Migraine is a neurological disease characterized by "attacks" that often, although not always, include bad headaches.

There are now many types of migraine recognized by neurologists. The most common is called "migraine without aura" (it used to be called common migraine). Less frequently seen is "migraine with aura." In migraine with aura, the "aura" (a sensation that precedes the headache) is manifested by some neurological symptoms that develop over a period of 5 to 20 minutes and usually last less than 2 hours. Headache, nausea and photophobia (difficulty being in bright light) usually, though not always, follow the aura symptoms.

Basilar-type migraine (formerly known as basilar migraine) is a very rare type of migraine with aura. When it occurs, the patient is usually a young woman between ages 7 and 20. It also can be seen in much older people. Usually there is a strong family history of migraine.

The attacks of basilar-type migraine are characterized by two or more of the following aura symptoms: visual aura with flickering lights or zigzag lines, tingling or numbness, trouble speaking, vertigo, ringing in the ears, or decreased level of consciousness. The aura symptoms usually develop gradually and last for five minutes to two hours. A headache with migraine features begins after the aura, and it may last for hours to days. The symptoms are very alarming, and can mimic a stroke, seizure or other neurological problem, but they get better with time.

Another type of migraine with aura that often begins in childhood or adolescence is the Familial Hemiplegic Migraine (FHM). People with this type of migraine also have an aura, with visual symptoms, numbness or tingling, or difficulty speaking. In addition, the attacks include weakness of an arm or a leg. These symptoms can last a long time, often much longer than the associated migraine headache. People with this type of migraine also have a family history of similar attacks.

These rare types of migraines are usually treated with the same acute and preventive medicines that are used in migraine without aura, and may respond well to treatment.