Migraine auras can occur during or before a migraine attack. Different types of auras you may experience are sensory, olfactory, visual, dysphasic, motor, and brainstem auras. Each has its own symptoms.
Migraine aura occurs in approximately
It can occur before or during a migraine episode. Migraine aura can cause problems with vision, sensation, sense of smell, or speech. It usually lasts about 20 to 60 minutes.
A migraine aura can be a warning sign that a migraine attack is coming, or it can happen during an attack. But it doesn’t happen with every migraine episode.
A visual aura is a migraine aura with visual symptoms. This is the most common kind, occurring in
Besides being the most common kind, these auras are also the most varied, with many different symptoms reported.
Common characteristics of visual aura can include:
- flashes of bright light
- “foggy” vision
- zigzag lines
- blind spots
- small bright dots
- feeling like you’re seeing things through heat waves or water
A sensory aura involves sensory disturbances.
This type of aura is present in approximately
The main symptoms of a sensory aura include feelings of numbness or tingling in one arm that then travels up one side of the:
- face
- lips
- tongue
Another symptom is a “pins and needles” sensation.
A dysphasic aura involves speech and language disturbances. It occurs in
Symptoms can include:
- slurred speech
- mumbling
- not being able to form the right words
Olfactory auras are a less common type of migraine aura, but that doesn’t mean they don’t happen.
An olfactory aura involves a heightened sense of smell and the perception of imaginary odors.
A motor aura happens during a hemiplegic migraine, which is a rare form of migraine. It
Motor aura typically involves unilateral weakness, or weakness on one side of the body.
Weakness from a motor aura can start in the hands and spread to the arm and face. This sensation can also switch sides during a migraine attack.
A brainstem aura occurs with a basilar migraine. This is a rare type of aura that involves symptoms in the brainstem or both sides of the brain.
Symptoms can include:
- vertigo (feeling like you’re moving while still)
- dysarthria (slurred speech)
- tinnitus (ringing in ears)
- impaired hearing
- lack of coordination
- confusion
- fainting (sometimes)
Along with aura, migraine attacks can have many other symptoms. These can vary depending on the stage or phase of the migraine episode, as well as among individuals and for each attack.
Prodrome
The prodrome stage, also called the premonitory phase, can last a few hours or even several days.
Most people living with migraine will have prodrome but perhaps not with every migraine attack.
During prodrome, taking any medications, avoiding known triggers, and trying relaxation techniques may help to prevent headache pain.
Common prodrome symptoms include:
- fatigue
- mood changes
- thirst
- food cravings
- irritability
- yawning
- sore neck
- constipation
Headache
The headache phase is the one most people probably think of when they think of migraine. This phase is marked by pain on one or both sides of the head. It can last anywhere from a few hours to up to 3 days.
Headaches can vary from person to person and for each individual attack. In addition to the head pain, symptoms can include:
- high sensitivity to light, sounds, or smells
- nausea or vomiting
- abdominal pain or heartburn
- loss of appetite
- blurred vision
- lightheadedness
- fainting
- worsening pain with physical activity
Postdrome
The postdrome phase is also called a “migraine hangover.” It comes after the headache phase, but not everyone with migraine has postdrome.
Symptoms of postdrome can include:
- fatigue
- body aches
- trouble concentrating
- sensitivity to light
- dizziness
Contact a doctor if your headache or migraine attacks are interfering with your everyday life or functioning. Treatment with a combination of acute and preventive medication is necessary if you have migraine with aura.
A doctor can determine whether the cause of your aura is migraine or something else. An accurate diagnosis can help you get appropriate treatment.
Medical attention is necessary if your symptoms:
- have a sudden onset
- last more than an hour
- don’t completely resolve
Not everyone living with migraine has migraine with aura. Even for those who have migraine with aura, there can be a lot of variation.
You may not have aura with each migraine attack, and the symptoms can vary. Auras can be visual, sensory, olfactory, dysphasic, motor, or brainstem.
Knowing the symptoms of each can help you describe them to a doctor and get appropriate treatment.