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Celestial Chronicles:

What are the different types of migraine?

Living with migraine can significantly impact a person's quality of life. Understanding the different types of migraine can empower you to recognize your symptoms and have more informed discussions with your care team. This knowledge is crucial for proper diagnosis and effective treatment.


In this post, we'll explore six main types of migraines, detailing their key features, symptoms, and diagnostic criteria. Whether you're living with migraine and seeking clarity or someone looking to understand more about this condition, this information will provide valuable insights into the diverse world of migraine.

Migraine with Aura


A type of migraine that is preceded or accompanied by sensory disturbances known as "aura." About 25% of people with migraine experience an aura.


Key Features:

  • Visual Changes: Flashing lights, zigzag patterns, blind spots

  • Physical Sensations: Tingling/Numbness on one side of the face or body

  • Speech Disruptions: Trouble with speech and/or language

  • Duration: Typically lasts from a few minutes to an hour

  • Phase: The aura phase occurs before the headache phase

Migraine without Aura


The most common type of migraine. About 70%-75% of people with migraine do not experience aura.


Key Features:

  • Physical Sensations: Sensitivity to light and/or sound, moderate to severe head pain, throbbing or pulsating pain on one side of head, and often accompanied by nausea and/or vomiting

  • Duration: Can last 4-72 hours

  • Phase: The aura phase is absent in this type of migraine



Chronic Migraine

Chronic migraine involves frequent or prolonged episodes of headaches and migraine. In this condition, your symptoms can vary from day to day, and even change hour to hour. Impacts 3%-5% of the American population and 1%-2.2% of the global population.


Key Features:

  • Frequency & Duration: At least 15 days in a month where you experience a headache or migraine; sustained over a period of at least three months. At least eight days per month where your headaches include migraine symptoms or features. This must happen for at least three months.

  • Impact: Has a severe impact on daily life, often interfering with work, social activities, and overall quality of life. Can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and depression due to the constant presence of symptoms.


Vestibular Migraine


Vestibular migraine (also referred to as migrainous vertigo, migraine-related dizziness, vestibular migraine or migraine with prominent vertigo) is a type of migraine where people experience a combination of vertigo, dizziness or balance problems with other migraine symptoms.


Key Features:

  • Physical Sensations: Vertigo: Spinning sensation or feeling off-balance, often triggered by movement. Dizziness: Lightheadedness, feeling unsteady, or swaying. Nausea: Often accompanies vertigo and dizziness. Sensitivity: Increased sensitivity to light, sound, or motion. Headache: May or may not be present, typically on one side of the head.


  • Diagnostic Criteria: At least five episodes and a present or past history of migraine. Vertigo or dizziness symptoms lasting between five minutes and 72 hours. Migraine headache or other migraine associated symptoms in at least half of the episodes.


    It may be necessary to rule out other vestibular disorders. For this, management by a team of professionals is recommended.

Retinal Migraine


Retinal migraine (also known as ocular migraine) is a condition that involves attacks of visual disturbances that affect one eye and migraine headaches.


Key Features:

  • Visual Changes: Blind spots that result in partial or total blindness. Zig-zagging patterns. Shimmering or flickering lights. Floating lines.


  • Duration: The visual issues of ocular migraine typically last five to 60 minutes. But the headache can last from four to 72 hours.


  • Diagnostic criteria: A person must fit the criteria for having attacks consistent with migraine with aura.

    The aura must: Occur only in one eye with or without noticeable symptoms such as blindness or visual disturbances.

    Have at least two of the following symptoms: Spread gradually for 5 or more minutes, a headache that starts within 60 minutes, symptoms that last between 5-60 minutes.

  • There is no other diagnosis that can better explain the symptoms.

Hemiplegic Migraine


A rare type of migraine involving temporary weakness on one side of the body. Muscle weakness usually starts during the aura phase of a migraine, right before or during a headache attack.


Key Features:

  • Types:

    Familial Hemiplegic Migraine (runs in the family): There are three numbered subtypes of familial hemiplegic migraines. Each subtype has a different gene change that causes it.


    Sporadic Hemiplegic Migraine (occurs only in one person with no family history): This type is diagnosed when someone experiences all the physical symptoms of FHM but doesn't have a known family or inherited connection.


  • Physical Sensations: Visual disturbances such as changes in eyesight in both eyes, such as colored spots, zig-zags or sparkles. Speech difficulties with slurring words or not being able to speak clearly. Motor Symptoms displaying as weakness on one side of the body.


    Hemiplegic Migraine can look and feel similar to a stroke. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any stroke-like symptoms. A healthcare provider can diagnose the difference. Do not make assumptions about your condition.

As we've seen, migraines can manifest in various forms, each with its unique set of symptoms and challenges. From the most common migraine without aura to the rare hemiplegic migraine, understanding these distinctions is crucial to your migraine management journey.


It's important to remember that while this information provides a solid foundation for understanding the types migraine, every individual's experience can be unique. If you suspect you're experiencing any of these types of migraine, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional. They can provide a proper diagnosis, rule out other conditions, and develop a tailored treatment plan to manage your symptoms effectively.


By staying informed and working closely with your care team, those of us living with migraine can take proactive steps towards better management and improved quality of life. Remember, you're not alone in this journey, and with the right knowledge and support, it's possible to navigate the challenges of living with migraine successfully!