A silent migraine, known as an acephalgic migraine, is a migraine without the pain. If you get a silent migraine, it means you may get any of the typical symptoms of a migraine, but without the head pain. Even though you do not feel pain, the other side effects can be just as debilitating as a painful migraine headache. Let us concentrate on understanding silent migraines.
Causes vs. Triggers of a Migraine
Migraine is a complex neurological disease. Its symptoms, attack triggers, severity, and response to treatment can vary person by person. A migraine is a primary headache disorder, not a symptom of another condition.
A silent migraine is a type of migraine. There is a difference between what triggers a migraine and what causes the disease. The cause is not clearly understood, although we do know several genes are involved. Migraine disease is highly hereditary.
Phases of a Migraine
Prodrome Phase
The prodrome phase is that part of a migraine that comes before and that forewarns you one is coming. You can have all the same forewarnings with a silent migraine.
You may feel hyper, have food cravings, develop a stiff neck, feel extra tired, urinate and yawn more frequently, and be constipated or have bouts of diarrhea.
Aura Phase
For certain people, the aura phase comes next, with multiple visual symptoms like flashing lights, wavy lines, spots in your vision, blind spots, and tunnel vision. It’s important to note that not everyone experiences aura, and you can have migraines where you only experience aura some of the time.
Besides vision, a silent migraine can affect other senses. You may suddenly have strange smells or tastes, trouble hearing or hearing things that are not there, numbness or a tingling sensation, and feel weak, especially on one side of the body.
Other Symptoms of a Silent Migraine
Additional symptoms can include the following:
- Upset stomach with vomiting
- Hot flashes and chills
- Dizziness like vertigo
- Runny nose
- Sore neck or jaw
- Confusion
- Sensitivity to light, noise, smell, and touch
Be aware that all the above signs can be unpredictable and different for each person. See an experienced headache specialist like those at Puget Sound Neurology in Tacoma, WA if you are experiencing any of these symptoms.
Triggers of a Silent Migraine Attack
- Foods like chocolate, caffeine drinks, artificial sweeteners, and alcohol should be avoided.
- Dehydration and skipping meals can trigger a silent migraine.
- Environmental factors like the weather, lights and noise, smells, and sounds can bring one on.
- Stress is a common trigger.
- Not getting enough sleep can bring on a silent migraine.
- Overusing medications that treat headaches can be problematic.
Do your best to avoid these common triggers or any others you may have.
Silent Migraine Diagnosis and Treatment
It is important to get an accurate diagnosis if you are having symptoms of a silent migraine. Although the symptoms are different, the treatment is basically the same for both.
Lifestyle changes, over-the-counter medications, and prescription meds will help to reduce the frequency and the severity of the migraine.
Whereas the pain of a migraine can last from 4 to 72 hours, a silent migraine with no pain usually lasts up to 30 minutes, and few last more than 60 minutes. Although the time is much less, it can still be dangerous when it strikes suddenly.
Rarely, the symptoms can also indicate a more serious condition like stroke or bleeding in the brain. That is why it is important to see an experienced neurologist or headache specialist like those at Puget Sound Neurology for tests and a diagnosis.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a silent migraine?
A silent migraine, or acephalgic migraine, is a migraine that brings the usual migraine symptoms without the head pain. Even without pain, the other effects can be just as debilitating as a painful migraine.
What are the symptoms of a silent migraine?
Symptoms can include visual auras, strange smells or tastes, numbness or tingling, dizziness, nausea, confusion, sore neck or jaw, and sensitivity to light, noise, smell, and touch. They vary from person to person.
How long does a silent migraine last?
A silent migraine usually lasts up to 30 minutes, and few last more than 60 minutes. This is much shorter than a painful migraine, which can last from 4 to 72 hours.
Are silent migraines dangerous?
They are usually not dangerous, but because the symptoms can rarely point to a more serious problem like a stroke or bleeding in the brain, it is important to see an experienced neurologist for testing and an accurate diagnosis.
Talk With Puget Sound Neurology in Tacoma, WA
Contact Puget Sound Neurology at (253) 284-4488 if you are experiencing any of the signs of a silent migraine.