Migraine Headache
Types Of Migraines: Migraine With Aura And Without Aura
Migraine with aura is also known as Classical
Migraine
Migraine without aura is also known as Common Migraine
Before
getting down to knowing what exactly are common and classic migraine, it
is important to know and understand what exactly is an aura.
An
aura is a visual warning sign of an approaching migraine attack. Such
visions can be of bright lights, stars or blind spots or distorted
figures and shapes.
These auras set in about 20-30 minutes before
the migraine attack. Some patients also describe the presence of a
strange odor, before the onset of a migraine. You may also experience a
tingling sensation in an arm or leg.
Although
prodromes are quite often confused with auras, yet they are quite
different. Prodromes basically mean a warning or a symptom of a
yet-to-occur attack. Prodromes of migraines can be more generalized
warnings of migraines like personality changes, or increase in appetite
or energy. These can make their appearance hours to days before the
actual migraine attack.
Interestingly, writer Lewis Carroll of
'Alice in Wonderland' fame was also a migraneur. In fact, he got many
ideas for the characters in his book from the visual auras that he used
to have before the migraine attacks.
Migraine with aura
(Classical migraine)
This kind of migraine is preceded by an aura
before the attack. The aura occurs for about 10-30 minutes and then is
usually followed by a headache. It is quite similar to a common migraine
except in the aspect of the aura.
Migraine without aura
(common migraine)
A migraine without aura exhibits the same
symptoms as a classic migraine except that it does not exhibit any aura.
This
does not denote a life-threatening disorder but, it can be chronic and
recurrent, thus interfering with a person's daily lifestyle.
Both
the kinds of migraines have the usual pain, nausea, vomiting and
intolerance to light and sound, which is worsened by any physical
activity.