brain images, while MRA uses magnetic fields and radio waves to image the blood vessels in the brain.
Treating Basilar Migraine
Treating Basilar Migraine
Basilar migraine is an uncommon and severe migraine type that can be challenging to treat. Because each person experiences it differently, there is no single approach that works for everyone. Still, some general treatments can be effective at managing basilar migraine symptoms, including medications, lifestyle changes, and complementary therapies.
Medications
Medications
Several medications can be used for this migraine type, such as over-the-counter pain relievers, anti-nausea medications, and triptans. If you already take medication for another condition, like high blood pressure or depression, your doctor may adjust your dosage or add another medication to help prevent migraines.
Lifestyle changes
If you have basilar migraine, adjusting your lifestyle can help reduce how often and how severely attacks occur. Some changes that may help include:
-exercising regularly
-keeping a healthy weight
-following a healthy diet
-lowering stress
-getting enough sleep
-limiting alcohol
For people with basilar migraine, these lifestyle changes can help reduce the frequency and severity of attacks. Even so, talk with your doctor before making any changes, since some may not be right for you.