Treatment for basilar migraine tends to focus on reducing pain and managing the other symptoms. A doctor may recommend: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen. antiemetic medications, which combat vomiting and nausea.

It was named basilar migraine because it was thought to be caused by spasm of the basilar artery. However, there is no proven evidence of vascular pathology for a basilar migraine, and it is now believed to be due to the firing of nerves in the brainstem.

A basilar migraine occurs due to constriction of blood vessels that hampers blood flow to the brain. Initially, researchers indicated that basilar migraines were related to short-term spasms of the basilar artery, one of the arteries that delivers oxygen-rich blood to the brain.

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The basilar artery (BA) serves as the main conduit for blood flow through the posterior circulation. It directly supplies the brainstem and cerebellum and provides distal blood flow to the thalami and medial temporal and parietal lobes.

A 2019 study looked at the prevalence of MS misdiagnosis in two medical centers over 12 months. It found that, out of 241 individuals attending either clinic for MS treatment, 18 percent were misdiagnosed. Of these individuals, 16 percent actually had migraine.

Basilar migraines have a variety of specific symptoms, but also share symptoms with other aura migraines. Symptoms specific to a basilar migraine include: slurred speech. loss of muscle control. cold hands or feet. blacking out or fainting. ringing in the ears. extreme dizziness.

There are no specific tests for diagnosing migraine with brainstem aura. Instead, a doctor will rely on a physical exam and a medical history to assess such things as your ability to think clearly, your physical strength, reflexes, vision, and nerve function.

Basilar migraines are thought to be caused by arteries in your brain and neck being squeezed . Constriction of the basilar artery, an artery that goes through your neck and brain stem to bring blood up to your brain, is thought to be involved in causing basilar migraines.

Strokes due to occlusion or bleeding of the basilar artery can cause a variety of symptoms which include paralysis, difficulty breathing, swallowing, double vision, coma, and even death. Some of the common symptoms of a basilar artery stroke include the following: Balance difficulty. Vertigo. Double vision or loss of vision. Loss of coordination.