[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2018\/04\/types-of-migraines\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2018\/04\/types-of-migraines\/","headline":"Understanding the Different Types of Migraines","name":"Understanding the Different Types of Migraines","description":"There are several different types of migraines. Learn more about the different causes and symptoms of migraines and how you can find relief.","datePublished":"2018-04-04","dateModified":"2024-05-30","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/","name":"UPMC","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/upmc\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/102017BLG_WOMANTYPESOFMIGRAINES.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/102017BLG_WOMANTYPESOFMIGRAINES.jpg","height":327,"width":754},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2018\/04\/types-of-migraines\/","about":["Living and Wellness","Neurosurgery and Brain Health"],"wordCount":406,"keywords":["headaches","migraine","migraine aura","migraines","severe headache"],"articleBody":"If you\u2019ve had a\u00a0migraine\u00a0before, you probably don\u2019t need a definition. It\u2019s a pulsing, throbbing headache that gets worse with movement.Most of the time, you need to lie down in a dark, silent room until it goes away. A\u00a0typical migraine\u00a0may be accompanied by sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, and vomiting. Learn how to identify the different types of migraines, so you can seek the treatment you need.Find contact information for the Headache Center at UPMC.Types of Migraines: Common Symptoms to KnowThere are several different\u00a0types of migraines. Let\u2019s look at the two most common types first:Migraine without aura. These migraines start with pain usually on one side of the head and have the symptoms you expect with a migraine.Migraine with aura.\u00a0Some people have symptoms before or during migraines. You may see wavy lines, flashing lights, or distorted vision. You may experience a tingling feeling. This is called an aura.There also are less common migraine types that people experience. In some cases, the symptoms can easily be confused with other conditions.RELATED:\u00a0BOTOX May be the Surprising Answer to Chronic MigrainesMigraine aura without headache. Sometimes the aura occurs without the headache. This is more common in people over age 50 who have a history of migraines.Vestibular migraine.Ophthalmoplegic migraine. Most often affecting young people, this rare type of migraine causes a severe headache along with weakness in one or more muscles that control eye movement. Someone with this type of migraine also may have dilated pupils, drooping eyelids, or difficulty moving the eye until the migraine passes.Hemiplegic migraine. Also very rare, a hemiplegic migraine causes weakness on one side of the body. This can be a scary experience, because the symptoms often mimic those of a stroke. Symptoms resolve when the migraine passes. If you experience weakness on one side of your body, you should go to the emergency room to be evaluated for a stroke.RELATED: Does Your Anxiety Disorder Cause Migraines?If you regularly experience\u00a0severe headaches or migraines, it\u2019s best to get checked out by a doctor to make sure there\u2019s not a more serious problem. There are many treatment options available to deal with migraines, and your doctor can help you identify triggers to try to prevent headaches.Editor's Note: This video was originally published on April 4, 2018, and was last reviewed on May 30, 2024."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2018","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2018\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"04","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2018\/\/04\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Understanding the Different Types of Migraines","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2018\/04\/types-of-migraines\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]