Have you ever experienced a headache accompanied by visual disturbances? If so, you might be suffering from migraine aura. Migraine aura typically occurs within an hour before the headache begins and usually lasts less than 60 minutes. Sometimes, this condition can occur without a headache, especially in people over 50. If left untreated, the symptoms can persist for hours or even days.
Contents
What is Migraine Aura?
Migraine aura is the “warning stage” that sometimes occurs before the onset of a migraine or headache. This condition refers to a range of sensory disturbances, including the appearance of spots, sparks, or zigzags in your vision. Some people with this condition also experience tinnitus (ringing in the ears), dizziness, or an inability to speak clearly.
Aura can appear about 30 to 60 minutes before a migraine attack. However, it’s important to note that not all migraine attacks are preceded by an aura.
Aura before a migraine can be categorized into several types, such as:
- Visual Aura: Characterized by temporary changes in vision, such as flashes of light or zigzags.
- Sensorimotor Aura: Accompanied by sensory or motor disturbances, such as tingling, numbness, or weakness, which may or may not be accompanied by a visual aura.
- Dysphasic Aura: Characterized by verbal and language symptoms, such as mumbling or slurred speech.
Symptoms of Migraine Aura
Here are some visual symptoms you may experience:
- Blind spots (scotomas)
- Zigzag lines gradually drifting across your field of vision
- Flickering spots or stars in your vision
- Visual changes or loss of vision
- Flashes of light when you look
In addition to visual disturbances, other symptoms may include:
- Numbness, usually felt as tingling in one hand or one side of the face, and may slowly spread throughout the body
- Difficulty speaking or language disturbances
- Muscle weakness
Causes of Migraine Aura
The exact cause of migraine aura is not well understood. However, several factors are believed to trigger it, including:
- Bright lights
- Certain foods or medications
- Stress
- Sleep disturbances
- Menstruation
Diagnosis of Migraine Aura
Doctors will take a detailed headache history, conduct a physical examination, and assess muscles, reflexes, speech, and senses to test the nerves in your head. Additionally, doctors may ask about your medical history, such as:
- Does anyone else in your family suffer from migraines or other types of headaches?
- What medications are you taking, including birth control pills or blood pressure medication?
- Does your headache occur after strenuous work, coughing, or sneezing?
In addition to asking the above questions, doctors may recommend blood tests or imaging tests (X-rays, CT scans, or MRI) to rule out other causes, such as infections or bleeding.
How to Treat Migraine Aura
Treatment for migraine aura focuses on relieving its symptoms. Doctors may recommend several medications to address this condition, such as:
- Rimegepant: A migraine medication that works by blocking Calcitonin Gene-related Peptide (CGRP) receptors, suitable for treating acute migraine and preventing migraine.
- Triptans: Such as sumatriptan and rizatriptan, which block pain pathways in the brain. These medications may be prescribed in pill, injection, or nasal spray forms.
- Dihydroergotamine Nasal Spray or Injection: Can be given at the onset of a migraine to relieve symptoms.
- Antiemetics: Such as metoclopramide, chlorpromazine, or prochlorperazine, if migraine aura is accompanied by nausea and vomiting.
- Magnesium Supplements: To address visual migraine aura and reduce pain.
Most cases of migraine aura last for an hour or less. However, some patients may experience persistent migraine aura that lasts for a week or more.
If you experience this, see a doctor immediately for a check-up. This way, your doctor can conduct tests to ensure that the symptoms you are experiencing are not caused by a more serious condition.
Consult with a Migraine Specialist at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri
Looking for further consultation on migraine aura? You can visit Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri. The doctors can help you manage this condition and recommend the best treatment options.
Use the Chat via WhatsApp ,Book Appointment, or Care Dokter App available for download on Google Play and the App Store to make your visit easier, check queue numbers, and get complete information.
