Are Migraine Auras Serious?

Migraine aura is a series of sensory disturbances that often occur shortly before a migraine attack or may sometimes occur during or after the migraine attack.

Migraine auras are reversible symptoms of the nervous system. They occur in the form of visual and physical disturbances or sensations. These disturbances range from seeing bright dots, sparks, and patterns to muscle weakness, tingling on one side of the body, or inability to speak clearly and usually last for about 20-60 minutes.

Migraine aura does not occur with every migraine attack, and it may not affect every person. Sometimes, an aura may occur without a headache. Although migraine pain does not occur, the aura symptoms can still be disruptive to daily activities.

They may be a result of certain chemical imbalances in the brain that occur during a migraine attack.

Those who have migraine aura may experience a range of symptoms including:

• Visual disturbances such as seeing flashes of light, bright spots, sparkles, or stars
• Temporary vision loss or changes in vision
• Blind spots in the field of eyesight
• Tunnel vision
• Zigzag lines in vision
• Dizziness
• Vertigo (a feeling of spinning)
• Weakness or numbness in the face
• Muscle weakness or tingling on one side of the body
• Prickly or burning sensations in an arm or leg
• Uncontrollable jerking or other movements
• Difficulty in speaking
• Slurred speech
• Unable to form the right words
• Confusion and difficulty in understanding
• Depressed, irritable, and restless
• Ringing in the ears, hearing noises, or music

Several brain chemicals play a role in causing migraines. A migraine with aura can be triggered by the same things that can trigger migraine attacks without aura. These include:

• Stress or anxiety
• Insufficient sleep
• Irregular meals
• Red wine or alcohol 
• Caffeine
• Certain foods such as cheese, chocolate, or cured meats
• Ice cream or cold foods
• Artificial sweeteners
• Food additives or preservatives such as nitrates, nitrites, and monosodium glutamate (MSG)
• Hormonal changes
• Menstruation
• Certain medications
• Birth control pills and hormone therapy
• Bright lights, strong smells, or loud noises
• Vigorous exercise
• Changes in the weather
• Altitude or air pressure changes

Treatments for migraine with aura and migraine without aura usually involve the same medications and self-care measures. They include: 

• Placing a cold compression on the forehead or the back of the neck
• Moving into a dark quiet room and resting
• Reducing emotional triggers such as stress, anxiety, and depression
• Reducing physical triggers such as fatigue
• Medications for both prevention and relief of symptoms

Medications for relieving symptoms that reduce the severity of a migraine attack include:

• Pain killers including acetaminophen
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen
• Triptans reverse chemical changes in the brain that cause migraines
• Anti-emetics that relieve nausea and vomiting
• Devices that assist transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and vagus nerve stimulation help relieve pain
• Preventive medications that stop migraine attacks from occurring include anti-seizure drugs such as Topomax (topiramate), antidepressants (SSRIs), blood pressure medications (beta-blockers), and devices that stimulate the transcutaneous supraorbital nerve.
• Alternative methods of treating migraine include acupuncture, relaxation techniques, and avoiding common triggers.

Lifestyle modifications:

• Identifying and avoiding triggers 
• Avoiding skipping meals 
• Eating meals at regular intervals 
• Healthy and nutritious diet
• Adequate rest 
• Sleeping and waking up around the same time every day and getting at least 6 hours of sleep a day
• Regular exercise
• Stress management