The Complex MigraineA complex migraine is a specific and some what common event. The headache/pain portion of the migraine in theory is caused by blood vessel dilation, decreased cerebral blood flow and abnormal activity of the trigeminal nerve. The trigeminal nerve is one of 12 cranial nerves in the head and neck area. This one pathway is well known for its pain production with this type of head pain, and other conditions. Types of Complex Migraine HeadachesThe term, Complex Migraines is something of an oxy moron, in that there are no simple migraine cases. They are all painful, frustrating, and to some degree they are debilitating. If you are the one with the problem, you know exactly what I am talking about.
There are several types of migraine headaches. A headache or migraine that is a bit more complicated is one in which there are neurological symptoms. Some of the symptoms of migraine headaches are weakness, loss of vision, or difficulty speaking in addition to the headache. In fact, a complex migraine may be mistaken for a stroke. What Causes a Migraine?One theory about the cause of migraine headaches is that blood vessels in the brain suddenly narrow (or spasm) and then dilate; when the blood vessels dilate, the headache develops.During the spasm phase, certain parts of the brain may receive too little blood, and this may cause the stroke-like symptoms. However, unlike a stroke, blood flow is not permanently interrupted during migraine headaches, and the neurological symptoms are nearly always temporary. Other Types of Migraines
These terms (common, classic and complex) to describe migraine headaches have fallen out of favor in recent years, as many people have features of more than one type and the options for treatment are the same for all three types. Migraine Headache SymptomsSymptoms of a complex migraine, or complicated migraine, include nausea, sensitivity to light and noise, difficulty speaking, confusion, double vision, and unsteadiness. Note that migraine headache symptoms are not limited to this short list.Migraine Headache TreatmentThese terms (common, classic and complex) to describe migraine headaches have fallen out of favor in recent years, as many people have features of more than one type and the options for treatment are the same for all three types.There are more options than ever before for migraine headache treatment and prevention. So, if you have bothersome headaches (with or without symptoms of a complicated migraine), see your doctor for evaluation and treatment.
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