Migraine auras are warning signs that some people experience before a migraine headache starts. They usually happen about 5 to 60 minutes before the headache begins, but sometimes they can occur without a headache at all.
They can affect your vision, speech, or other senses, and even cause strange feelings in your body. Here are some common examples:
1. Visual Changes (Most Common):
Seeing flashing lights, zigzag patterns, or bright spots,
Blurry vision or a feeling like you’re looking through a wavy, watery window
Temporary blind spots in your field of vision
2. Sensory Changes:
Tingling or numbness in your face, hands, or arms
A strange feeling like your skin is “falling asleep”
3. Speech or Language Problems:
Trouble finding words
Slurred speech or difficulty forming sentences
4. Other Symptoms:
Dizziness or feeling off-balance
A sense of confusion or feeling like you’re in a fog
Researchers are trying to undersdand what is causing migraine auras. Many experts believe that migraine auras are caused by a process called cortical spreading depression (CSD). Think of it like a ripple effect across the surface of your brain. Auras are like a temporary “storm” in your brain—a wave of altered activity that moves slowly across it, leading to the symptoms you experience.
Recognizing migraine auras is very important for several reasons. Migraine auras often appear 5 to 60 minutes before the headache starts. This “heads-up” gives you a chance to take action—like resting, taking your prescribed medications early, or avoiding triggers—to lessen the severity of the coming migraine. Recognizing these signs means you can prepare and potentially reduce the impact of the attack During an aura, you might experience visual changes (like flashing lights or zigzag patterns), tingling, or even speech difficulties. These changes can make activities such as driving dangerous. Knowing when an aura is starting helps you avoid activities that could put you or others at risk until your vision and coordination return to normal.
Migraine auras can sometimes mimic symptoms of more serious conditions—like a stroke or transient ischemic attack. Being able to clearly identify and describe your aura helps your doctor make the right diagnosis and rule out other causes of your symptoms. This accurate identification is key to developing an effective treatment plans.
Studies have shown that people with migraine with aura may have a slightly higher risk of stroke, especially if other risk factors (such as smoking or the use of certain hormonal contraceptives) are present. Recognizing your auras allows your healthcare provider to take these risks into account and suggest lifestyle modifications or alternative treatments if needed.
The migraines auras may be different for different people. Each individual’s auras tend to stay the same for the same individual. Knowing your aura symptoms not only gives you time to take preventive steps but also helps ensure that you get the right medical care. It’s a key part of managing your condition safely and effectively.