About Silent Migraines
What Is A Silent Migraine?
Silent migraine, also known as acephalgic or visual migraine, is a type of migraine that occurs without the characteristic headache pain. Instead of experiencing a headache, individuals with silent migraine may have various visual disturbances or other neurological symptoms associated with migraine aura. It is called “silent” because it lacks the typical migraine headache, but still presents with other migraine symptoms.
Silent Migraine Diagnosis
How Do We Diagnose A Silent Migraine?
The International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD) provides diagnostic criteria for silent migraine, which include the presence of migraine aura symptoms without the occurrence of a headache. Other potential causes of the symptoms, such as ocular conditions or neurological disorders, need to be ruled out through appropriate investigations.
Silent Migraine Symptoms
The symptoms of silent migraine typically last for a short duration, usually less than an hour, and resolve spontaneously without progressing to a headache. Interestingly, the fatigue and tiredness which often occur after a ’normal’ migraine are often present after the visual symptoms of a silent migraine settle down.

Visual Disturbances
Visual disturbances such as auras, flashing lights, zigzag patterns, blind spots, or other visual abnormalities.

Sensory Changes
Sensory changes such as tingling or numbness in the face or limbs.

Language Difficulties
Language difficulties such as difficulty finding words or speaking coherently.
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