Migraine Without Aura

Migraine without aura is a very common type of migraine headache, which occurs without the visual or sensory disturbances that usually come with aura. It is characterized by severe, throbbing, or pulsating pain, generally on one side of the head. Along with this, other symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light, sound, or smells are also commonly experienced. Migraine without aura, not intractable, without status migrainosus typically responds well to treatment, unlike more severe forms of migraine that may be harder to manage.

What are the Symptoms of Migraine Without Aura?

Migraine without aura symptoms are quite common and can be quite disabling. Unlike other types of migraines, this one doesn't involve visual disturbances (aura), but the symptoms can still be very intense.

Headache: The key symptom is a severe headache, usually on one side of the head, and it feels throbbing or pulsating.
Nausea and Vomiting: Many people experience nausea, and it can sometimes lead to vomiting.
Sensitivity to Light and Sound: There’s often a heightened sensitivity to light (photophobia) and sound (phonophobia).
Fatigue: A feeling of tiredness or exhaustion can be present along with the headache.
Neck Pain: Some individuals may experience neck pain or stiffness.
Dizziness: Dizziness or lightheadedness is also common during the episode.

These migraines without aura symptoms usually worsen with physical activity, and rest along with treatment can help alleviate them.

Get a second opinion from trusted experts and makeconfident, informed decisions.

Get Second Opinion

What are the Causes of Migraine Without Aura?

The exact migraine without aura causes are not fully understood but are thought to result from a combination of genetic, environmental, and biological processes.

Genetic Factors: The risk of having migraines significantly increases if someone in the family has a history of them. Some people may be more prone to migraines because of certain genes.
Neurological Triggers: It’s been suggested that increased sensitivity to certain nerve signals may play a role in migraines; specifically, these changes are tied to neurotransmitter alterations, especially serotonin. Changes in serotonin lead to dilation and constriction of brain blood vessels, causing the headache.
Neurovascular Dysfunction: The way the blood vessels in the brain respond to various things is thought to be involved in triggering migraines.
Hormonal Issues: Hormonal changes, especially in women, are one of the leading migraines triggers. Fluctuations in estrogen levels, such as those that occur during menstruation, pregnancy or menopause, can also provoke migraines.
Environmental Factors: External stimuli, including bright lights, loud noises, pungent odours or weather changes can also trigger a migraine.
Stress and Lifestyle Factors: Physical or emotional stress, sleep disturbances, dehydration or skipping meals can make someone more susceptible to having a migraine.

Diagnosis of Migraine Without Aura

Clinical Evaluation

Diagnosing a migraine without aura primarily involves a thorough clinical evaluation. Healthcare providers will review the patient's medical history and symptom patterns to identify migraine characteristics.

Diagnostic Criteria

The International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD) provides specific criteria for diagnosing migraines without aura. These include:

At least five headache attacks lasting 4-72 hours (untreated or unsuccessfully treated)
Headache with at least two of the following characteristics: unilateral location, pulsating quality, moderate or severe pain intensity, and aggravation by or causing avoidance of routine physical activity
During the headache, at least one of the following: nausea and/or vomiting, photophobia, and phonophobia

Exclusion of Other Conditions

To confirm a diagnosis, it is crucial to exclude other conditions that may mimic migraine symptoms, such as sinus infections, tension-type headaches, and more severe conditions like brain tumors. This may involve imaging studies or other diagnostic tests.

Treatment for Migraine Without Aura

These migraines occur without an aura, which is the most common type (also known as migraine without aura). This condition is treated through medications, lifestyle changes and preventive measures. Medications:

Acute (abortive) treatments:

These are used to provide relief from symptoms as they occur during a migraine attack.
Over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen, aspirin or paracetamol.
Triptans (for instance, sumatriptan) to alleviate pain and other symptoms.
Medications to prevent nausea, if present.

Preventive treatments:

These are for people who have frequent or severe migraines.
Beta-blockers such as propranolol.
Antidepressants such as amitriptyline.
Anticonvulsants such as topiramate.
CGRP inhibitors such as fremanezumab in chronic migraine patients.

Lifestyle Modifications:

Keep regular hours with your sleep.
Practice stress management techniques like meditation, yoga and deep breathing exercises.
Take regular physical exercise.
Avoid triggers you know pisses off your migraine brain, any particular food, dehydration, lack of sleep.
Eat at reasonable portions and drink enough fluids.

Alternative Therapies:

Acupuncture or acupressure.
Biofeedback and cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) for stress management.
However, a doctor will typically recommend the best-practices approach based on how often and how bad your migraines are.

Your health is everything - prioritize your well-being today.

Schedule Your Appointment

What is the Difference Between Migraine with Aura and Without Aura?

The main difference between migraine with aura and migraine without aura is the presence or absence of warning signs (aura) before the headache begins. Here’s a simple comparison:

Migraine with Aura

Aura Symptoms are sensory disturbances that typically happen before the headache starts. The aura can last from 5 minutes to 60 minutes and may include:
Visual disturbances like flashes of light, zigzag lines, or blind spots.
Numbness or tingling, usually starting in the hand or face.
Speech or language problems, where it becomes difficult to speak or understand.
Headache Phase usually follows the aura and is intense, throbbing, and often felt on one side of the head.
Aura happens in about 25-30% of migraine sufferers, but not everyone with migraines experiences it.

Migraine without Aura (Common Migraine)

No Aura: There are no warning signs before the headache. The migraine starts directly with the headache, which can last for several hours or even days.
Headache Phase: Like migraines with aura, the headache is intense, throbbing, and may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.
Frequency: This type is more common and affects a larger number of migraine sufferers.

In short, migraine with aura includes sensory disturbances before the headache, whereas migraine without aura starts directly with the headache, without any warning signs.

Living with Migraine Without Aura

Coping Strategies

Living with migraines can be challenging, but various coping strategies can help manage the condition. Keeping a migraine diary to track triggers, symptoms, and treatments can provide valuable insights into managing the condition.

Support Systems

Support from family, friends, and healthcare providers is crucial. Joining a support group, either in person or online, can provide additional resources and a sense of community for those living with migraines.

Find Our Specialists

Book Doctor Appointment

Name*

Mobile Number*

I agree to the Medicover Privacy Policy

International Patient Services

Still have questions? Speak with our experts now!

040-68334455

Frequently Asked Questions

Is migraine without aura serious?

Migraine without aura is generally not considered life-threatening, but it can significantly impact quality of life and may require treatment to manage symptoms.

Is a migraine with aura bad?

Migraines with aura can be more concerning due to the visual disturbances and neurological symptoms. However, they are treatable and often improve with proper care.

Can stress cause migraine without aura?

Yes, stress is a known trigger for migraines without aura, alongside other factors like lack of sleep or dehydration.

How long do migraines without auras last?

Migraines without aura can last anywhere from 4 hours to 72 hours, depending on the individual and how it is managed.

Are migraines without aura a risk of stroke?

Migraines without aura may slightly increase the risk of stroke, particularly in individuals with additional risk factors such as smoking or high blood pressure.