Types of Migraines

posted: Aug. 01, 2025

Understanding the Different Types of Migraines

Migraines are different from your standard headache—intense, frustrating, and often much more than a one-time event. At Cox Chiropractic Clinic in Charlottesville, VA, we meet people living with migraines that impact work, school, and time with friends. If you’ve been trying to figure out what’s causing your headaches and how to treat them, knowing the kind of migraine you’re dealing with is an important first step.

Migraine Without Aura

This is the most common type of migraine. The pain usually strikes one side of your head and brings pulsing or throbbing that can really sideline your day. Lights and sounds might suddenly become too much. Nausea or sensitivity to smells can tag along, making it hard to focus on anything else besides the pain.

Migraine with Aura

Some migraines come with early warning signs, or “aura.” These can look like flashing lights, blind spots, zigzag patterns, even tingling in your hands or face. Aura symptoms usually show up before the headache and can last from a few minutes to about an hour. It’s like your brain is sending you a weather alert before the real storm moves in.

Chronic Migraine

If you’re losing count of how many headache days you have in a month, you might be dealing with chronic migraines. This diagnosis means you have headaches at least 15 times each month, with at least eight showing migraine symptoms. Chronic migraines are tough and often need a focused treatment plan to manage.

Vestibular Migraine

Not all migraines come with head pain. Vestibular migraines make the world spin—literally. Dizziness, loss of balance, and motion sensitivity are the hallmarks here. Everyday tasks can feel a lot harder when your equilibrium is off.

Let’s Tackle Migraines Together! Call Our Chiropractors near You

No two migraines are exactly alike, and figuring out which kind you have can help with managing symptoms. If you’re near Charlottesville, VA, and looking for answers, Cox Chiropractic Clinic is here to help. Give us a call at (434) 293-6165 to talk about your headaches and see how we can work together to find some relief.