Acephalgic

Acephalgic refers to a condition or symptom that lacks a headache. It is a term often used in the context of migraines. A migraine, in its typical presentation, is characterized by intense head pain. However, some individuals experience migraine symptoms without the accompanying headache. These are known as acephalgic migraines or silent migraines.

The symptoms of an acephalgic migraine can vary widely but often include sensory disturbances known as auras. These auras can manifest as visual changes such as flashing lights, zig-zag lines, or blind spots. Other sensory auras may involve tingling or numbness in the face or limbs, or difficulties with speech. These symptoms typically precede or occur alongside the non-headache migraine phenomena.

While the term specifically denotes the absence of head pain, other migraine-like symptoms can still be debilitating. These might include nausea, vomiting, extreme sensitivity to light and sound, and fatigue. The exact cause of acephalgic migraines is not fully understood, but they are thought to involve similar neurological mechanisms to those of typical migraines. Diagnosis is usually made based on a patient's reported symptoms and medical history, especially when recurrent episodes of aura-like phenomena occur without headache. Treatment strategies often focus on managing the associated symptoms and may involve lifestyle adjustments and medication.