How are basilar artery migraines diagnosed?
A diagnosis of basilar artery migraine is made after a person has had at least two attacks consisting of at least two auras. Symptoms of basilar migraines can often be confused with symptoms of other more serious conditions. A medical diagnosis is important to rule out other illnesses or health conditions. These other more serious conditions include: • Seizure disorders • Stroke • Vertebrobasilar disease • Tumour • Meningitis • Brainstem arteriovenous malformation • Brain lesions Basilar migraine can also be confused with hemiplegic migraine. Symptoms of the two are generally the same except that motor weakness occurs with hemiplegic migraine. MRIs, CT scans and spinal taps are often needed to eliminate the possibility of other disorders. Because of the seriousness of the other disorders, it is very important to have a specialised doctor perform a thorough exam. Ideally it’s best to seek a migraine specialist.
