Basilar Migraines
When someone has a basilar migraine, there is a disturbance at the brainstem or base of the brain. Even before the migraine headache begins, the person may experience an aura consisting of signs such as dizziness, double vision, and lack of coordination. An aura is a neurological phenomenon that occurs about 10 minutes to 45 minutes before the headache starts.
Basilar migraines are known by several different names:
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- Basilar-type migraine
- Bickerstaff syndrome
- Brainstem migraine
- Vertebrobasilar migraine
- Basilar artery migraine
A basilar migraine can last anywhere from four to 72 hours. It is usually aggravated by performing daily activities. The attacks are so intense that they can often render the person debilitated. The person can also feel drained for up to 24 hours after the attack.
Who's at Risk for Basilar Artery Migraine?
Basilar migraines can affect people of all ages. Generally, though, they start in childhood or the teen years. Women are slightly more likely to have basilar migraines than men.
What Causes Basilar Artery Migraines?
Basilar migraine triggers may include the following:
- Consumption of alcohol
- Stress
- Sleep deprivation
- Certain medications
- Hunger
- Female hormonal changes
- Bright lights
- Caffeine
- Consumption of nitrates found in food
- Physical overexertion
- Environmental factors such as the weather or altitude
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Basilar Migraines?
Basilar migraines are often described as starting on one side of the head and then gradually spreading and intensifying. With basilar migraines, you may have any of the following:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Cold hands or feet
Although symptoms of basilar migraines may differ, the following can be typical symptoms:
- Dizziness
- Double vision or graying of vision
- Slurred speech
- Temporary blindness
- Loss of balance
- Confusion
- Hearing impairments
- Body tingling
- Loss of consciousness
- Difficulty talking
Aura symptoms may last between five minutes and one hour. The headache follows the auras, typically occurring during the time the person is still experiencing the aura or immediately thereafter. People with a basilar migraine generally feel an intense throbbing or pulsating pain on one or both sides of the head. Sometimes the pain is also felt at the back of the head. Severe vomiting is common.
How Are Basilar Migraines Diagnosed?
A diagnosis of basilar migraine is made after a person has had at least two attacks consisting of at least two auras. Symptoms of basilar migraines can often be confused with symptoms of other more serious conditions. A medical diagnosis is important to rule out other illnesses or health conditions. These other more serious conditions include:
- Seizure disorders
- Stroke
- Vertebrobasilar disease
- Tumor
- Meningitis
- Brainstem arteriovenous malformation
- Brain lesions
Basilar migraine can also be confused with hemiplegic migraine. Symptoms of the two are generally the same except that motor weakness occurs with hemiplegic migraine.
MRIs, CT scans, and spinal taps are often needed to eliminate the possibility of other disorders.
Because of the seriousness of the other disorders, it is very important to have a specialized doctor perform a thorough exam. Ideally it’s best to seek a migraine specialist.
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