Basilar Artery Migraine

Basilar Artery Migraine

Basilar artery migraine is a rare type of migraine. As with other migraines, the exact cause is unknown. This type of migraine occurs primarily in adolescent and young adult women. Hormonal changes of the menstrual cycle may be a contributing factor.

The symptoms of basilar artery migraine are dizziness, loss of balance, double vision, temporary blindness or partial blindness, difficulty swallowing, tingling or numbness in face or extremities, sensitivity to light, sensitivity to sound, and weakness or difficulty controlling the extremities. It causes slurred speech or inability to speak.

Basilar artery migraine symptoms are followed by a throbbing headache at the back of the head on both sides. The symptoms of basilar artery migraine usually disappear within 45 minutes, but they can persist for days. If the person suffered a complete loss of vision, vision tends to take longer to be restored. Vision gradually improves.

People who are affected by this condition are at an increased risk for having a stroke. Treatment for basilar artery migraine is similar to the treatment of other kinds of migraines. Some preventative medications are used to reduce the frequency of having a basilar artery migraine. These medications include triptans, beta-blockers, and calcium channel blockers.