We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is an Atypical Migraine?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 10,974
Share

An atypical migraine is a migraine with a set of symptoms that do not quite fit into the classic migraine profile. Patients also experience some symptoms that are not associated with traditional migraines. Diagnosing atypical migraines can be tricky because there are a number of medical issues that can cause the symptoms and it is important to rule them out before firmly determining that a patient has atypical migraine. A doctor will take time with evaluation and diagnosis to ensure that an underlying issue is not missed.

A patient with an atypical migraine can experience facial and abdominal pains that are sometimes very severe. Neurological symptoms like weakness along one side of the body can be observed, along with visual disturbances, and the patient may develop nausea and vomiting. However, the distinctive aura that precedes traditional migraines is not present, and the patient may not have a headache or may have a headache that is not consistent with migraine.

Especially when the headache is entirely absent, it can be difficult to determine that a patient has atypical migraine. When a patient goes to the doctor for treatment, a number of tests may be conducted to narrow down a possible diagnosis and rule out potential causes from glaucoma to bacterial infections. An extensive patient interview is also conducted and family history is collected. Clues that can help a doctor make a diagnosis more quickly include a family history of migraine, as well as a personal history. Some people who have migraines also develop atypical migraine.

It is not possible to cure a patient with atypical migraine. However, steps can be taken to address migraine attacks when they occur. Some medications can act as preventatives to decrease the incidence and severity of attacks. Specific drugs can also be prescribed to treat particular symptoms and keep the patient more comfortable. It may take several different drugs to find an effective treatment for the patient, as everyone responds differently and patients should report their responses to the medication in detail.

A neurologist is usually involved in treatment because of the neurological symptoms. Patients may initially see general practitioners, gastrointestinal specialists, and other types of physicians while they are trying to narrow down the cause for the symptoms. With a diagnosis, a patient can access support through organizations of patients and may also qualify for certain types of benefits that provide financial and personal assistance to people who experience disabling migraines.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGeek researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By ysmina — On Jul 03, 2013

Nausea is the worst thing about my atypical migraines. I'm nauseated all day and I hate it. I would actually prefer migraine pain to nausea at this point.

By discographer — On Jul 03, 2013

@ZipLine-- Actually, I haven't been put on anti-depressants or vitamin B2 and I have had atypical migraines for two years now. Were you diagnosed by a neurologist?

I was diagnosed by a neurologist and I've basically been switching from one drug to another since then. All the drugs I've tried have been anti-epilepsy drugs which I think are the most common medications used for atypical migraines.

If your current treatment works for you, then great. It's very difficult to treat atypical migraine symptoms so when you find something that works, you have to stick with it.

By ZipLine — On Jul 02, 2013

Has anyone here been diagnosed with atypical migraines? What are you doing for treatment?

I was diagnosed with this last week. This was my third doctor visit because of the odd migraines I've been experiencing. It's actually hard to call them migraines, because sometimes I have little to no pain, mostly dizziness, numbness and nausea.

My doctor has put me on an anti-depressant and vitamin B2. I've also been told to avoid caffeine and alcohol.

Is this the usual atypical migraine treatment?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-an-atypical-migraine.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.