Migraine auras are sensory symptoms that occur before a migraine attack or headache. Usually, the aura stage lasts for less than one hour. Migraines can be debilitating, but these headaches are not harmful and most people can manage their symptoms with home and medical treatments. To learn more about migraine with aura and the treatment options, continue reading our article!

What is an Aura?

Aura is defined as any sensory changes or disturbances that happen shortly prior to migraine headaches. It can affect your hearing, vision, or ability to speak. Some people also experience tingling or muscle weakness. 

These sensory disturbances can be seeing bright dots, sparks, or zig zags. Usually, an aura lasts for about 20-60 minutes. Doctors and researchers are fascinated by auras because it doesn’t occur every migraine attack and only affects some people.

Along with sensory disturbances, migraine aura may cause:

• Confusion
• Fear
• Fainting or partial paralysis
• Changes in memory 

Types of Aura

There are different forms of auras such as visual disturbances, speech or language difficulties, and physical sensations.

Visual Disturbances

People who experience visual auras may experience temporary blindness during a migraine attack. Here are some visual changes associated with migraine with aura:

• Coloured spots
• Flashes of lights
• Tunnel vision
• Stars or sparkles
• Zigzag lines

Speech or Language Difficulties

Some people might find it difficult to communicate with others during a migraine attack. They may mumble or couldn’t find the right words to use.

Physical Sensations

Some people may experience auras with physical sensations such as numbness and tingling. Physical sensations often start on one side of the body before it slowly spreads to other areas of the body.

These are some examples of physical aura sensations:

• Dizziness
• Vertigo
• Pins and needles in the legs and arms
• Numbness or tingling
• Muscle weakness

Types of Migraine with Aura

Anyone with an occurring migraine can experience auras. However, there are different types of migraine with auras. 

Here are some rare types of migraines that causes auras:

• Retinal Migraine

Retinal migraine affects vision in one eye. It can cause temporary blindness and flickering lights in one eye. Most people who experience retinal migraines are under 40 years of age. A family history of retinal migraine increases the risk of developing retinal migraine.

• Vestibular Migraine

Vestibular migraine is a condition in which the person experiences balance issues, disorientation, and vertigo. Most people who experience this type of migraine with aura have no personal history for headaches.

• Migraine with Brainstem Aura

Migraine with brainstem aura is extremely rare. Based on a 2006 study, it only occurs in about 10% of people who experience migraine with aura. 

The common symptoms include:

• Slurred speech
• Tinnitus
• Doubled vision
• Vertigo

 

• Hemiplegic Migraine

This is a rare type of migraine that occurs with or without pain and includes one-sided weakness as well as temporary numbness or paralysis. The weakness usually subsides within 24 hours, but may also last for a couple of days.

What triggers a migraine with aura?

Researchers do not exactly know what causes auras, however it is believed to be caused by a wave of electrical activity that spreads across the cortex of the brain which is followed by a suppression of nerve cell activity. Auras can also be triggered by the same things that trigger a migraine attack including:

• Not getting enough sleep
• Caffeine or alcohol
• Anxiety or stress
• Irregular meals
• Hormonal changes
• Foods such as cured meats, aged cheese, and chocolate
• Food additives
• Bright lights and loud noises
• Strong smells
• Vigorous exercise

Here are some factors that increases the risk of developing migraine with aura:

Age - this is common for ages 18-44

Sex - females three times more likely to have migraine with aura than males

Family history - based on studies, around 90% of people who experience migraine with aura have a family history of the condition

Is it possible to have an aura without a headache?

Yes! In fact, this is what they call silent migraine. Even though migraine symptoms don't occur, the aura symptoms experienced can be disruptive to daily activities. Migraine headaches without pain are sometimes diagnosed as transient ischemic attacks or seizures. 

Treatments and Remedies

Treatment options depend on how often and severe the migraine with aura attacks are. It will also depend on other illnesses you have or medications that you’re taking. 

• Acute treatments include migraine specific treatments, over the counter painkillers,  and anti-sickness medication. These help manage the symptoms of migraine with aura. 
• Preventive treatments include anti-epilepsy drugs, beta-blockers, and tricyclic antidepressants. These medications reduce migraine attacks.

Lifestyle changes can also help prevent onset migraine symptoms. Here are some home remedies you can try to help prevent migraine episodes:

• Eating a balanced and healthy diet
• Deep breathing exercises, yoga, and progressive muscle relaxation exercises
• Drinking plenty of water
• Limiting or avoiding alcohol and caffeine
• Consistent sleep routine
• Avoid migraine triggers

If a person is experiencing recurrent or severe migraine headaches, the most effective prevention is medical treatments. 

When to Consult Your Healthcare Provider

People who are experiencing symptoms of migraine with aura should consult their healthcare provider as soon as possible. 

Here are some symptoms to watch out for:

• Only occur in one eye
• Symptoms lasts longer than one hour
• Symptoms have an immediate onset

In these cases, tests should be performed to rule out more serious conditions such as retinal tear or stroke.

Does Bespoke Biotics Supplements Help with Migraine with Aura?

Migraine with aura can’t be prevented altogether, however, you can reduce the frequency, length, and severity of attacks by taking supplements such as riboflavin, magnesium, and CoQ10.

Magnesium - Magnesium helps maintain blood pressure, nerve function, and muscle function. Several studies have proven the benefits of taking magnesium supplements to help prevent migraine attacks.

Riboflavin - Vitamin B2 or riboflavin helps reduce oxidative stress related to migraine. An analysis of multiple studies showed that taking at least 400 mg of riboflavin daily can significantly decrease migraine symptoms, duration, and frequency.

Coenzyme Q10 - CoQ10 helps reduce the levels of enzymes that leads to nerve inflammation. According to experts, CoQ10 helps reduce the duration and frequency of migraine headaches, but do not reduce the severity of migraine.

Mag-Shield Pro - Magnesium Citrate 500 mg		4 per day 2 Morning / 2 Evening
Migrasoothe-B - Riboflavin 400 mg		1 per day
Cor Shield - Coenzyme Q10 - 300Mg		1 per day Morning

If you’ve been taking a certain supplement and haven’t seen any improvement, you may be lacking other important supplements that work synergistically to help improve or prevent migraine headaches. 

 

Disclaimer

Information provided by this article and our company  is not a substitute for direct, individual medical treatment or advice. It is the responsibility of you and your healthcare providers to make all decisions regarding your health.