Types of Migraine

Migraine is a spectrum of related neurological conditions, not a single disease. Different types have different triggers, different symptoms, and respond to different treatments. Getting an accurate diagnosis is essential.

Below is a plain-language overview of the most common migraine types. If you're not sure which type you have, a migraine-trained specialist can help.

Migraine without aura

The most common form. Recurrent headaches with specific features (often one-sided, throbbing, moderate to severe) accompanied by nausea, light sensitivity, or sound sensitivity. No focal neurological symptoms precede the attack.

Migraine with aura

Includes transient focal neurological symptoms before the headache — most often visual (zigzag lines, blind spots, flashing lights), but sometimes sensory, language, or motor. Aura symptoms typically develop over 5–60 minutes and resolve before the headache begins.

Chronic migraine

Headache occurring on 15 or more days per month for more than 3 months, with migraine features on at least 8 of those days. This is the population TEMMA is designed to help — particularly when standard treatments have failed.

Episodic migraine

Fewer than 15 headache days per month. Standard migraine preventives and abortives are often effective. If episodic migraine is becoming more frequent, it may be progressing to severe migraine.

Hemiplegic migraine

A rare form that includes temporary weakness on one side of the body during the aura. Can mimic a stroke. Requires specialist evaluation. There are familial and sporadic forms.

Vestibular migraine

Characterized by vertigo, dizziness, or imbalance along with migraine symptoms. Headache may be absent or mild. Often misdiagnosed as an inner ear condition.

Menstrual / hormonal migraine

Migraines tied to the menstrual cycle, often occurring in the days before or during menstruation, or related to hormonal changes like perimenopause or oral contraceptive use.

Medication-overuse headache

A headache pattern that develops or worsens when acute pain medications are used too frequently (typically 10–15+ days per month, depending on the medication). Treatment requires careful withdrawal of the overused medication under medical supervision.

Retinal migraine

Rare; involves repeated bouts of short-lasting, diminished vision or blindness in one eye, accompanied by or followed by a headache.

Cluster headache (related but distinct)

Not technically a migraine, but often confused with one. Severe, strictly one-sided pain around the eye, lasting 15–180 minutes, occurring in clusters over weeks. Distinct pathophysiology and treatment.

Not sure which type you have?