Basilar-Type Migraine is one of the most frightening of head pain disorders, but the symptoms are usually more frightening than harmful. However, as with other forms of Migraine, if the pain is extreme, it is best to seek emergency care. BTM does increase the risk of stroke slightly more than Migraine with aura and Migraine without aura, so additional care should be taken. Once diagnosed with BTM, it is important (as with any form of Migraine) to consult your doctor if your symptoms or Migraine pattern change. Without consulting a doctor, it's impossible to be sure that new symptoms or changes in pattern are attributable to BTM, and that no other condition is present. While BTM isn't cause to panic, it is more than reason to be sensible and take good care of yourself.
References:
Saper, Joel R., M.D.; Silberstein, Stephen, M.D.; Gordon, C. David, M.D.; Hamel, Robert L., P.A.-C; Swidan, Sahar, Pharm.D. "Handbook of Headache Management." Baltimore, Maryland: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 1999.
Tepper, Stewart J., M.D. Understanding Migraine and Other Headaches. University of Mississippi Press, 2004.
Young, William B. and Silberstein, Stephen D. Migraine and Other Headaches. St. Paul, Minnesota: AAN Press, 2004.
Evans, Randolph W.; Matthew Ninan T. "Handbook of Headache." Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. 2000.
The International Headache Society. "International Classification of Headache Disorders, 2nd Edition." Cephalalgia, Volume 24 Issue s1. May, 2004. doi:10.1111/j.1468-2982.2003.00823.x
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