Posted on Feb 13, 2009

Symptoms that signal the onset of a migraine are used to describe two types of migraine. Migraine with aura (known as "classic" migraine) Migraine without aura (known as "common" migraine) Migraines with auras occur in about 20%-30% of migraine sufferers. An aura can occur one hour before the attack of pain and last from 15 to 60 minutes. The symptoms always last less than one hour. Visual auras include: Bright flashing dots or lights Blind spots Distorted vision Temporary vision loss Wavy or jagged lines There are also auras that can affect the other senses. Rare migraine conditions include these types of neurological auras: Hemiplegic migraine. Temporary paralysis (hemiplegia) or nerve or sensory changes on one side of the body Retinal migraine. Temporary, partial or complete loss of vision in one eye, along with a dull ache behind the eye Basilar artery migraine. Dizziness, confusion or loss of balance can precede the headache. Status migrainosus. A rare and severe type of migraine that can last 72-hours or longer. Ophthalmoplegic migraine. Pain around the eye, including paralysis in the muscles surrounding the eye. Migraines without auras are more common, occurring in 80%-85% of migraine sufferers. Several hours before the onset of the headache, the person can experience vague symptoms, including: Anxiety Depression Fatigue or tiredness