Migraines and Other Headaches

Some uncommon headaches are even more complicated than those already mentioned. These rare headaches not only hurt but can cause symptoms that can be very scary.

Basilar Artery Migraine

These headaches are most likely to affect teenage women. The sufferer may vomit, experience visual problems, dizziness, vertigo, trouble walking, and even loss of consciousness. Unlike the usual migraine headache, this one may hurt in the back of the head.

Hemiplegic Migraine

Scientists have found specific genetic markers for this type of headache. That is why it is sometimes called familial hemiplegic migraine. The hemiplegia (paralysis of one side of the body) or hemiparesis (weakness of one side of the body) at the onset of this headache sometimes lasts well after the headache ends.

Confusional Migraine

A confused mental state, including possible amnesia, is the hallmark of the confusional migraine, which is more common in boys. The sufferer may become restless and disoriented. Afterward, he or she may have no memory of the headache.

In PE class, Tyler felt a headache coming on. Then his legs became numb. The numbness spread to his left arm, and he couldn't move his fingers. Next, he couldn't talk. He started to see what looked like sparklers. When he became confused and disoriented, the school nurse called an ambu lance. In the emergency room at the hospital, Tyler vomited twice. All diagnostic tests came out nor mal, however, and eight hours later Tyler felt fine.

Ophthalmoplegic Migraine

The double vision and other eye problems that accompany this rare headache may last a long time after the headache is gone.

Cluster Headache

Another rare variety of headache is the cluster headache. Some say it is a migraine and some say it isn't, but people describe it as extremely painful. However, it rarely appears in people under twenty.