Formerly called as Basilar-type Migraine, includes a migraine with aura symptoms causing a headache which starts at lower back part of the brainstem known as an occipital region. In medical terms, the word basilar means base or the bottom of a body part especially the skull. The symptoms for Migraine with Brainstem Aura include
- Partial or total loss of vision or double vision
- Dizziness
- Vertigo
- Muscle weakness
- Slurred or unclear speech
- Fainting
- Throbbing pain on both sides of the head
- Buzzing in ears
- Loss of balance
Basilar type migraine is most common in teenage girls between 10-19 years age and it is related to their menstrual cycle.
Treatment
- Acupuncture
- Yoga
- Massage therapy
- Biofeedback therapy where a person learns to control and respond to physical processes of an approaching migraine attack
- Herbal remedies and nutritional dietary supplements
- Relaxation therapy
- Beta blockers(propranolol, metoprolol)
- Antidepressants(venlafaxine or amitriptyline)
- Cognitive behavioral therapy which helps people to cope with their stress
- Ant seizure drugs ( Topiramate, Divalproex or Valproate)