subject: Atypical Migraine - Not Your Average Headache [print this page] Atypical Migraine - Not Your Average Headache
What causes them? No specific cause has been determined for these types of migraines although research has shown that spasms in the blood vessels of the brain can lead to an attack. Things such as bright or florescent lights, lack of sleep, and changes in weather are believed to trigger an atypical migraine. Atypical migraines are also genetic, which means that if a family member has suffered with them, chances are that another relative will too. What can help? Classic migraine symptoms can be treated by a variety of over the counter medications and pain relievers such as ibuprofen and aspirin. While these could help, because atypical migraine sufferers tend to not have classic symptoms, even treating them becomes difficult. A patient should list as specifically as possible their symptoms so that a doctor can prescribe something to provide relief for each ailment. Physicians may order a variety of different tests to rule out other diagnoses before deciding on an atypical migraine syndrome as the symptoms present could represent other suspected medical conditions. These migraines are tricky to determine, so mis-diagnosis can be common. Most importantly, patients should communicate with their doctors and become involved in their line of treatment. Because the symptoms are so varied, only these migraine sufferers can accurately account for what treatments offer relief. As with all migraine sufferers, many find relief lying down in a dark, quiet room until their symptoms resolve.
