A basilar migraine occurs due to constriction of blood vessels that hampers blood flow to the brain. Initially, researchers indicated that basilar migraines were related to short-term spasms of the basilar artery, one of the arteries that delivers oxygen-rich blood to the brain.

What are basilar migraines?

Migraine with brainstem aura or MBA (formerly known as basilar migraines) are headaches that start in the lower part of the brain, called the brainstem. They cause symptoms such as dizziness, double vision, and lack of coordination.

What are the main causes of migraines?

What triggers a migraine?

  • Emotional stress. Emotional stress is one of the most common triggers of migraine headaches.
  • Missing a meal.
  • Sensitivity to specific chemicals and preservatives in foods.
  • Caffeine.
  • Daily use of pain-relieving medications.
  • Hormonal changes in women.
  • Light.

How common is basilar migraine?

Among migraine types, basilar migraine is rare. Because it begins in the brain stem, a doctor may call it “migraine with brain stem aura.”

What causes basilar?

Basilar migraines are a migraine type that lasts about an hour and begins in your brain stem. Scientists are not 100% sure what exactly the cause is. Many believe basilar migraines occur due to vasoconstriction, or the narrowing of blood vessels. The muscular wall of the vessel tightens and constricts blood flow.

Are basilar migraines common?

Among migraine types, basilar migraine is rare. Because it begins in the brain stem, a doctor may call it “migraine with brain stem aura.” This aura may involve changes in a person’s speech, hearing, or vision — they may see lines, flashes of light, or spots in their field of vision.

How common are basilar migraines?

What are basilar migraines and what causes them?

Initially, researchers indicated that basilar migraines were related to short-term spasms of the basilar artery, one of the arteries that delivers oxygen-rich blood to the brain. These researchers were later disproven, and today, basilar migraines are believed to be related to nerves in the brain.

How long do basilar migraine symptoms last?

These symptoms may last for up to one hour, and they may occur at any time. If a person experiences basilar migraine symptoms, he or she should seek out medical support. By consulting with a doctor, an individual can receive a proper basilar migraine diagnosis and explore different treatment options.

What tests are used to diagnose a basilar migraine?

An electroencephalogram (EEG) is sometimes used as part of a basilar migraine diagnosis. The test records electric signals to a patient’s brain and helps a doctor determine if a patient is dealing with seizures, basilar migraines or both.

Can triptans help prevent basilar migraines?

Some migraine medications such as triptans may not help prevent basilar migraines because they constrict your brain’s blood vessels. Talk to your doctor about whether these medications will work for you. Basilar migraines are common in teenagers and young adults.