Atypical migraine describes a migraine-like attack that does not follow the four-phase pattern of a typical migraine attack. Additionally, the condition may not meet all the diagnostic criteria for typical migraine.
It is important to note that “atypical migraine” is not an official medical term, and it is not listed in the International Classification of Headaches Disorders third edition (ICHD3).
However, research suggests that an atypical migraine attack
In this article we discuss the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment of atypical migraine, as well as when to speak with a doctor.
Headache and migraine resources
To discover more evidence-based information and resources for headaches and migraine, visit our dedicated hub.
Research suggests that the symptoms of an atypical migraine attack may not always be the same as those of a typical migraine attack. Additionally, they may not follow the
Atypical migraine may also present any of the
- Gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal bloating.
- Symptoms of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, which may include dizziness, difficulty maintaining balance, and a feeling that any immediate surroundings are moving or spinning.
- Sensory and visual issues without any headache present, which healthcare professionals may refer to as typical aura without headache.
- Prodromal symptoms, which may include:
- a stiff neck
- fluid retention
- euphoria
- blurry vision
- difficulty concentrating
- yawning and difficulty swallowing
- feelings of restlessness
- sensitivity to light
- aggression
Autonomic symptoms , which may involve:- Recurring headache episodes that immediately interrupt activity, but a person is able to return to that activity as soon as the headache passes.
- Recurring headache episodes that interrupt sleep.
Typical vs. atypical migraine symptoms
Atypical migraine symptoms can present in areas of the body not typically associated with migraine. Some examples of these symptoms include vertigo, trouble swallowing, and nasal congestion. A person may not even present with any headache pain.
Healthcare professionals define typical migraine as repeated episodes of throbbing and pulsating pain on one side of the head. Other common typical migraine symptoms can include:
- nausea
- sensitivity to noise, light, and smell
- vomiting
Additionally, typical migraine has four phases, which include:
- Prodrome: These are symptoms a person experiences
up to 24 hours before a migraine attack. They may include uncontrollable yawning, unexplained changes in mood, and food cravings. - Aura: These symptoms may occur prior to or during the migraine attack. They may include muscle weakness and visual disturbances, such as flashing or bright lights.
- Headache: This may develop gradually and become more intense during the attack.
- Postdrome: During this phase, a person may feel confused or exhausted following the attack.
Learn more about migraine timeline, stages, durations, and recovery.
Causes and risk factors for atypical migraine
In some cases, a person may notice that certain factors trigger atypical migraine attacks. Some examples may include:
- drinking alcohol
- consuming too much caffeine, or experiencing caffeine withdrawal
- skipping meals
- exercising
- eating certain foods or additives
- not getting enough sleep
- stress
- smoking
- experiencing hormonal changes, which may be due to the menstrual cycle or taking oral contraceptives
- strong smells or perfume
- changes in the weather, or certain types of weather
If a person is experiencing migraine-like attacks that do not follow the typical four phases of a migraine attack or do not present the common symptoms of a typical migraine, then a doctor may diagnose them with atypical migraine.
According to a 2022 article, a doctor
A healthcare professional may also ask someone about their personal and family medical history and perform a physical examination to rule out any other causes of the symptoms.
Treatment for atypical migraine
Immediate tips that may help relieve symptoms during an atypical migraine attack include:
- drinking plenty of fluids, especially if a person is vomiting
- resting or napping with the eyes closed in a dark and quiet room
- placing a cold compress on the forehead
A doctor may also recommend medications to help relieve symptoms. Some of these
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- acetaminophen
- dopamine receptor antagonists
- triptans
- ditans and gepants
There are also
A person should speak with a healthcare professional about which treatments for atypical migraine may work best for them.
If a person is experiencing symptoms of atypical migraine such as vertigo, autonomic symptoms, and recurring headache episodes, they should contact a doctor who can help work out the underlying cause of the symptoms.
A person with a diagnosis of atypical migraine
People may find it helpful to make a headache or migraine attack diary to help log their symptoms, triggers, and treatment methods. This may help them and their doctor work out if any different treatment approaches are necessary.
Atypical migraine does not follow the four-phase pattern of a typical migraine, or it may not meet the ICHD3 migraine diagnostic criteria.
A person with atypical migraine may experience several symptoms that are not usually present with typical migraine, such as vertigo, aura without headache, and nasal congestion.
To treat the condition, a doctor may recommend a person avoids any known triggers for atypical migraine attacks. A doctor may also prescribe medications, such as NSAIDs and triptans, to help with symptoms.
A person should contact a healthcare professional if they are experiencing any atypical migraine symptoms, or if any current treatments a doctor has recommended do not seem to be helping with their symptoms.