Have you ever had a headache so severe that you see spots? For some people, the spots dancing across their vision come on before the headache and can be very alarming. Changes in vision, motor control, or speech patterns that precede an intense headache, or migraine, are known as a migraine with aura.
What does migraine with aura mean?
Migraine with aura means that a person has some sort of cue that a migraine is coming on, typically minutes before it starts. About 25 percent of people who get migraines also experience an aura. There are three types of auras: visual, sensory, and dysphasic.
Visual aura
A visual aura affects a person's vision. It could include spots or flashes of light within the visual field, or it could mean changes in vision or vision loss.
Sensory aura
Sensory or motor aura affects a person's nervous system. The person experience numbness in the hands or muscle weakness.
Dysphasic aura
Dysphasic aura affects speech and language patterns. A person with a dysphasic aura may begin to mumble or slur their speech. This is the least common form of aura with migraine.
Are there other types of migraines?
Yes, in addition to migraines with or without auras, people can experience ocular or retinal migraines, abdominal migraines, chronic migraines, menstrual migraines, as well as a few other types of migraines.
What causes a migraine with aura?
We're not exactly sure what causes a migraine with aura. Researchers have observed that there is a wave of activity that happens across the brain in association with migraines. There also seems to be a strong genetic aspect to migraines—if a relative has migraines, you are three times as likely to develop migraines.
Many people who experience migraine with aura notice at least one trigger that brings on the migraine. Some triggers for migraine with aura include:
- stress
- weather changes, including storm fronts and heat waves
- sleep patterns
- menstrual cycles
- heat
- alcohol
- smoking
- bright lights or loud sounds
Is migraine with aura more serious than other migraines?
Generally speaking, migraines are not dangerous on their own. They are extremely painful and should not be dismissed without medical attention, but there's no indication that they leave any permanent damage in the brain.
Some individuals worry that they are experiencing a stroke during the onset of a migraine, especially a migraine with a dysphasic aura that affects speech patterns. Seek medical care immediately if you are experiencing stroke-like symptoms.
How is a migraine with aura diagnosed?
Your primary care provider can diagnose migraine with aura. Keeping a log of your symptoms is important to provide information to your provider as well as identify any triggers that may be causing a migraine. Your symptom log should track:
- how frequently you experience the migraine
- how long the migraine lasts
- any changes in vision, sensory or motor control, or other bodily functions that you notice before the migraine starts
- anything that seems like it triggers the migraine
- any additional symptoms, such as vomiting or abdominal pain, chest pain, etc.
Your healthcare provider may also refer you to an optometrist for an eye exam, to ensure the vision changes are not related to eye health, or for diagnostic imaging such as a CT scan or MRI.
Managing and preventing migraine with aura
Migraines can be managed through medication. Some people may find relief with over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or Tylenol. Others may require prescription medications, including triptans, ditans, and other medications. Be sure to speak with your healthcare provider about any medications you may already be taking for other conditions. For chronic migraine sufferers, Botox injections may be prescribed to help alleviate the constant pain.
To prevent a migraine with aura, it can be useful to identify your specific triggers and if there are modifications that can be made. For example, someone who is triggered by light sensitivity may be able to use migraine glasses to decrease the triggering effect. There are also some prescription medications that can help reduce the frequency of migraines.
If you suffer from migraines, including migraine with aura, reach out to your healthcare provider. The team at Newport Neurology can help you learn to manage and potentially prevent migraines from occurring. Visit us online or call 401-845-3800 to learn more.
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