A basilar artery migraine, also called a basilar migraine, is a kind of headache that starts in the brainstem. People with this type of migraine might see flashing lights or other visual disturbances (aura), feel dizzy (vertigo), have trouble speaking and hearing, and sometimes lose muscle control.
Scientists do not know exactly what leads to basilar migraines. However, there are different treatments available that can help prevent these migraines from happening and make them less severe if they do occur.
What is Basilar Artery Migraine?
Basilar migraines are a rare type of migraine. Because they start in the brainstem, healthcare providers may call them “migraine with brain stem aura.”
This type of migraine can cause changes in hearing, speech, or vision. For example, someone might see lines, spots in their vision, or flashes of light. They might also have pain prior to or during these modifications, and the pain can be on one side or both sides of the head.
The aura symptoms can last from 2 minutes to an hour before going away. The headache can then last from a few hours to so many days.
After a basilar migraine, a person usually feels very tired or drained.
Symptoms
The character of a basilar migraine can be similar to the characters of other migraine types. A person might experience changes in vision, such as seeing static, zigzagging lights, stars, or spots. They may also become sensitive to noise or light and feel numbness in their head, face, and hands.
However, there are specific symptoms that are unique to basilar migraines. These can include difficulty in speaking, vertigo (feeling dizzy), tinnitus (ringing in the ears), hearing disorders, double vision, loss of muscle control, reduced consciousness, irritation on both sides of the body, hyperventilation, and anxiety.
Aura symptoms typically happen before the headache starts. The pain can vary from medium to heavy and often begins in one part of the head before transmitting. Additionally, migraines can cause allodynia, where even light touches, like clothing and brushing against the skin, can feel painful.
It’s important to understand that migraine experiences can vary greatly from one person to another and from one episode to another.
Complications
The sensory mutations that happen with basilar migraines, such as vision changes or numbness, eventually go away. However, having basilar migraines can make you more likely to have other health problems, like an ischemic stroke, which is a type of stroke caused by a blockage in a blood vessel in the brain.
Doctors and scientists still don’t completely understand why having migraines might increase the risk of stroke.
Women who have classic migraine (migraine with aura) and take birth control pills that contain both estrogen and progestin (combined contraceptive pills) might have a higher chance of ischemic stroke. Because of this, the World Health Organization advises against using birth control pills with moderate-to-high ranges of estrogen for people who have this kind of migraine.
Smoking can also raise the risk of stroke. Therefore, people with basilar migraines might want to avoid smoking or quit if they already smoke.
Causes
Scientists do not know exactly what leads to basilar migraines, also called as migraines with brain stem. However, some external factors can provoke these episodes.
Common triggers include alcohol, stress, caffeine, and nitrites in food. Loss of appetite, shining lights, diarrhea, and sleeplessness can also provoke a basilar migraine. Strong smells, such as certain perfumes, rapid changes in weather or barometric pressure, and having excess weight are additional triggers.
Overusing headache medications, taking hormonal contraceptive pills, and experiencing hormone fluctuations (especially in females) can contribute to these migraines. Blood pressure treatments, seizures, and epilepsy are also potential factors that might trigger a basilar migraine episode.
Diagnosis
Doctors typically diagnose basilar migraine after a person has expressed having at least two episodes that meet particular criteria.
Basilar migraine can look similar to hemiplegic migraine, but hemiplegic migraine usually causes weakness in one part of the body.
There are other, more severe medical conditions with symptoms similar to basilar migraine, such as meningitis, brain tumors, seizures, and strokes. To reduce these conditions, a healthcare provider or neurologist might request a CT scan or MRI.
Treatment
Treating basilar migraine typically involves focusing on decreasing pain and managing other signs.
Doctors may suggest taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or antiemetic medications to help with nausea and vomiting.
If over-the-counter medications don’t work, a doctor might suggest a stronger option. Sometimes, they might suggest a nerve block, a type of drug that can help decrease pain.
Individuals who have basilar migraines should be cautious as soon as they notice warning signs. These symptoms typically come before the pain.
Some anti-inflammatory and pain relief medicines might work better if you take them before the pain gets really bad.
Preventing Basilar Migraine
To prevent basilar migraines, a doctor might suggest some treatments:
- Botox injections: These can help relax muscles and prevent migraines.
- Medicines that reduce seizures: Like topiramate (Topamax), these can help prevent migraine episodes.
- Verapamil: This medicine can lower blood pressure and help prevent migraines.
Making certain changes in your life can also reduce how often you get migraines:
- Avoiding triggers: Stay away from things like alcohol and caffeine that might trigger a migraine.
- Regular exercise: Moving your body regularly can help prevent migraines.
- Managing stress: Finding ways to relax and reduce stress can lower your chances of getting migraines.
- Eating healthy: A balanced diet can also help prevent migraines.
- Getting enough sleep: Make sure you get regular, good sleep.
- Eating regular meals: Don’t skip meals, as this can trigger migraines.
- Reducing noise: Try to stay away from loud noises that might trigger a migraine.
- Other things that could help:
- Relaxation techniques: Doing things like yoga or meditation can help prevent migraines.
- Acupuncture and massage: Some people find these treatments helpful.
- Therapy: Talking to a therapist, especially through cognitive behavior therapy, can help manage migraines.
- Biofeedback therapy: This can help you learn to control your body’s responses to stress and pain.
If you start to notice signs of a migraine, like an aura, it’s important to stop what you’re doing and rest in a quiet, dark place. Taking pain medication, even if the pain hasn’t started yet, can also help.
Outlook
Basilar migraines can be tougher and last longer than other forms of migraines. As people get older, though, these episodes usually happen less often and become easier to predict, according to doctors.
Making changes to how you live, like staying away from things that trigger your migraines, might help make them happen less often. A doctor may also suggest different treatments that could help.
If you notice signs of an aura, it’s important to see a doctor. They can check if there’s anything more serious going on. And if you ever lose consciousness during a migraine, it’s crucial to get medical help right away.
Summary
Basilar migraines, starting in the brainstem, can cause severe and longer-lasting symptoms. However, as people age, these episodes typically become less frequent and more predictable. Lifestyle changes like avoiding triggers and medical treatments can help manage the condition.
If aura symptoms occur, it’s essential to see a doctor to rule out serious conditions. Seek medical help immediately if loss of consciousness happens during a migraine episode. Overall, understanding triggers, seeking medical guidance, and managing symptoms can improve the outlook for those with basilar migraines.
