Migraine A-Z Glossary
Welcome to our comprehensive Migraine A-Z Glossary. This guide is designed to help you understand the various types of migraines, their symptoms, and potential remedies. Whether you're seeking information for yourself or a loved one, this glossary aims to provide clear and concise explanations to assist you in managing migraines more effectively.
A
Abdominal Migraine
Common in children, characterized by abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting without a headache.
Acephalgic Migraine (Silent Migraine)
Migraine aura symptoms occur without an accompanying headache.
Alice in Wonderland Syndrome
A rare migraine aura causing distorted perception of size, shape, or distance, affecting how objects or body parts are perceived.
Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA)
An antioxidant that may help reduce migraine frequency and intensity by combating oxidative stress. Consult a healthcare provider before use.
Antioxidants
Substances like vitamins C and E that protect cells from damage and may help reduce migraine frequency. Discuss supplementation with a medical professional.
Anxiety
Often co-occurs with migraines; about 60% of migraine patients also experience anxiety symptoms.
B
B2 (Riboflavin)
A B-vitamin shown to decrease migraine frequency and duration when taken as a supplement. Recommended by NICE the National Institute of Clinical Excellence/the NHS for off label use at 400mg daily dose for migraines.
Basilar-Type Migraine (Migraine with Brainstem Aura)
Involves symptoms originating from the brainstem, such as vertigo, double vision, and difficulty speaking.
Brain Fog
Cognitive impairment affecting concentration, learning, memory recall, and language processing during or after a migraine attack.
C
Chronic Migraine
Headaches occurring on 15 or more days per month for over three months, with migraine features on at least 8 days per month.
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
An antioxidant that may help reduce the frequency and severity of migraines by supporting cellular energy production. Consult a healthcare professional before starting supplementation.
Corpalgia
Whole-body pain or discomfort experienced during a migraine attack.
D
Dizziness
Reported by up to one-third of people with migraines, especially in Migraine with Brainstem Aura and Vestibular Migraine.
E
Episodic Migraine
Migraines occurring less than 15 days per month.
Euphoria
Some individuals may experience a heightened sense of well-being during the prodrome or postdrome phases of a migraine.
F
Familial Hemiplegic Migraine
A rare genetic type causing temporary paralysis on one side of the body during the aura phase.
Feverfew
A herb traditionally used to prevent migraines and alleviate symptoms. Used in antiquity (ancient Greece) to modern day phyto therapy.
Frequent Urination
Common during the prodrome phase of a migraine attack.
G
Gastrointestinal Upset
Common in migraines, including symptoms like abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Ginger
Known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-nausea properties, ginger may help ease migraine pain and associated nausea.
H
Hemiplegic Migraine
Characterized by temporary weakness or paralysis on one side of the body during the aura phase.
I
Insomnia
People with migraines are more likely to suffer from sleep disorders, which can also trigger migraine attacks.
J
Jerkiness (Ataxia)
Lack of voluntary coordination of muscle movements, common in certain migraine types like Basilar-Type Migraine.
M
Magnesium
Essential for nerve function; supplements may prevent migraines, especially in those with a deficiency.
Menstrual Migraine
Linked to hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle. Can be alleviated by MigraSoothe boosters for womens migraines blend.
Migraine with Aura
Preceded by visual or sensory disturbances known as auras.
Migraine without Aura
The most common type, occurring without preceding auras.
N
Numbness
Can affect various parts of the body, especially in Hemiplegic Migraine and Migraine with Aura.
O
Ocular Migraine
Involves temporary visual disturbances or blindness in one eye, often without a headache.
Ophthalmoplegic Migraine
Causes pain around the eye and paralysis of eye muscles (now often classified differently).
Oversensitivity
To light (photophobia), sound (phonophobia), smell (osmophobia), and taste.
Q
Queasiness (Nausea and Vomiting)
Extremely common migraine symptoms, affecting 60–95% of people with migraines.
R
Retinal Migraine
Causes visual disturbances in one eye, potentially leading to temporary blindness.
Restless Leg Syndrome
Can co-occur with migraines, especially in middle-aged and older adults.
Riboflavin (B2)
Another name for vitamin B2, known to help decrease migraine frequency and duration when supplemented. It's roll in the body is to support and enhanced energy energy production in the mitochondria.
S
Serotonin
A neurotransmitter involved in regulating pain and mood; fluctuations may trigger migraines. Medications affecting serotonin levels are often used in migraine treatment.
Silent Migraine
Aura symptoms occur without the headache phase.
Sinusitis-like Symptoms
Nasal congestion and watery eyes can occur during migraine attacks, sometimes leading to misdiagnosis.
Status Migrainosus
A severe migraine attack lasting longer than 72 hours.
T
Tinnitus
Ringing or buzzing in the ears, particularly common in Vestibular Migraine.
V
Vestibular Migraine
Involves vertigo, dizziness, and balance disturbances, sometimes without a significant headache.
Visual Aura
Can include blurry vision, light sensitivity, vision loss, or seeing zigzags and squiggly lines.
Vitamin D
Adequate levels may reduce migraine frequency; low levels are commonly found in migraine sufferers.
W
Weekend Migraine
Migraines that occur during periods of relaxation after stress, such as weekends or holidays.
Weakness
Particularly associated with Hemiplegic Migraine, causing temporary weakness on one side of the body.
X
Xerostomia (Dry Mouth)
Can occur as part of the prodrome phase of a migraine or as a side effect of medications.
Y
Yawning
Excessive yawning can be a symptom in the prodrome or postdrome phases of a migraine attack.
Z
Zooming (Alice in Wonderland Syndrome)
Causes perceptual disturbances, including changes in how objects or body parts are perceived in size and distance.
Note: While supplements and natural remedies like B2 (Riboflavin), Coenzyme Q10, Magnesium, Feverfew, Ginger, Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA), Antioxidants, and Vitamin D may offer relief for some individuals, it's important to consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new treatment. Migraine experiences and effective remedies can vary between individuals.