What is a Migraine Equivalent?

A term that is sometimes seen on the Internet and other places is the term migraine equivalent. A lot of people see it but they don’t know what it means. So this article is going to give you a better understanding of what the term migraine equivalent means and may also give you a better understanding of what may be happening to you in your own life.

When people think about migraines, they usually associate them with a really bad headache, nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. But a migraine equivalent is a migraine that comes without pain.  Yes that’s correct:  “a migraine equivalent is a migraine that comes without the pain.”

So if the migraine equivalent is a migraine without the pain in the head, why is it such a big problem? The reason is simple: even though there’s no headache pain, this condition still causes problems for the people that suffer from it.

Symptoms

When someone has a migraine equivalent, they still have some of the same symptoms associated with a regular migraine. For example:

Visual Problems

One of the most common symptoms linked to this condition is a change in vision.  This can manifest itself as flashes, small light points that glitter, stripes or mirages that shimmer, or colors and patterns that seem to suddenly appear.

Additionally, people that suffer from this type of migraine may experience hallucinations.   People with this condition have reported that they feel as if they’re in a dream,  or in the middle of a fantasy world.

Numbness and Tingling

Another migraine equivalent symptom is numbness and tingling in a person’s feet, hands, legs, face, or arms.   These body parts can feel either completely numb or feel as if the person’s limb has fallen asleep.

Length of Migraine

The duration of migraine equivalent attacks varies, just as it does with a regular migraine.   Migraine equivalent attacks can last anywhere from a few seconds to several hours.   Sufferers may exhibit some or all of the symptoms.

Because the symptoms are varied, the condition can be misdiagnosed as something not related to a migraine.   This is unfortunate because the symptoms people experience when having an attack can really affect their day.  These attacks can be frightening and can even make someone wonder if they’re going mad.   This is extremely frustrating if the treating physician isn’t able to correctly diagnose the condition.  However, it’s important that people with these symptoms continue working with their physicians to seek relief.

Although some may surmise that migraine equivalent isn’t serious since there’s no pain involved, the problems that sufferers face can be just as debilitating as a migraine headache.   Think about it: they have trouble telling what is real and what isn’t, they experience numbness in different parts of their body, and they feel as if something is “off” with their bodies.

But there’s hope: more and more physicians have experience with this condition and have the ability to implement treatment plans that are extremely effective.   To assist your doctor with his/her diagnosis, it’s important that you record your symptoms in as much detail as possible.  Write down the dates, times, duration, and symptoms associated with the attack.  If you have a family member or friend that witnesses your attacks, have them also record their observations.    All of this will help your physician determine the best plan of action for your condition.

So don’t be discouraged!  Even if you have to see more than one doctor it’s important that you continue seeking assistance!

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5 Responses to “What is a Migraine Equivalent?”

  1. Bunny Wasserman on August 16th, 2010 10:52 pm

    Thank you for this real account of what has haunted our 43 year old daughter for years. We have just returned from 4 days at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester Minnesota where she was for the first time diagnosed correcly with Migraaine Equilvalent Headaches and is now on Topamax. This syndromde a very complex and has 250 medical defects. Dozens on MD’s have missed this very simple fix for years and a simple look at the syndrome would have spared her years of additional agony. All it would have taken would have been a good nurologist or a good interist.

  2. Yvonne Leonhardt on October 27th, 2011 10:02 am

    I have suffered from ME all my life! As a child I would get ill — feel terrible, but not have any ‘signs’ of flu or other symptoms. I have one right now. Lately it is one half of my nose hurting and dripping in a stream. It is indescribable! Some 10 years ago I would have one eye see close and the other see far, or one eye see gray and the other normal. I also at times get auras. these sight aberrations last about 20 minutes and end with sickness — sick to stomach — diarrhea — feeling like my head ‘isn’t right’ but no headache. The drippy, hurting nose lasts all day. The next day my whole head feels sore. They also ‘cluster” with being alright for a day and having symptoms again within the weeks, and over again. I also have A Fib and meds for one are not good with my maintinence meds. Right now I can’t spell! Looking everything up in dictionary isn’t fun!. Also an empty feeling in stomach and could eat fattening foods to feel better!

  3. Camille Ferrara on December 21st, 2011 9:54 am

    I wish I had known this 35 years ago. I’ve wasted decades in psychotherapy that didn’t help, taking meds that didn’t work, and believing I was very mentally ill beyond help. I was diagnosed with ME about two years ago and was prescribed Cymbalta. It was the best thing that ever happened to me.

  4. Kev on January 10th, 2012 10:44 am

    Thank you for taking the time to document this in a thorough and insightful manor. My partner has suffered these for years becoming more than 1 a day in recent months. She has struggled with the health service and is dubious of us reassuring her that she isn’t going mad. Seeing that other people feel the same is a relief that she is not alone, or going mad.

  5. Virginia on February 25th, 2012 3:52 pm

    I was diagnosed almost 1 year ago. I have spent years wondering what was wrong with me, and everyone had an answer that was wrong. After undergoing many tests and multiple doctors, we finally figured it out. I am thankful, but I want to understand what is medically happening to me and I can’t find any info on that. I KNOW it is ME, but WHAT is happening when I feel like I am looking cross-eyed with vertigo and nausea? Can anyone explain what is actually happening inside my head with the bloodvessels and nerves?

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