Overview
Silent migraines (also referred to as a migraine without head pain, Acephalgic migraine, or an Atypical migraine) are a form of migraine, which are episodes of neurological symptoms, such as altered sensations, visual disturbances, or speech disturbances, without any head pain or associated headache. Silent migraines can present a huge burden to those experiencing them. They may cause serious disruptions to daily life and frequently have a severe impact on quality of life. Early detection and treatment of silent migraines is important in order to reduce their prevalence and impact. Diagnosis of silent migraines can be difficult as patients often do not recognize the signs of a migraine and there are no current tests for diagnosis. Diagnosis typically involves a patient's self-reported symptoms and a physical exam by a qualified medical professional. Treatment of silent migraines can involve lifestyle modifications, medications, and alternative therapies. Silent migraines are a relatively unknown form of migraine that are becoming increasingly more common and better understood. Improved understanding of their underlying causes, diagnosis, and treatment is an important part of improving the quality of life of those living with them.