11 November 2023 , 08:23
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When hearing the word "migraine", most people immediately think about headaches - but there is a silent condition that not many know about.
Silent migraines, also known as migraine aura without headache, occur when someone has a migraine aura without any head pain. But despite the lack of headaches, these migraines can still be uncomfortable and debilitating for those who experience them.
An aura is described as a recurrent attack that features temporary visual, sensory or speech and language symptoms. People may also experience other signs including nausea and sensitivity to light and sound before any migraine symptoms appear.
According to Lloyds Pharmacy, the number of people who experience migraine aura without headache in the UK is not known but they are likely to make up a firm percentage of the 190,000 migraine attacks that occur every day. Silent migraines can affect your vision, senses, and even cause temporary blindness - and since they can be scary, it is important to know the symptoms as well as the treatment available.
They are typically split in three main phases - prodrome, aura, and postdrome. The first phase often comes with subtle mood shifts, changes in energy levels, nausea and muscle stiffness. Some people also experience fatigue, sleep pattern changes, and unusual cravings.
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In the aura stage, visual disturbances appear - and these can include bright or flashing lights in front of the eyes, blurring, zigzag lines, white or coloured dots or stars, tunnel vision or temporary loss of sight, stationary objects that appear to move, obects that appear larger or smaller than they are, numbness and tingling. Patients may also experience numbness and tingling, speech difficulties, dizziness or balance problems, and in rare cases, loss of consciousness.
Lloyds Pharmacy said: "Aura symptoms can vary dramatically from person to person and can be very frightening and anxiety-inducing. Those who have never experienced an aura before might assume they are having a more serious attack, such as a stroke. This usually isn’t the case, but if these symptoms happen out of the blue, or are accompanied by other symptoms such as physical weakness or slurred speech, you should call 999 immediately."
The postdrome phase, also known as a migraine "hangover", can last for 24 to 48 hours. It can include symptoms such as aches and pains, difficulty concentrating, dizziness, euphoria or depression, and fatigue.
The causes of silent migraines are not clear, but scientists believe some common issues could trigger the problem. These include stress, diet rich in cheese, caffeine and alcohol, a lack of sleep or too much sleep, hormonal changes, and environmental factors such as bright lights, strong smells, loud noises, and weather changes.
Silent migraines can often be treated with the same medication as other migraines - but you should always talk to a medical professional before taking any medicines.