If you’re one of the millions of people living with migraines, you know that each episode is a unique and often unpredictable experience. But did you know that some people have an even more fascinating (and frustrating!) version of migraine called migraine with typical aura? In this post, we’ll dive into what makes MTA special, how it affects people, and what you can do to manage your symptoms.
The Aura Effect
Migraine with typical aura (MTA) is the most common type of migraine with aura. The “aura” part refers to those strange sensory changes that some people experience before their headache strikes. For MTA sufferers, these changes usually manifest as visual disturbances, such as zigzag patterns or blind spots, followed by numbness or tingling sensations in the face and extremities. Speech difficulties can also occur.
The Timing of Headache
In most cases, the aura symptoms will start to fade after about an hour, only to be replaced by a pounding headache that can last anywhere from 4 to 72 hours. But not everyone experiences this classic sequence. Some people may have their headache during the aura phase, while others may have little to no head pain at all.
The Female Factor
Interestingly, women are more likely than men to experience MTA – a phenomenon that’s still not fully understood by medical professionals. One study found that 7 out of 10 people with MTA had their headache during the aura phase, with half of those headaches occurring within 15 minutes of the aura symptoms.
Visual Vibes
Changes in vision are the most common type of typical aura symptom, affecting over 9 out of 10 people with MTA. These visual disturbances can include flashing lights, blind spots, or even temporary loss of vision.
The Causes of Aura
So, what causes these strange and unsettling sensations? Researchers believe that cortical spreading depression – a type of electrical activity that moves from one part of the brain to another – is the culprit behind migraine aura.
Triggers and Timing
Most people with MTA learn that certain triggers can set off their migraines. Common culprits include stress, hormonal changes, certain foods or drinks, and even changes in sleep patterns. To diagnose MTA, doctors typically require two or more attacks with at least one typical aura symptom that disappears by the end of the migraine attack.
Brainstem Auras and Beyond
While MTA is the most common type of migraine with aura, there are other variations to be aware of. These include hemiplegic migraines (muscle weakness on one side of the body), retinal migraines (temporary blindness in one eye), and brainstem auras (vertigo, slurred speech, ringing in the ears, or double vision).
Understanding Your Aura
A migraine diary can be a powerful tool in helping you and your doctor understand your specific aura symptoms. By tracking when and how often you experience MTA, you’ll be better equipped to find effective treatments and manage your symptoms.
Treatment Options
Common treatment options for MTA include medications such as triptans, anti-nausea drugs, and pain relievers. In some cases, lifestyle changes like stress management, exercise, or relaxation techniques may also be recommended.
If you’re living with MTA, don’t hesitate to reach out to your doctor or a trusted healthcare professional for guidance on managing your symptoms. With the right treatment and support, it’s possible to reduce the impact of your migraines and live a happier, healthier life.
