Basilar Artery Migraines

Definition

Definition of Basilar Artery Migraines
Basilar type migraine is a rare form of migraine headache. The symptoms of basilar type migraine are related to the base of the brain, known as the brainstem, which is located near a major blood vessel known as the basilar artery. However this blood vessel itself has not been proven to be the cause of the symptoms characteristic of this migraine variant, and the term “basilar artery migraine” has been replaced with the term “basilar type migraine.”

Basilar type migraine affects both men and women, but is more common in young women. Initially, when the condition was first described, it was thought to affect only adolescent females. Females are affected three times as commonly as males, as with classic migraine.

Symptoms

Symptoms of Basilar Artery Migraines
Basilar type migraine is preceded by a characteristic aura that causes symptoms related to a disturbance in the function of your brainstem.

Causes

Causes of Basilar Artery Migraines
Migraines are believed to be caused by abnormal brain activity that involves different chemicals and nerves. This activity alters the flow of blood in your brain and in surrounding areas, such as your eyes, face and neck. While basilar type migraine has symptoms related to the brainstem (the location of the basilar artery), the involvement of the basilar artery in basilar type migraine has not been scientifically proven. It is not understood why some people develop this particular variant of migraine.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Basilar Artery Migraines
Since basilar migraines can imitate other more serious conditions like seizure disorders or brain lesions, your doctor will want to rule out other possible causes of your symptoms. You may undergo an imaging study such as a MRI or CT scan in order to help diagnose a basilar migraine.

Treatment

Treatment of Basilar Artery Migraines
Treatment for basilar type migraine begins with seeking medical care from your health care provider. To determine if you have basilar type migraine, your health care provider may ask you to undergo diagnostic testing.

Prognosis

Prognosis of Basilar Artery Migraines
Consult with your doctor.

Prevention

Prevention of Basilar Artery Migraines
Consult with your doctor.