Most people think of migraine as pounding headaches that force you into a dark room for hours. But did you know that some migraines come without any head pain at all? These are called silent migraines—or by their clinical name, acephalgic migraines—and while they may be “silent” in terms of pain, they can still be loud in impact.
If you’ve ever experienced strange visual disturbances, confusion, or dizziness without the typical migraine headache, you may know what we’re talking about here. Silent migraines are often misunderstood, misdiagnosed, or even dismissed altogether. But they’re very real, and knowing what they are can help you manage them more effectively.
What Is a Silent Migraine?
A silent migraine is a type of migraine that includes all the typical neurological symptoms of a migraine, but without the head pain. Most people experience these symptoms as part of the aura phase of a migraine, which usually happens just before the headache kicks in. But in the case of a silent migraine, the headache never arrives.
People experiencing a silent migraine may report:
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Visual disturbances like flashing lights, zigzag patterns, or blind spots.
- Speech difficulties or trouble finding the right words.
- Numbness or tingling in the face, hands, or arms.
- Dizziness or a sense of imbalance.
These symptoms usually come on suddenly and last anywhere from a few minutes to an hour, though they can vary from person to person.
What Causes Silent Migraine?
Silent migraines share many of the same triggers and underlying causes as typical migraine. These may include:
- Stress or anxiety
- Hormonal changes
- Bright or flickering lights
- Strong smells
- Certain foods, like aged cheese, red wine, or chocolate
- Changes in sleep, either too much or too little
- Weather changes or barometric pressure shifts
Experts believe that migraines—silent or otherwise—are caused by temporary changes in brain activity that affect blood flow, nerve signals, and chemicals in the brain.
Who Gets Silent Migraines?
Anyone who experiences migraines can get silent ones, too. However, they may be more common in people who have had migraines with aura in the past. Some people may even begin experiencing silent migraines later in life, even if they’ve never had a classic migraine before.
Unfortunately, because there’s no headache involved, silent migraines are often mistaken for other conditions like mini-strokes (TIAs), seizures, or vision problems. If you experience these symptoms for the first time, it’s important to seek medical attention to rule out more serious issues.
How Are Silent Migraines Diagnosed?
Diagnosis can be tricky, especially since the symptoms mimic other neurological events. Your health care provider may:
- Take a detailed history of your symptoms.
- Ask about any family history of migraine.
- Run tests like an MRI or CT scan to rule out other causes.
Keeping a symptom diary can help your doctor identify patterns and triggers, which can be key to getting the right diagnosis.
Managing and Treating Silent Migraine
There’s no one-size-fits-all treatment for silent migraine, but the good news is that they’re manageable. Strategies may include:
- Avoiding known triggers.
- Stress reduction techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing.
- Prescription or over-the-counter medications, such as anti-nausea drugs or migraine preventives.
- Medical devices designed for migraine and headache relief.
For those seeking non-drug options, neuromodulation therapy may be worth considering. If you suffer from silent migraine and want an option beyond traditional medications, gammaCore™ non-invasive vagus nerve stimulator (nVNS) could be a helpful part of your migraine toolkit.
gammaCore nVNS is a portable, handheld device that’s clinically demonstrated to prevent and treat migraine, including those with aura. Since silent migraines often involve aura symptoms without head pain, gammaCore may be especially helpful in stopping the neurological symptoms early, before they escalate or interfere with daily life. It’s drug-free, easy to use at home, and FDA-cleared for migraine treatment.
Just because a migraine doesn’t come with head pain doesn’t mean it’s not real. Silent migraines can still be disruptive and scary, especially if you’re not sure what’s happening. Understanding your symptoms, keeping track of your triggers, and exploring your treatment options can go a long way in managing this often-overlooked form of migraine.
Talk to your health care provider to see if gammaCore is right for you, or visit our clinic finder to help locate a health care provider near you. For additional information, contact our dedicated Customer Experience team at 888-903-2673 or customerservice@electrocore.com.
