Silent Migraines explained: Causes and symptoms of aura without headache, treatment tips

Symptoms of migraines without headaches, or silent migraines, include changes in vision, dizziness, confusion, or confusion (Image Pexels)

Most people think of migraines as headaches that hurt and throb. There is, however, a less common type called the "acephalgic migraine," which means "silent migraine." What makes it more alarming is that there is no headache in this type. Instead, the brain goes through a number of strange effects. Confusing, right?

We take help from Goa-based neurologist Dr Elena Marquez, who has studied migraines for 20 years.

Says Dr Marquez says, "A silent migraine is like an electrical blackout in some parts of the brain circuits. You might not feel the pain, but the breakdowns can be just as bad."

Symptoms of migraines without headaches, or silent migraines, include changes in vision, dizziness, confusion, or confusion. People often confuse silent migraines with something else because there is no headache.

• Seeing Things: Flickering lights, zigzag lines, or places where you can't see
• Blurry vision: Means that you can't see clearly for a short time
• Flashes of Light: Bursts or sparkles in your field of view
• Dizziness or vertigo: A feeling that the room is spinning
• Nausea: Stomach ache, but not feeling unwell in any other way
• Disorientation: Temporary difficulty in processing information
• Loss of sensation or tingling feeling: Usually in the fingers or face
• Speech problems: Slurred speech or trouble speaking
• Photophobia: Painful sensitivity to light)
• Tiredness: Sudden tiredness after symptoms disappear

Dr Marquez says silent migraines have the same triggers as ordinary migraines, which include stress, hormones, not getting enough sleep, certain foods, not drinking enough water, or change in the weather. Even without pain, there are shifts in blood circulation and electrical activity in the brain that result in short-lived sensory changes.

• Identify the Triggers: Keep a record of the migraine by writing down the foods, activities, or places you were in before each attack

• Change Your Diet: Limit things that are bad for you, like processed meats, aged cheese, artificial sweeteners, and too much caffeine

• Always Keep Yourself Hydrated: Make sure you drink at least 2 litres of water every day to maintain optimum brain function

• Get Enough Sleep: Stick to a schedule for sleep — migraines thrive on lack of consistency

• Practice yoga: Dr Marquez suggests practicing mindfulness activities, yoga, or deep breathing exercises to calm the nervous system

• Reduce Screen Time: Screens can worsen vision problems. Use blue-light filters and take breaks to keep your eyesight sharp

• Exercise Regularly: Regular light exercise help boost the blood flow and minimises the number of attacks

• Don't Skip Meals: A quick drop in blood sugar can cause an episode.

Consult your Neurologist: If you experience frequent episodes of silent migraines, it could be a symptom of neurological problem which needs to be assessed by a neurologist immediately.

Says Dr Marquez, “Your brain is sending you a message — listen to it, and you’ll get through the storm.”