What types of migraine exist?

Migraine is a complex neurological condition that manifests in various forms and intensities. There are different types of migraine, each with unique characteristics and symptoms. The main types include migraine with and without aura, but also specific variants such as chronic, hemiplegic and menstrual migraine. Recognising the correct type is essential for effective treatment.

What is the difference between migraine and ordinary headache?

Migraine differs from ordinary headache through intensity, duration and accompanying symptoms. While tension headache usually causes a dull, pressing pain affecting both sides of the head, migraine is characterised by a throbbing headache that often occurs on one side.

The main differences are clearly recognisable. Migraine usually lasts 4 to 72 hours and is accompanied by nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light and sound. The pain is so severe that normal daily activities become impossible. Ordinary tension headache, on the other hand, is milder, lasts shorter and disrupts daily functioning less.

Migraine triggers such as stress, certain foods, hormonal changes or weather changes can provoke attacks. These triggers are often specific to each person and can help identify the type of headache. Tension headache is usually caused by muscle tension, stress or poor posture.

Which main types of migraine occur most frequently?

The two primary categories are migraine without aura and migraine with aura. Approximately 80% of all migraine patients have migraine without aura, while 20% experience migraine with aura. This distribution makes migraine without aura the most common type of migraine.

Migraine without aura often begins suddenly with intense, throbbing headache, usually on one side of the head. The pain worsens with movement and is accompanied by nausea and hypersensitivity to light and sound. These attacks can occur unpredictably, without warning signals.

Migraine with aura, on the other hand, announces itself with neurological symptoms that begin 5 to 60 minutes before the headache. Light flashes, spots, zigzag lines in the visual field, tingling in hands or face and speech problems are typical aura symptoms. These visual and sensory disturbances function as a warning signal for the coming headache phase.

What are the lesser-known but important migraine variants?

Chronic migraine, hemiplegic migraine, vestibular migraine and menstrual migraine are specific subtypes with unique characteristics. Chronic migraine is diagnosed when someone has 15 or more headache days per month, of which at least 8 days with migraine characteristics.

Hemiplegic migraine is a rare form where temporary paralysis on one side of the body occurs during the aura phase. These dramatic symptoms can be alarming, but usually disappear completely after the attack. Familial hemiplegic migraine has a genetic component and occurs in families.

Vestibular migraine combines headache with dizziness, balance problems and motion sickness. Women are affected more often than men. Menstrual migraine is linked to hormonal fluctuations and occurs around menstruation. These migraine tips can help: keep a menstrual diary to recognise patterns.

How do you recognise which type of migraine you have?

Self-observation and keeping a migraine diary are essential for accurate typing. Note when attacks occur, how long they last, which symptoms you experience and possible migraine triggers such as food, stress or sleep patterns.

Pay attention to specific characteristics: do visual disturbances occur before the headache (aura)? Is the pain throbbing or pressing? On which side of the head? Which accompanying symptoms do you experience? These details help identify the precise type of migraine.

A professional diagnosis is recommended when headache patterns change, attacks become more frequent or new symptoms occur. A healthcare provider can distinguish different migraine types and establish an appropriate treatment plan. Don’t wait too long to seek help, especially with severe or changing symptoms.

How Ruggensteun helps with different migraine types

Chiropractic care can influence migraine through optimisation of spinal alignment and nervous system function. We approach migraine holistically by addressing the underlying causes instead of only fighting the symptoms. This approach can be effective with different migraine types.

Our treatment approaches include:

• Correction of spinal misalignments causing nerve pressure
• Y-strap treatments for decompression of intervertebral discs
• CFR techniques (Cranial Facial Release) for headache relief
• Dry needling for muscle tension and trigger point treatment
• Preventive care to reduce migraine attacks

The benefits of our holistic approach are noticeable: improved nerve communication between brain and body, reduced muscle tension and activation of the natural healing process. By bringing the spine into balance, migraine triggers can be reduced.

Would you like to know more about migraine treatments or do you have questions about your specific situation? Contact us directly for a personal consultation. Visit our website for more information about our practice and treatment possibilities.