• Migraines

What is Migraine Aura?

Migraine aura is a sensory phenomenon that occurs before or during a migraine attack, affecting the senses, particularly vision. This distinct phase can last anywhere from a few minutes to around 30 minutes. While it’s most commonly associated with visual disturbances, it can also involve sensory changes like tingling or numbness. 

A migraine aura usually signals that a migraine – with or without a headache – is about to occur. However, in some cases, people experience "migraine aura without headache," where the aura is the only symptom.

In this article, we’ll cover migraine aura – including its symptoms, triggers, and treatment options, as well as how it differs from other types of migraines.

Types of Migraine Aura

Migraine aura can affect various senses, but the most common type is visual – often referred to as a "visual migraine" or "migraine visual aura." These visual disturbances typically occur before or during the onset of a migraine and can vary in intensity and duration. 

In more severe cases, the visual disturbances may be so intense that they feel like looking through a distorted lens, with images appearing blurry or pixelated. The sensation can be unsettling, especially when it affects a person’s ability to function normally. The symptoms typically last between 10 to 30 minutes, and they usually resolve as the migraine progresses or the headache phase sets in.

A specific type of visual migraine aura is the "ocular migraine aura," which shares similar visual symptoms. Ocular migraine aura can occur with or without a headache, meaning that some people experience the visual symptoms without the typical migraine pain. This is referred to as a silent migraine. This can be particularly confusing because, while the aura is present, the absence of a headache may make it feel like a different condition. 

Despite the lack of head pain, the visual disturbances can be just as intense, and the condition still requires attention and care, as it may signal underlying issues related to migraines or other neurological concerns.

Aura Migraine Symptoms

Migraine aura symptoms can vary, but they typically involve a combination of visual disruptions, sensory changes, or speech and language disturbances. Common migraine aura symptoms include:

• Shimmering or zigzag lines

• Blurred vision

• Partial or total vision loss 

For some individuals, these symptoms occur without the onset of a headache, leading to "migraine aura without headache," which can be confusing since most migraines are accompanied by a throbbing headache.

Migraine Aura and its Triggers

Migraine aura – like other migraine-related symptoms – is often influenced by a range of triggers that can vary from person to person. These triggers are environmental, physiological, and sometimes lifestyle-related factors that may provoke the onset of a migraine aura and the associated migraine. Identifying and understanding these triggers is essential for managing migraine symptoms and potentially preventing full-blown attacks.

Stress is one of the most common triggers for both migraines and migraine aura. High levels of stress or anxiety can trigger a cascade of physical reactions in the body, leading to changes in blood flow and neurotransmitter activity that may set off a migraine.

Hormonal fluctuations – especially in women – are also a significant factor. Changes in hormones due to menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause can contribute to the onset of migraine aura. For instance, the drop in estrogen levels just before menstruation is known to be a common trigger for migraines.

Bright lights and glare are another common environmental trigger. The overstimulation of the eyes from intense lighting, such as sunlight, fluorescent lights, or screen exposure, can provoke a visual aura. This is why many migraine sufferers seek out dark, quiet spaces when experiencing aura symptoms.

Strong smells – such as perfumes, chemicals, or even food odors – can also trigger migraine aura. These scents can act as sensory overload for the brain, leading to disturbances in visual perception.

Certain foods – including processed foods, aged cheeses, and foods containing MSG – are known migraine triggers for some people. Foods high in sugar or caffeine can also play a role in initiating aura and migraine symptoms, particularly if consumed in large quantities or irregularly.

Weather changes – particularly shifts in barometric pressure, temperature, or humidity – can influence migraine aura. Sudden weather changes, like those experienced with seasonal transitions or storms, can disrupt the body’s internal balance, leading to a migraine attack.

Aura Migraine Diagnosis and Treatment

If you're experiencing frequent or intense migraine aura episodes, it's important to speak with a healthcare provider to rule out other conditions. 

An ophthalmic migraine aura, for instance, may mimic symptoms of other eye issues, so proper diagnosis is key. Treatment options for migraine aura often focus on preventing the onset of the full migraine attack and relieving symptoms when they occur. Over-the-counter medications, prescription drugs, or lifestyle changes may help mitigate the frequency or intensity of both the aura and the headache that follows.

How LifeMD Can Help

If you're looking for support in managing your migraines, reach out to LifeMD for expert care from the comfort of your home.

A team of healthcare providers can provide guidance on managing your migraines and prescribe medication if medically appropriate.

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