About Migraine with aura
What is Migraine with aura?
Migraine with aura is a type of migraine headache that is preceded or accompanied by sensory disturbances, such as flashes of light, blind spots, or tingling in your arm or leg. These symptoms, known as an aura, usually occur 10 to 30 minutes before the headache and can last up to an hour.
What are the symptoms of Migraine with aura?
The most common symptoms of migraine with aura include:
- Visual disturbances, such as seeing flashing lights, zigzag lines, or blind spots
- Sensory disturbances, such as Numbness or tingling in the face, arm, or leg
- Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
- Weakness or Paralysis on one side of the body
- Unusual smells or tastes
- Dizziness or vertigo
- Mental confusion
What are the causes of Migraine with aura?
1. Genetics: Migraine with aura is more likely to occur in people who have a family history of migraine.
2. Hormonal changes: Fluctuations in estrogen levels can trigger migraine with aura in some women.
3. Environmental factors: Stress, bright lights, loud noises, certain foods and drinks, and changes in sleep patterns can all trigger migraine with aura.
4. Medications: Certain medications, such as birth control pills, can trigger migraine with aura.
5. Neurological changes: Changes in the brain’s electrical activity can trigger migraine with aura.
What are the treatments for Migraine with aura?
1. Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and aspirin can help reduce the pain of a migraine with aura. Prescription medications such as triptans, ergotamines, and anti-nausea medications can also be used to treat migraine with aura.
2. Lifestyle changes: Making lifestyle changes such as getting regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, and avoiding triggers such as stress, bright lights, and certain foods can help reduce the frequency and severity of migraine with aura.
3. Complementary therapies: Complementary therapies such as acupuncture, massage, and biofeedback can help reduce the pain and frequency of migraine with aura.
4. Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be recommended to treat migraine with aura. This may include nerve decomp
What are the risk factors for Migraine with aura?
1. Family history of migraine with aura
2. Female gender
3. Age between 15 and 55
4. Stress
5. Hormonal changes
6. Certain foods and drinks, such as aged cheeses, processed meats, alcohol, and caffeine
7. Skipping meals
8. Poor sleep habits
9. Bright lights, loud noises, and strong smells
10. Smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke
Is there a cure/medications for Migraine with aura?
Yes, there are medications available to treat migraine with aura. These include triptans, anti-inflammatory medications, and anti-seizure medications. Your doctor can help you decide which medication is best for you.