What is an aura, and how is it related to migraines?

August 9, 2024

The Migraine And Headache Program By Christian Goodman This program has been designed to relieve the pain in your head due to any reason including migraines efficiently and effectively. The problem of migraine and headaches is really horrible as it compels you to sit in a quiet and dark room to get quick relief. In this program more options to relieve this pain have been discussed to help people like you.


What is an aura, and how is it related to migraines?

An aura is a sensory or neurological disturbance that can occur before or during a migraine attack. Auras typically precede the headache phase of a migraine but can also occur during or after the headache. They are most commonly associated with migraine with aura, a subtype of migraine. Approximately 25-30% of people with migraines experience auras.

Characteristics of an Aura

  1. Visual Symptoms:
    • Flashes of Light: One of the most common visual auras is seeing flashes or flickering lights.
    • Scintillating Scotomas: This refers to a bright, shimmering, or zigzag pattern that expands over time and may move across the visual field.
    • Blind Spots: Temporary blind spots (scotomas) can occur, where a portion of the visual field is blocked out.
    • Tunnel Vision: Some people may experience a narrowing of their field of vision.
  2. Sensory Symptoms:
    • Paresthesia: This includes tingling or numbness, typically starting in one hand and moving up the arm or affecting the face, lips, or tongue.
    • Pins and Needles: A prickling sensation, often starting in the fingers and spreading to other parts of the body.
  3. Language and Speech Disturbances:
    • Aphasia: Difficulty in finding words or forming coherent speech is another possible aura symptom.
  4. Motor Symptoms:
    • Weakness: Some people may experience temporary muscle weakness or paralysis, although this is less common.

How Aura is Related to Migraines

  • Timing: Auras usually develop gradually over 5 to 20 minutes and can last for up to 60 minutes. The headache phase of the migraine typically begins shortly after the aura subsides, but in some cases, the aura and headache may overlap, or a headache may not occur at all (a phenomenon known as “silent migraine” or “migraine aura without headache”).
  • Neurological Basis: The exact cause of auras is not fully understood, but they are believed to be related to cortical spreading depression (CSD), a wave of neuronal and glial depolarization that spreads across the cortex of the brain. This wave is thought to affect the brain’s electrical activity, leading to the sensory and visual disturbances characteristic of an aura.
  • Predictive Value: For many migraine sufferers, the presence of an aura serves as a warning that a migraine is about to occur, allowing them to take preemptive measures, such as taking medication early to mitigate the severity of the headache.

Differentiating from Other Conditions

Auras can sometimes be confused with symptoms of other neurological conditions, such as transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) or seizures. However, the pattern and nature of the aura, along with its association with migraines, help distinguish it from other conditions.

Conclusion

An aura is a significant feature in some migraine sufferers, acting as both a precursor and an indicator of an impending migraine attack. Recognizing and understanding aura symptoms can be crucial for effective migraine management and treatment, as it allows for early intervention to potentially reduce the severity of the headache phase.


The Migraine And Headache Program By Christian Goodman This program has been designed to relieve the pain in your head due to any reason including migraines efficiently and effectively. The problem of migraine and headaches is really horrible as it compels you to sit in a quiet and dark room to get quick relief. In this program more options to relieve this pain have been discussed to help people like you.