What Is a Silent Migraine?

“Silent migraine” describes a migraine attack without a headache. Other names for a silent migraine include acephalgic migraine, amigranous migraine, migraine aura without headache, and migraine equivalent.

A “silent migraine” is technically not a type of migraine, but a phase of a migraine attack. Migraines typically occur in 4 stages:

• Prodrome - symptoms that occur before the attack
• Aura - about 25% of migraine patients experience aura
• Headache – a silent migraine skips this phase
• Postdrome -“hung over” feeling

Symptoms of silent migraines are sometimes similar to symptoms of stroke or a transient ischemic attack (TIA). If you experience symptoms of a silent migraine, see a doctor immediately.