what type of medication should be used to treat basilar migraine

Kathy,

You didn't say if you were asking about preventive medications or acute medictions to be taken when you have a Migraine.

Even within a subtype of Migraine such as BTM, patients are different, so there's no set answer. We can't give you medical advice, but I can give you some information to discuss with your doctor.

For prevention, the same medications are generally used for Basilar-Type Migraine (BTM) as for other forms of Migraine. You can find a list of over 100 preventive medications in Migraine preventive medications - too many options to give up!

Abortive medications are those that work in the brain to stop the Migrainous process, thus ending the symptoms. There are three main types -- triptans such as Imitrex, ergotamines such as Migranal Nasal Spray, and Midrin.

Midrin is generally considered safe for people with BTM.

The prescribing information for the triptans and ergotamine meds say they're not to be used for BTM. However, there is some disagreement on the safety of triptans. One small study showed them to be safe for BTM.

I hope this gives you the information you need to discuss this issue with your doctor.

Teri