What are basilar artery migraines?

Basilar artery migraines (now called basilar migraines) are a type of migraine variant. They have a specialized set of aura symptoms that sets this type of migraine apart from common and classic migraines.

It has also been called Bickerstaff's Syndrome and Vertebrobasilar Migraine.

Besides the normal migraine symptoms (photophobia, nausea, etc..) people with basilar migraine may experience:

• An aura that can occlude the entire field of vision (up to and including blindness in both eyes)
• Ataxia (poor muscle coordination)
• Double vision
• Vertigo
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• Impaired hearing
• Impaired consciousness (from confusion to fainting, can include amnesia)
• Numbness/tingling on one or both sides of the body
• Drooping eyelid on one side
  
• Hemiplegia (paralysis on one side of the body)
• Impaired speech

These effects generally last from 5 minutes to one hour maximum.


The pain of a basilar migraine is felt in the back of the head, inside the base of the skull - if head pain develops at all. This location is where the basilar artery is located. The basilar artery is where the two vertebral arteries - which travel along either side of the spine - join together. This type of migraine involves ischemia, where not enough blood is getting to the rest of the brain for a period of time.

Prescription vasoconstrictors, such as triptans and ergot medications, are contraindicated for this type of migraine.

It is very important to be working with a headache specialist once you have been diagnosed as having basilar migraine.

First answer by Celticfife. Last edit by Celticfife. Contributor trust: 91 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 11 [recommend question]