Monday, May 28, 2012
Monday, August 16, 2010 rosie asks

Q: Can fatigue without headache be a migraine equivalent?

I've had migraines since I was 14; I'm 52 now. With menopause my migraine patterns have changed.

 

About one day a month, I am completely exhausted for no particular reason. This has been going on since I started menopause and it could just be menopause related. But I'm a year post-menopausal now, and still get these days. This last Saturday I realized that my day of exhaustion had some things in common with my past migraines: I was always prone to let-down headaches on Saturdays, and both my migraines and this unexplained fatigue would sort of clear up on their own around 8:00 at night.

 

I want to emphasize that I don't have a headache on these days. However, I'm wondering if they might be some sort of migraine equivalent.

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Answers (1)
Nancy Harris Bonk, Health Guide
8/17/10 1:05am

Hi rosie,

 

I really want to help you with an answer to your question, but can't, because it cannot be adequately answered online. A diagnosis can only be provided by a doctor who can review your medical history, your family's medical history, discuss your symptoms, and conduct a complete exam in person.

 

I can tell you Migraines have four phases, prodrome, aura, headache and postdrome. But not everyone experiences each phase. Take a look at Anatomy of a Migraine for more information. Acephalgic or Silent Migraine - The Basics may have more information for you too.

 

Good luck

Nancy

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By rosie— Last Modified: 12/26/10, First Published: 08/16/10