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The Beyond Pain Foundation

Migraine types we support

Migraine guide

Migraine with brainstem aura

Migraine with brainstem aura is a rare type of aura in which the symptoms seem to come from the brainstem, the part of the brain that controls balance, speech and eye movement. It used to be called basilar-type migraine.

People with visual aura affected
About 1 to 10 in 100
Usually starts
Teens or early adulthood
Old name
Basilar-type migraine
Weakness
Not part of this type

This guide is general information, not medical advice. Medicines and treatments must be prescribed or recommended for you by a doctor or pharmacist. We do not give doses here.

Related guides: Migraine with aura, Hemiplegic migraine, Vestibular migraine.

What it is

This is a form of migraine with aura. As well as, or instead of, the usual visual aura, people get symptoms that come from the base of the brain. Unlike hemiplegic migraine, it does not cause weakness of the limbs.

Symptoms

  • Vertigo or severe dizziness
  • Slurred speech
  • Double vision
  • Ringing in the ears, or finding sound unbearable
  • Unsteadiness or poor coordination
  • Feeling faint, or briefly losing consciousness

These symptoms usually build gradually and pass within an hour, often followed by a headache.

Diagnosis

Because these symptoms can also be signs of a stroke, your GP will usually refer you to a specialist. A first attack after the age of 50 needs investigation, which may include an MRI scan.

Treatment

A specialist will advise on treatment. Painkillers and anti-sickness medicine are used for the headache. The licences for triptans say they should not be used in migraine with brainstem aura. Only take one if your specialist has specifically told you it is safe for you. Preventive medicines may help if attacks are frequent.

When to get urgent help

If you aren't sure whether it's migraine or a stroke, call 999.

Call 999 if you have

  • these symptoms for the first time
  • weakness or numbness on one side
  • symptoms that are different from your usual attacks
  • loss of consciousness that doesn't quickly recover

Call NHS 111 if

  • your aura lasts more than an hour

See your GP if

  • you've had brainstem aura symptoms but haven't seen a specialist
  • attacks are becoming more frequent

Work and your workspace

Migraine can count as a disability under the Equality Act 2010 (the Disability Discrimination Act in Northern Ireland) if it has a substantial, long-term effect on your everyday life. Conditions that come and go still count, and the law looks at how you would be without treatment. If it applies, your employer must make reasonable adjustments.

Adjustments that often help

  • No driving, heights or machinery during attacks
  • A plan for getting home safely
  • Working from home and flexible hours
  • A quiet place to lie down
  • Time off for appointments

A migraine-friendly workspace

  • A chair with good lumbar and neck support
  • A desk big enough to put your screen at arm's length
  • Screen raised so the top is at eye level
  • A flicker-free monitor with an anti-glare or blue-light filter
  • Lighting without flicker or glare, and blinds to control daylight

Access to Work can pay towards equipment and support. Acas and Citizens Advice give free advice on your rights.

How The Beyond Pain Foundation can help

If NHS waits are too long, or the help you need is not available to you on the NHS, we may be able to fund:

  • A private specialist appointment to confirm the diagnosis
  • Travel to specialist appointments
  • Equipment to work safely from home

Every award depends on your situation and the funds we have that month. A letter from your doctor, a headache diary and a written quote all help your application.

Apply for funding Check the requirements

Support and sources

The Migraine Trust

Information and support service

Information on every type of migraine, a free information and support service, and advice on treatment and work.

migrainetrust.org

National Migraine Centre

Charity headache clinic

Specialist appointments in person and online, including routine appointments for a voluntary donation, plus free factsheets.

nationalmigrainecentre.org.uk
Sources for this guide

Written in our own words from the sources above. Last reviewed: October 2026. Figures can differ between sources; where they do, we give the range.