Acephalic Migraine Definition:

Acephalic migraine, also known as migraine without headache or silent migraine, refers to a neurological condition characterized by migraine symptoms that do not include a headache.

Symptoms:

People experiencing acephalic migraine may encounter various symptoms, which often mimic those of a typical migraine attack, except for the headache. These symptoms may include:

  • Aura
  • Visual disturbances
  • Sensory disturbances
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Anxiety
  • Irritability
  • Fatigue

Causes:

The exact causes of acephalic migraines are still unclear. However, similar to regular migraines, various factors can trigger or contribute to the occurrence of acephalic migraines. These factors may include:

  • Hormonal changes
  • Stress
  • Lack of sleep
  • Specific foods or food additives
  • Certain medications
  • Bright lights
  • Loud noises

Treatment:

As acephalic migraines do not involve a headache, treatment approaches focus on managing other associated symptoms such as aura, nausea, or sensory disturbances. The following methods may be employed:

  • Avoiding triggers
  • Resting in a quiet, dark room
  • Relaxation techniques
  • Medications (as prescribed by a healthcare professional)