migraine aura A sensory phenomenon that may occur before a migraine. Visual auras may include flashing lights, geometric patterns, or distorted vision. Some people may have aural auras that involve hearing sounds (usually buzzing) that are not actually present, olfactory auras that involve smelling odors that are not actually present, or tactile auras that appear…
migraine, ophthalmoplegic A rare condition observed most commonly in children and young adults characterized by headache of relatively long duration (up to one week) and paralysis or weakness of the muscles that control eye movement. Rather than a true migraine, the condition is believed to represent a cranial neuralgia (nerve problem).
migraine, ocular A migraine involving the eyes that results in distortion of visual images, accompanied or followed by headache. An ocular migraine usually affects only one eye at a time. Image distortion generally begins in the center of the image and then moves to one side. Images “gray out” or look wavy, and sight may…
migraine, common A migraine without an aura. This is the most frequent type of migraine, accounting for about 80 to 85 percent of migraines. See also migraine.
migraine, classic A migraine with an aura. Such migraines account for no more than 20 percent of migraines. See also migraine.
migraine, abdominal An attack of abdominal pain that may be preceded by a migraine aura and accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and cognitive disturbance.
migraine Usually, periodic attacks of headaches on one or both sides of the head that may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, increased sensitivity of the eyes to light (photophobia), increased sensitivity to sound (phonophobia), dizziness, blurred vision, cognitive disturbances, and other symptoms. Some migraines do not include headache, and migraines may or may not be…
midwife assistant A person who assists a midwife with prenatal care, childbirth education, delivery, and postnatal care. Also known as labor assistant.
midwife, licensed A midwife who has been licensed to practice midwifery by a US state.
midwife, certified professional A midwife who has completed a degree in midwifery at a credentialed educational institution. Abbreviated CPM.
midwife, certified nurse A person with an associate’s, bachelor’s, or master’s degree in nursing who has also completed specialized training in midwifery. Abbreviated CNM. In the US, CNMs must earn certification from the American College of Nurse Midwives.
midwife A trained person who assists women during childbirth. Many midwives also provide prenatal care for pregnant women, birth education for women and their partners, and care for mothers and newborn babies after the birth. Depending on local law, midwives may deliver babies in the mother’s home, in a birthing center or clinic, or in…