migraine with aura

Migraine with aura is a type of migraine headache that comes with sensory changes, such as visual disturbances and other neurological symptoms. These symptoms can occur shortly before the onset of a migraine attack.

Common Visual Symptoms

• Blurred vision
• Ringing in the ears or dizziness
• A visual aura may expand into a sickle- or C-shaped object, with zigzag lines on the leading edge [1]
• Seeing colored spots or lines
• Seeing flashing or flickering lights
• Seeing zig-zag patterns
• Temporary blindness

Other Aura Symptoms

• Blind spots
• Light sensitivity
• Blurred vision
• Sparkles and flickering
• Shimmering or flickering of vision, blind spots, or blindness in one eye (migraine with retinal aura) [7]

Important Notes

• Not everyone gets migraines with aura. Only about a third of people with migraine have aura [5]
• Aura symptoms usually appear within the hour before migraine pain begins [6]

Migraine with Aura: Common Signs and Symptoms

Migraine with aura is a type of migraine headache that comes with sensory changes, such as visual or other disturbances, before the intense head pain begins. Here are some common signs and symptoms associated with migraines with aura:

• Visual disturbances: Seeing temporary blind spots, colored spots or lines, flashing or flickering lights, zigzag patterns, or even temporary blindness [3].
• Sensory changes: Feeling numbness or tingling in hands, arms, or face [8].
• Vertigo and double vision: Experiencing dizziness or difficulty speaking due to poor muscle coordination (such as shakiness) [5].
• Other symptoms: Constipation, depression, diarrhea, drowsiness, food cravings, hyperactivity, irritability, or no noticeable symptoms at all [4].

These sensory changes can occur before the migraine headache begins and may serve as warning signs that a migraine with aura is approaching. It's essential to recognize these early signs to seek medical attention if necessary.

References:

[3] Symptoms · blind spots · seeing coloured spots or lines · seeing flashing or flickering lights · seeing zig zag patterns · temporary blindness. [4] This may include constipation, depression, diarrhea, drowsiness, food cravings, or hyperactivity and irritability. Alternatively, you might not notice any ... [5] Migraine with brainstem aura includes at least two of these symptoms during an attack: vertigo, double vision, poor muscle coordination (such as shakiness), ... [8] When you have an aura, you may see spots, wavy lines, or flashing lights. Your hands, arms, or face may tingle or feel numb. But unlike other migraines, a ...

Diagnostic Tests for Migraine with Aura

Migraine with aura, also known as migrainous infarction or ophthalmic migraine, is a type of migraine headache that involves visual disturbances and other neurological symptoms before the headache itself. While there are no specific diagnostic tests for migraine with aura, several tests can help rule out other conditions that may be causing the symptoms.

• Imaging Tests: Imaging tests such as CT scans [1] or MRI scans [2] may be performed to rule out other conditions such as stroke, tumors, or multiple sclerosis. However, these tests are not typically used for diagnosing migraine with aura.
• Neurological Exam: A comprehensive neurological exam can help identify any abnormalities in the nervous system that may be contributing to the symptoms of migraine with aura [6].
• Migraine-Specific Questionnaires: Validated screening instruments such as the three-item ID-Migraine questionnaire and the five-item Migraine Screen Questionnaire (MS-Q) can be used to assess the severity and frequency of migraines, including those with aura [3].

It's worth noting that migraine diagnosis is primarily based on symptoms, and diagnostic investigations are performed for the following reasons: Exclude structural, metabolic, or other conditions that may be causing the symptoms [5]. Allergy testing, such as skin prick tests or blood tests, may also be performed to see if allergies might be triggering headaches [7].

References: [1] Context 1 [2] Context 2 [3] Context 3 [5] Context 5 [6] Context 6 [7] Context 7

Treatment Options for Migraine with Aura

Migraine with aura is a type of migraine that involves temporary visual or other disturbances before the onset of intense head pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound. The treatment options for migraine with aura are similar to those for migraines without aura, but may also include medications specifically designed to address the aura symptoms.

Medications for Migraine with Aura

• Triptans: These medications are commonly used to treat migraines with or without aura. They work by constricting blood vessels and blocking pain pathways in the brain.
• Lasmiditan: This is a newer oral tablet approved for the treatment of migraine with or without aura. It has been shown to significantly improve headache pain in drug trials.
• Acute medications: These are medications taken immediately as a migraine with aura starts, such as metoclopramide, chlorpromazine, or prochlorperazine, which can ease nausea and vomiting symptoms.

Other Treatment Options

• Preventive medications: These are medications taken regularly to slow or prevent migraines. They may include beta-blockers, anti-epileptics, and other medications.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): These over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, may help alleviate migraine symptoms.

References

• [1] Migraine treatment is aimed at stopping symptoms and preventing future attacks. Many medications have been designed to treat migraines.
• [2] This newer oral tablet is approved for the treatment of migraine with or without aura. In drug trials, lasmiditan significantly improved headache pain.
• [3] Antinausea drugs. When migraine aura is accompanied by nausea and vomiting, medications like metoclopramide, chlorpromazine or prochlorperazine can ease these symptoms.

Note: The information provided above is based on the search results and may not be an exhaustive list of all treatment options available for migraine with aura. It's always best to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

Migraine with aura can be challenging to diagnose, as its symptoms can be similar to those of other conditions. Here are some key points to consider for differential diagnosis:

• Crash migraine: This is a type of migraine that is characterized by a sudden and severe headache, often accompanied by visual disturbances. Crash migraines can be difficult to distinguish from migraines with aura, but they tend to have a more rapid onset (1).
• Exertional headache: Exertional headaches are caused by physical activity or exercise, and can be mistaken for migraines with aura due to their similar symptoms. However, exertional headaches typically resolve within 30 minutes of rest (2).
• Intracranial aneurysm: In rare cases, a visual aura associated with migraine may be a sign of an underlying intracranial aneurysm. This is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention (3).
• Space-occupying lesions: Certain types of brain tumors or other space-occupying lesions can cause visual disturbances similar to those experienced during a migraine with aura. These conditions require prompt medical evaluation and treatment (2).

It's essential for healthcare providers to carefully evaluate patients presenting with symptoms that may be indicative of migraines with aura, as these conditions can have serious consequences if left untreated.

References:

(1) [1] (2) [2][5] (3) [3]