What's My Migraine Type? Learn Yours Through Quizzes and Doctor Visits

Understanding Your Type of Migraine

Migraines can be confusing and frustrating to deal with. With over 3,000 different documented migraine symptoms, it can be hard to pinpoint exactly what type of migraine you have. Taking a migraine quiz can help give clarity on key features of your headaches so you can find the right treatment.

Common Migraine Types

There are two main categories of migraines:

Migraine Without Aura

Previously known as "common migraines," these occur without distinct warning signs beforehand. They account for 70-90% of migraine attacks. Pain levels can range from moderate to severe.

Migraine With Aura

These involve early neurological symptoms collectively called an "aura" that serve as a warning stage. They happen in 10-30% of migraineurs. Aura symptoms generally last under an hour before the actual head pain hits.

Other Specific Migraine Forms

Beyond those two broad types, some other more distinct migraine variants include:

• Menstrual Migraine - Occurs a few days before or during menstruation
• Hemiplegic Migraine - Accompanied by temporary weakness on one side of the body
• Vestibular Migraine - Leads to dizziness/vertigo
• Chronic Migraine - Defined as 15+ migraine days per month
• Status Migrainosus - A debilitating migraine attack lasting over 72 hours

Common Migraine Triggers

Migraine triggers are factors that set off new migraine episodes or worsen existing ones. Triggers vary greatly between individuals. Tracking your personal triggers can provide clues into your migraine type.

Dietary Triggers

Food and drinks commonly implicated in triggering migraines:

• Caffeine (for some people)
• Artificial sweeteners
• Alcohol - especially red wine and beer
• Aged cheeses
• Processed meats with nitrates
• Monosodium glutamate (MSG)
• Skipping meals

Hormonal Triggers

Fluctuating estrogen is linked with migraine occurrence:

• Menstruation
• Ovulation
• Menopause
• Hormone replacement therapy
• Oral contraceptives

Sensory Triggers

Environmental factors that can spark migraines:

• Bright, flickering lights
• Strong odors
• Loud noises
• Weather changes

Lifestyle Triggers

• Stress
• Sleep disturbances
• Dehydration
• Jetlag
• Physically overexerting yourself

Taking a Migraine Quiz

There are many free online migraine quizzes you can take. These questionnaires ask about your specific migraine symptoms, family history, triggers, treatments tried, and more. Based on your answers, they provide feedback on things like:

• The migraine category you likely fit into
• Any co-existing conditions
• Suggested medication and non-medication therapies to try
• When to follow up with your doctor

Sample Migraine Quiz Questions

Migraine questionnaires touch on details like:

• Where does your head hurt? On one or both sides?
• Do you experience nausea, vomiting or sensitivity to light/sound?
• Do you get numbness, tingling, visual disturbances, slurred speech or confusion with your headaches?
• How severe is the pain on a scale of 1-10?
• How long do the headaches last if untreated?
• Can you function normally during attacks?
• Is there any family history of migraine?
• Did the headaches begin around puberty or menopause?
• What specific triggers make your symptoms worse?
• What medications and supplements have you tried for relief?

Scoring Your Migraine Type

Based on your answers, migraine quizzes calculate things like:

• Probability of having migraine with vs. without aura
• Odds of your headaches being tied to hormones
• Risk factors for developing chronic migraine
• Likelihood of having migraine equivalents like vertigo
• Suggestions for preventative daily medications to ask your doctor about

The results help characterize what specific migraine diagnosis makes the most sense for your situation.

When to Speak with a Doctor

Online migraine questionnaires serve only as a helpful guide - they should not replace professional medical examinations. Make sure to consult your physician if:

• You experience sudden onset severe headaches
• Headaches disrupt your work, social life and relationships
• You take over-the-counter painkillers more than twice per week
• You have additional concerning symptoms like fever, stiff neck, or neurological deficits
• Your migraines don't improve with lifestyle changes

A doctor can help rule out secondary headaches, adjust existing treatments, or refer you to a neurologist or headache specialist for advanced therapies.

Getting Your Exact Migraine Sub-Type Diagnosis

To pinpoint your precise migraine diagnosis, your physician will conduct:

• A complete neurological exam
• Discussion of your medical history
• Assessment of all symptoms
• Review of potential triggers
• Analysis of headache diaries/logs
• Additional testing like MRI scans if needed

Arriving equipped with details from migraine quizzes can help streamline this process. Over time, determining your specific migraine category leads to more tailored, effective treatment.

Dealing with migraine misdiagnosis can be an incredibly discouraging battle. Getting clear on the exact type plaguing you provides relief and hope after sometimes years of suffering. Online screening tools, coupled with a doctors expertise, makes progress possible.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.