If you’re one of the millions who experience migraines, you might be familiar with the phenomenon known as aura. In fact, about 1 in 3 people with migraines have this unique set of sensory changes that can precede or accompany their head pain.
So, what exactly is migraine aura? Think of it as a series of subtle changes to your senses – like seeing spots, feeling tingling on your face, or experiencing trouble with speech. These sensations typically build up slowly over 20 minutes to an hour before giving way to the classic headache symptoms you know all too well.
But here’s the fascinating part: for some people, aura can occur without any subsequent head pain! And in rare cases, it might even overlap with the headache phase. The good news is that there are five distinct subtypes of migraine with aura, each with its own set of characteristics.
So, what causes this mystical phenomenon? Scientists believe that cortical spreading depression – a type of electrical activity that moves through the brain – sets off the chain reaction leading to aura and head pain.
Now, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty. Aura symptoms tend to come on in a specific order: visual changes (like flashing lights or zigzag patterns), followed by sensory changes (like numbness or tingling), and finally, trouble with speech. Over 90% of people who experience migraine with aura will encounter visual changes – think flashing lights, shapes, or even temporary blindness.
Other symptoms might include difficulties with language, speaking, or understanding written words. And then there’s the rare but intriguing Alice in Wonderland Syndrome, where you feel like your body or surroundings are suddenly much larger or smaller than they really are (yes, it can be a trippy experience!). This peculiar phenomenon is more common in children.
So, how do doctors diagnose migraine with aura? It’s all about listening to your story and understanding the patterns of your symptoms. That’s why keeping a migraine diary can be such a powerful tool – not only for tracking your attacks but also for finding effective treatments and identifying potential triggers.
Of course, sometimes tests might be necessary to rule out other health issues that could be causing similar symptoms. According to the International Headache Society, someone has migraine with aura if they experience two or more attacks with these distinctive features.
The good news is that both preventive and acute medicines can help manage migraine with aura. And here’s an important note: people with this condition are at a higher risk of stroke than the general population, so it’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately if you experience sudden symptoms like weakness on one side of your body, loss of vision, or fainting.
Old names for migraine with aura might be unfamiliar, but with this fresh guide, you’re now better equipped to navigate the mysterious world of migraine aura.
