Migraine Explained: Silent Migraine
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Did you know that it is possible to have a Migraine without pain? You might be scratching your head because you thought that a Migraine is a headache. Well, if I do nothing else with this blog, I hope to educate some people about how untrue that assumption is. A Migraine without pain is commonly called a Silent Migraine. I experienced this for years before my Migraines increased 3 years ago. So, let’s explore this type of Migraine.
What is a Silent Migraine?
In my series on the 4 Phases of Migraine, we learned about the different phases that each Migraine might go through. Of course, not everyone goes through each phase and every Migraine is different. For example, there are many people that never get an Aura with their attacks. These Migraines are medically classified as Migraine without Aura and are the most common type of Migraine.
A Silent Migraine is a type of Migraine with Aura in which the person does not enter a Headache phase of the attack. Typically, this will be classified as Typical Aura without Headache.
My Experience with Silent Migraine
Before my Migraines became chronic (more than 15 attacks each month) about 3 years ago, I had mostly Silent Migraines. Typically, I would have the Prodrome phase of smelling something that wasn’t there and feeling really drained.
At some point, often hours later, I would begin having an Aura. At this point in my illness, that would include some numbness in my right arm, my tongue and right cheek. I would have flashing lights in my right eye that would eventually completely cover my vision in my right eye.
Most people that have Migraine with Aura is probably thinking that I need to watch out because here it comes; the horrible pain. But that is where it stopped. I would rarely get the pain. My attack would jump straight into the Migraine Postdrome and felt cognitively delayed, exhausted and like I was walking a couple steps behind myself.
I worked through many shifts faking my way through these. No one I worked with knew that anything was going on because I hid it. I would have to hold my hand over my right eye to see my computer screen but no one seemed to notice.
I complained about this back then…what I wouldn’t give to go back to the days of Silent Migraine! Silent Migraine is not easy to deal with but what I experience now is very different. I have driven when I shouldn’t have and have worked when I should have stayed home. I faked my way through life on many occasions.
Phases of Migraine
- Migraine Explained: Prodrome
- Migraine Explained: Aura
- Migraine Explained: Headache Phase
- Migraine Explained: Postdrome Phase
Treatments for Silent Migraine
Here is where one of the blessings is for someone with a Silent Migraine. Most of the time, you do not need a prescription drug to help with the symptoms! I would take an Excedrin and a Dramamine for nausea. Doing this seemed to help with the Prodrome symptoms as well so my recovery was easy. Drinking water during the Aura phase also seemed to help.
To Sum It Up
Silent Migraine is a very real thing and can be as debilitating as a migraine with pain. There is no Migraine that doesn’t come with some kind of struggle even though each one is different.
So, there, now you know that you can have a Migraine without pain!
Disclaimer: This blog post provides general information and my first hand accounts about a serious medical condition. The words and other content provided in this blog, and in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice.
