QUESTION:
I was just diagnosed with migraine equivalent and was wondering if I could get some information about it. There is not much online and I would appreciate some insight.
ANSWER:
Migraine equivalents is a broad statement, that includes a number of different presentations. Migraines classically are moderate to severe headaches, nausea or vomiting, or light and sound sensitivity. Migraine attacks sometimes come with a whole host of symptoms, such as dizziness, a visual phenomenon called aura, fatigue, concentration issues, balance problems, and many more.
If someone does not have a headache but has some of the other features of migraine attacks, once the other common causes for these symptoms are ruled out, they may be diagnosed as having a migraine equivalent disorder. One generally manages migraine equivalents like migraine disease. It is best to seek expert care from a headache specialist to guide you on careful lifestyle tips and treatment options for your symptoms.
Rachel Colman, MD
Center for Headache and Pain Medicine
Director, Low-Pressure Headache Program
Assistant Professor of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
National Headache Foundation Health Care Professionals Leadership Council
If you have a question about headache or migraine, please email us and keep an eye out for the answer from one of our doctors. Email: [email protected]