There are a number of rarer migraine syndromes. Each of these can cause particular concern when they first have their onset. Often they need investigation to be normal before a confident diagnosis is made.
Ophthalmoplegic Migraine
- most attacks begin before age ten
- more common in males
- unilateral headache
- eye movement markedly affected leading to double vision
- may last days to weeks
- third nerve usually affected but fourth and sixth nerves
can be affected
Retinal Migraine
- difficult to diagnose
- monocular visual symptoms
- not always followed by headache
Hemiplegic Migraine
- migraine with hemiparesis, that is weakness down one side as aura symptom
- lasts one hour to one week or more
- imaging normal
- autosomal familial form associated with abnormality on chromosome 19
Basilar Migraine
- occurs in childhood or adolescence
- associated visual disturbance, double vision, dizziness or unsteadiness
- may be altered or loss of consciousness
- frequent difficulty in diagnosis when not seen by neurologist
Migraine Aura without Headache
- neurological deficit without headache
- more common in men
- more common with increasing age