Episodic migraines come in all different shapes and sizes. Here's how to spot the most common migraine types.
A migraine is a migraine, right? Well, yes and no.
Generally speaking, migraines are a recurring neurological disorder characterized by hyperactivity in specific areas of the brain that cause painful headaches.1
But throbbing pain isn't the be-all and end-all of migraines. The International Classification of Headache Disorders separates migraines into two main types: chronic and episodic. Chronic migraines are experienced on 15 or more days per month for 3 months, while episodic migraines occur 14 or fewer days per month. A 2012 study found that approximately 92% of migraine sufferers experience episodic migraines.2
What's more, episodic migraines vary in terms of their exact symptoms. Here's what you need to know about the most common forms of episodic migraines.
Migraine Without Aura
The most common migraine subtype, migraines without aura typically involve pulsing pain on one side of the head that lasts anywhere from 4 to 72 hours. 3 Some sufferers also experience nausea and/or sensitivity to light or sound. In women, migraine without aura is often associated with their menstrual cycle.
