Migraine with Aura
Migraine Ireland
Migraine with aura is a neurological condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Unlike a typical migraine, this form is characterized by sensory disturbances that occur before or during the headache phase. These disturbances, known as auras, can manifest as visual, sensory, speech, or even motor symptoms.
While the exact cause remains under study, it is believed to involve changes in brain activity and blood flow.
Auras typically develop gradually over a period of 5 to 60 minutes and can present in various ways. The most common type is visual aura, which may include flashing lights, zigzag patterns, blind spots, or tunnel vision. Sensory disturbances such as tingling or numbness often start in the hands and move toward the face. Speech difficulties, including slurred or incoherent speech, can also occur. In rare cases, some individuals experience motor symptoms such as temporary weakness on one side of the body, a condition known as hemiplegic migraine.
Following the aura phase, the headache phase begins, though in some cases, aura may occur without an accompanying headache.
The Migraine Diary is a simple but effective way of managing your migraine. A migraine diary can help you to establish certain patterns in your attacks helping prevent and manage them.
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The disturbances are usually visual e.g.
- Blind spots
- Flashing lights
- Zig-zag patterns
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Aura can also present in other ways:
- Pins and needles on one side usually starting in the fingers/ arm, sometimes
spreading up into the face - Slurring of speech
- Muscular weakness
- Loss of co-ordination
- Confusion
- Pins and needles on one side usually starting in the fingers/ arm, sometimes
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The other symptoms of migraine will usually follow the migraine aura. These are:
- Intense throbbing headache, usually on one side of the head, worsened by
movement and lasting from 4-72 hours - Nausea, sometimes vomiting
- Sensitivity to light
- Sensitivity to noise
- Sensitivity to smells
- Stiffness of the neck and shoulders
- Blurred vision
- Intense throbbing headache, usually on one side of the head, worsened by
If you experience two or more of these symptoms in addition to the aura symptoms and if they prevent you from continuing with normal daily activities, then you may be suffering from migraine with aura.