Do I have Migraine with Brainstem Aura?
Migraine with Brainstem Aura (MBA) is a type of Migraine with Aura.
Formerly called Basilar Migraine, Basilar Artery Migraine, or Basilar-type Migraine.
MBA not only includes typical migraine aura symptoms (visual symptoms, language difficulty, etc), and usually headache, but also “brainstem aura”.
Brainstem aura may include:
- vertigo
- dysarthria (trouble controlling speech muscles)
- hearing impairment
- double vision
- decreased level of consciousness
Each symptom lasts less than an hour.
(Motor weakness is not a part of MBA)
Note: We will be starting to work through some of the changes that will be in the new headache classification document from the International Headache Society. One of the changes will be a name change – from basilar-type migraine to migraine with brainstem aura. MBA is a rare type of migraine which often includes very disabling and severe types of aura. When motor weakness is present – muscle weakness which may make it difficult to walk – the diagnosis will instead be a type of hemiplegic migraine.
The graphic above is not intended to help you make a diagnosis, but just to point you in the right direction – to better understand from your symptoms what you may be dealing with.
1 August 2021 @ 3:06 pm
I have had what is now called MBA for many years, many of which most medical personnel were baffled.
I researched many years…. and now I feel that because I’ve decided to try magnesium glycinate…. my migraines have diminished markedly.
I’m thankful to hear finally that more research has been done.
My consciousness lowered suddenly as if I dropped into a dead faint. I could still hear, but my whole body was paralyzed including speaking. Several years later, my body would/ will twitch wildly. Lightheaded ness by itself plagued me.
All of these symptoms are greatly lessened. I reacted mostly, I found on my own, with being subjected to blue light. I now wear blue- blocking glasses before exposing myself to same.
Thank all of you who are diligently working on this life-changing rare affliction!!