Migraine with Brainstem Aura (Basilar Type Migraine) The Basics. Migraine with brainstem aura has been previously referred to as basilar artery migraine, basilar migraine and basilar-type migraine. Vestibular migraine is considered to be the second most common cause of vertigo and the most common cause of spontaneous episodic vertigo. The duration of attacks varies from seconds to days, usually lasting minutes to hours, and they mostly occur independently of headaches. In a basilar migraine, a migraine with neurological symptoms related to the brain stem or with neurological symptoms on both sides of the body, common effects include a sense of the world spinning, light-headedness, and confusion. Topiramate has demonstrated therapeutic clinical benefits as a preventive treatment in episodic and chronic subtypes of cluster headache and was mentioned as useful in the management of chronic migraine, basilar migraine and vestibular migraine. Topamax (topiramate) is approved for the prevention of migraine headaches. Learn more about Topamax effectiveness, dosing and side effects. Learn more about Topamax effectiveness, dosing and side effects. Topiramate (Topomax, Qudexy XR, Topamax Sprinkle, Topiragen, Trokendi XR) is a drug prescribed for the prevention of the seizures of epilepsy and prevention of migraine headaches. Side effects, drug interactions, pregnancy safety, and warnings and precautions should be reviewed prior to taking this medication. Basilar migraine is recognized as a distinct form of migraine disorder. It is a type of migraine with aura and both have several of the same migraine symptoms. In some studies, basilar migraines occur with menstruation suggesting that it might also be a type of menstrual migraine , or related to the menstrual cycle. Migraine with brainstem aura (MBA), previously called basilar-type migraine, is a rare form of migraine with aura wherein the primary signs and symptoms seem to originate from the brainstem, without evidence of weakness. Topamax (generic name: topiramate) is part of a family of medication known as anticonvulsants. It is used to treat and prevent seizures in adults and children.