Types of Migraines

Jason T
4 days ago
5 min read

Updated: 11 hours ago

Understanding the Types of Migraines: A Comprehensive Guide for Nursing Students

Migraines are more than just "bad headaches." They are a complex neurological condition that affects millions of people worldwide and can significantly interfere with daily functioning, work performance, and overall quality of life. For nursing students, understanding the various types of migraines—along with their symptoms, causes, long-term effects, and treatment options—is essential for providing effective, compassionate care to patients.

What is a Migraine?

A migraine is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent attacks of moderate to severe head pain, often accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light or sound. Migraines may last from 4 to 72 hours and vary widely in intensity and presentation.

Types of Migraines: Symptoms, Causes, Long-Term Effects, and Treatment

1. Migraine Without Aura (Common Migraine)

Symptoms: Pulsating or throbbing pain on one side of the head, nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, worsened by physical activity.
Causes: Hormonal fluctuations, stress, dehydration, sleep disturbances, food triggers (e.g., caffeine, chocolate).
Long-Term Effects: Risk of chronic migraine if attacks become more frequent.
Treatment: NSAIDs, triptans, anti-nausea medication, lifestyle changes.

2. Migraine With Aura (Classic Migraine)

Symptoms: Visual disturbances (zigzag lines, flashing lights), numbness, tingling, speech disturbances preceding headache.
Causes: Similar triggers to common migraines, with a stronger neurological component.
Long-Term Effects: Risk of stroke slightly increased, especially in women who smoke or take oral contraceptives.
Treatment: Triptans (post-aura onset), preventive medications, magnesium supplements, and avoiding known triggers.

3. Chronic Migraine

Symptoms: Headaches occurring 15 or more days per month, with migraine features on at least 8 of those days.
Causes: Untreated episodic migraines, medication overuse, stress, sleep disorders.
Long-Term Effects: Debilitating impact on quality of life, increased risk of anxiety and depression.
Treatment: Botox injections, CGRP inhibitors, antidepressants, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).

4. Hemiplegic Migraine

Symptoms: Temporary paralysis or weakness on one side of the body, aura, visual disturbances, confusion.
Causes: Genetic mutations (e.g., CACNA1A gene), stress, head trauma.
Long-Term Effects: Rare but serious; possible misdiagnosis as a stroke.
Treatment: Calcium channel blockers, antiepileptics, and avoiding known triggers.

5. Retinal Migraine

Symptoms: Repeated episodes of visual loss or disturbances in one eye, followed by migraine headache.
Causes: Eye blood vessel spasms, hormonal shifts.
Long-Term Effects: Potential vision loss if not treated properly.
Treatment: Treat as medical emergency if persistent; migraine preventatives and vascular evaluations recommended.

6. Vestibular Migraine

Symptoms: Dizziness, vertigo, balance problems, motion sensitivity, with or without headache.
Causes: Brainstem involvement, stress, hormonal changes, sleep disruption.
Long-Term Effects: Increased risk of falls and anxiety.
Treatment: Vestibular rehab therapy, beta-blockers, lifestyle adjustments.

7. Silent Migraine (Acephalgic Migraine)

Symptoms: Aura symptoms such as visual disturbances or nausea without head pain.
Causes: Same as typical migraines, but lacks headache.
Long-Term Effects: Can go undiagnosed, disrupts work and daily life.
Treatment: Similar to migraine with aura, focusing on aura management and prevention.

8. Abdominal Migraine

Symptoms: Recurrent abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, usually seen in children or young adults.
Causes: Family history of migraine, food triggers, stress.
Long-Term Effects: Can evolve into classic migraines later in life.
Treatment: Anti-nausea medication, triptans, dietary changes.

9. Status Migrainosus

Symptoms: A migraine attack lasting more than 72 hours, resistant to standard treatment.
Causes: Medication overuse, withdrawal, severe stress, hormonal shifts.
Long-Term Effects: Risk of hospitalization, dehydration, and long-term neurological impact.
Treatment: Emergency intervention with IV medications, corticosteroids, or hospitalization.

Potential Causes Across Migraine Types

Hormonal fluctuations (estrogen drops)
Irregular sleep
Dehydration
Caffeine and alcohol
Food sensitivities (aged cheese, MSG, chocolate)
Bright lights or strong smells
Emotional stress and anxiety
Damage to neck, spine and connective tissue

Long-Term Effects of Recurrent Migraines

Increased risk of stroke (especially in women with aura)
Chronic pain and disability
Anxiety and depression
Cognitive fatigue
Medication-overuse headaches (rebound headaches)
Stomach and GI issues from NSAID use.

Migraine Management & Treatment Strategies

Acute Treatment:

Triptans (sumatriptan, rizatriptan)
NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen)
Anti-nausea meds (metoclopramide)
Cold compress, dark quiet rooms

Home Remedies:

Electrolytes
Magnesium
Aroma Therapy "Peppermint oil on scalp and neck"
Massage of shoulders, neck and scalp
Audio relaxation "White noise or Brown noise"
Cool cloth on forehead and neck
Dark Room
Shower in reduced lighting
Yoga "For stretching of muscles - Hatha Yoga"

Preventative Treatment:

Beta-blockers (propranolol)
Antidepressants (amitriptyline)
Anti-seizure meds (topiramate)
CGRP inhibitors (erenumab)
Botox injections (for chronic migraine)
Lifestyle changes (hydration, sleep hygiene, stress management)

Why Nursing Students Should Care

As future healthcare professionals, nursing students are likely to encounter patients who suffer from migraines in emergency settings, hospital units, or clinics. Understanding migraine types and treatments improves patient outcomes and builds empathy for a condition that is often misunderstood or minimized.

Whether you're helping someone manage a severe episode or educating them about preventative strategies, your knowledge can provide real relief and even save lives.

Saving Grace Medical Academy is committed to training compassionate and competent healthcare professionals. Stay curious, stay informed—and never underestimate the power of understanding someone’s pain.

Want to Learn More? Take a Basic Life Support (BLS) or Standard First Aid CPR-C & AED course to learn how to identify and respond to medical emergencies like stroke or head injury. It could save a life—maybe even your own.

>> View Upcoming Courses [www.savinggracemedical.com]

“This material is for informational purposes only and is based on guidelines from The Canadian Red Cross, Alberta Heart & Stroke Foundation, and Alberta Health Services. This content does not replace professional medical advice or official safety training. Consult your physician or safety training facility for further guidance.”