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Migraine with Aura – Symptoms and Causes

Migraine with aura is a case of serious headache that comes together with other symptoms such as blur vision, dizziness, ringing in the ear, and sensitivity to light. About 25 and 30 percent of all migraines happen with auras. One may experience an aura with no pain. However, auras can hurt a lot and make you feel severe headaches. Certain things can be done to treat the symptoms and prevent migraine with aura.

Aura is a term that defines the sensory changes that happen before a migraine headache. It can affect hearing, vision, and speaking ability, and cause muscle weakness. An aura will often begin before a migraine attack starts; this makes it serve as a warning sign for a migraine. An aura typically begins about one hour before migraine pain starts and lasts for a maximum of 60 minutes.

Types of migraine attacks

Other types of migraine involve neurological symptoms besides pain. They include:

  • Migraine with brainstem attack: This is also referred to as basilar migraine. It is a rare type of migraine where aura symptoms originate in the brain stem. These symptoms include speech problems, ringing in the ear, and vertigo.
  • Vestibular migraine: This type of migraine involves a sudden onset of vertigo [1], balance issues, and disorientation. This condition is most common in people who have no history of headaches.
  • Hemiplegic migraine: This is a migraine attack that occurs with an aura that includes one-sided weakness, as well as tingling and numbness. Hemiplegic migraine can occur with or without migraine pain.
  • Retinal migraine: Retinal migraine involves an aura that causes you to lose vision in the eye.

Visit your doctor if you notice any symptoms of these different types of migraine. Your doctor may also diagnose you with chronic migraine if your symptoms occur 15 or more days in a month.