Migraine with aura is primarily characterized by transient focal neurological symptoms.
A typical aura is the sensory, visual, and motor change that some people with migraine experience before or during a migraine attack.
It usually lasts less than an hour, and the most common aura symptoms range from changes to vision (seeing sparks), perception, and speech (inability to speak clearly).
What is a migraine with aura?
Migraine is a common (ranked as the third most prevalent disorder in the world) disabling headache disorder.
A migraine aura is characterized by:
- the gradual development of visual or sensory or speech/language symptoms,
- duration of each symptom lasts no longer than one hour,
- a mix of positive and negative features, and
- is completely reversible.
Migraine with aura (classic migraine) is primarily characterized by the transient focal neurological symptoms (dots, sparks, or zigzags in vision; tinnitus and dizziness) that usually precede or sometimes accompany the primary symptom, that is, headache.
It is estimated that approximately 25 to 30 percent of people with migraine headaches experience migraine aura.
A single episode of migraine can last between 8 and 72 hours and goes through several stages.
5 types of a migraine
Five types of a migraine include:
- Migraine without aura: A clinical syndrome characterized by headache with specific features and associated symptoms
- Brainstem migraine: When the aura starts in the brainstem (base of the brain)
- Hemiplegic migraine: A rare type in which aura causes hemiplegia (weakness on one side of the body)
- Retinal migraine: Vision changes in one eye before the migraine begins
- Chronic migraine: A highly disabling condition characterized by the experience of migraine headache on at least 15 days per month
4 stages of a migraine
Migraines may go through four stages although this varies from person to person:
- Prodrome:
- Also known as a “pre-headache” or premonitory phase, prodrome may last a few hours to days, with symptoms such as:
- Difficulty concentrating
- Stiff muscles
- Fatigue
- Difficulty speaking
- Food cravings
- Also known as a “pre-headache” or premonitory phase, prodrome may last a few hours to days, with symptoms such as:
- Aura:
- Some people experience an aura before or during a migraine attack that lasts for 10 to 60 minutes and may include symptoms such as:
- Numbness or tingling
- Seeing bright flashing dots
- Blind spots
- Changes in speech pattern
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Temporary loss of vision
- Seeing wavy or jagged lines
- Changes in smell or taste
- Some people experience an aura before or during a migraine attack that lasts for 10 to 60 minutes and may include symptoms such as:
- Attack:
- During a migraine attack, you may experience a drilling, throbbing, or pulsating headache on one side of the head that lasts for 4 to 72 hours.
- Postdrome:
- About 80 percent of people with migraines experience a postdrome phase or migraine “hangover” characterized by the following:
- Inability to concentrate
- Confusion
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Elation
- About 80 percent of people with migraines experience a postdrome phase or migraine “hangover” characterized by the following:
QUESTION
Who suffers more frequently from migraine headaches?
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15 triggers of a migraine attack
Fifteen triggers of a migraine attack include:
- Stress
- Missing or skipping a meal
- Certain foods (aged cheese, alcoholic beverages, chocolate, food additives such as nitrates, and fermented or pickled foods)
- Caffeine (excessive coffee consumption or withdrawal from caffeine)
- Routine use of pain-relief medications
- Flashing lights
- Loud noises
- Not drinking enough water
- Not getting enough sleep
- Overexertion
- Being tired
- Perfumes and strong odors
- Excessive dieting
- Changes in weather conditions or changes in altitude
- Hormonal changes (menses)
How is a migraine aura diagnosed?
After performing a physical examination, a healthcare provider may recommend certain tests to confirm the diagnosis.
These tests may include:
- An eye examination: To rule out any eye conditions that could be causing aura symptoms
- A computed tomography scan of the head: Takes detailed images of the brain
- Magnetic resonance imaging scan: Images of tissues, organs, and structures inside the body are captured through magnets and radio waves
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How are migraines treated?
Although migraines cannot be cured, symptoms can be improved with certain measures such as:
Abortive approach
- Resting in a dark room
- Scalp massage
- Heat application (a heating pad may relax tense muscles)
- Over-the-counter painkillers (acetaminophen, naproxen, and ibuprofen)
- Prescription drugs such as:
- Triptans
- Calcium channel blockers
- Calcitonin gene-related peptide monoclonal antibodies
- Erenumab
- Fremanezumab
- Galcanezumab
- Eptinezumab
- Beta-blockers
- Antidepressants
- Antiseizure drugs
Preventive approach
- Avoid food triggers
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Exercise regularly
- Get enough sleep
- Manage stress
- Practice meditation (breathe deeply and slowly to relax each group of muscles for at least 10 minutes every day)
- Keep a migraine journal to note your triggers, type of pain, severity, and duration of various stages