Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider if you experience new, severe, or changing symptoms.
A Guide to Migraine Variants and How to Take Control of Your Health
Migraines are not just “bad headaches”; they are a complex neurological condition that can take different forms, often mimicking other medical problems. Understanding the different types, their causes, and how to manage them can make a huge difference to your quality of life, especially if you suffer frequently.
1. Menstrual Migraine (Catamenial Migraine)
Causes: Triggered by hormonal fluctuations, particularly a drop in estrogen just before or during menstruation.
Symptoms: Severe headaches, visual disturbances (including aura or temporary blindness), pins and needles, and nausea.
Note: These migraines can sometimes mimic stroke symptoms and may not appear on brain scans unless an episode is happening during imaging.
2. Hemiplegic Migraine
Causes: A rare genetic migraine variant that disrupts brain signalling.
Symptoms: Temporary paralysis or weakness on one side of the body, visual loss, numbness or tingling, and severe headache.
Warning: Can resemble a stroke — urgent medical assessment is necessary to rule out life-threatening conditions.
Diagnosis: Usually clinical, based on medical history and by excluding other causes.
3. Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH)
Causes: Increased pressure around the brain without an obvious cause.
Risk Factors: More common in women of childbearing age, especially with weight changes.
Symptoms: Headaches, vision disturbances (such as “curtain” vision or temporary blindness), facial or limb pins and needles.
Diagnosis: Requires a lumbar puncture to measure cerebrospinal fluid pressure; often not visible on MRI/CT unless there’s optic nerve swelling.
4. Trigeminal Neuralgia or Atypical Facial Pain
Causes: Nerve irritation affecting the trigeminal nerve, which supplies sensation to the face.
Symptoms: Sudden, sharp, or tingling facial pain, often triggered by touch or movement.
Hormonal Link: Some women experience worsening symptoms around menstruation, though this is less common.
5. Autoimmune or Hormonal Disorders with Migraine-like Symptoms
Examples: Multiple sclerosis (sometimes missed in early stages), lupus, thyroid disorders.
Symptoms: Fluctuating neurological issues such as weakness, numbness, or visual changes.
Note: Symptoms can vary with hormonal cycles and may not show on early scans.
What to Do if You Suffer Frequent Migraines
- Track Your Symptoms: Keep a migraine diary to log timing, triggers, severity, and any hormonal links.
- Request a Hormonal Panel: Tests for estrogen, progesterone, thyroid function, and autoimmune markers may help identify hidden causes.
- Get a Neurology Referral: Choose a specialist familiar with migraine variants and hormone-related headaches.
- Consider a Gynaecological Review: Some specialists focus on neuro-hormonal interactions.
- Ask About Lumbar Puncture: For suspected IIH, this can be diagnostic even when scans appear normal.
- Lifestyle Adjustments: Stay hydrated, maintain a regular sleep schedule, and avoid known triggers such as certain foods, caffeine overuse, or stress.
Final Thoughts
Migraines can be complex, debilitating, and sometimes frightening when symptoms mimic more serious conditions like stroke. Recognising the type of migraine you have, and working with healthcare professionals who understand hormonal and neurological links, is essential. Frequent migraines should never be ignored — with proper assessment and tailored treatment, you can take back control of your life.
Further Reading:
- Migraine – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic
- Migraine | NHS inform
- Migraine: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
- The Migraine and Multiple Sclerosis Connection
- MS and Migraines: What’s the Connection?
- MS and Migraines: Is There a Link?
- Migraines, the multiple sclerosis prodrome, and MS susceptibility – PubMed
- People with MS twice as likely to get migraines – MS-UK
Zena has just graduated in BA Hons Marketing Management at Cardiff Metropolitan University on the 17th July 2024, Zena has continued with her learning and has embarked on furthering her academic knowledge studying for a Masters Degree in International Business at Cardiff Metropolitan University.
Zena may look normal to an untrained eye even though she has an invisible disability. Thanks to a great support network she is able to fit into society and has additional help, whenever she needs it.
Zena aspires to be a role model for young people with Multiple Sclerosis. She suffers from chronic pain symptoms in the legs and has noticed cognitive impairment and muscle weakness.
Zena works remotely which does not put a strain on her health. She writes articles and posts on an array of subjects, namely health and wellbeing, business,. She also does social media management, content creation and digital marketing.
