Those affected by migraines with aura experience sensory disorders, especially visual, speech and sensory disorders. How does the phenomenon arise and what happens in it? You can find out in the video.
What is a migraine with aura?
Those who suffer from migraines with aura often have certain perceptual disorders before the onset of the headache. These include speech, emotional and visual disorders, for example you can see visual effects such as flashing lights or feel a tingling sensation in your hands. It is a neurological disorder that usually lasts between five and 60 minutes. Around 15 to 25 percent of all migraine patients suffer from the phenomenon, the cause of which has not yet been conclusively clarified.
Causes: How does a migraine with aura develop?
In neurology, it is assumed that various factors favor migraines. Experts assume that the nerve cells in the cerebral cortex of affected patients are particularly sensitive: During the headache attack, they are overly stimulated, especially the so-called trigeminal nerve, which controls the perception of pain in the face. This hypersensitivity probably causes more messenger substances to be released that trigger pain.
But how do migraines with aura come about? Research has found that in patients suffering from a migraine with aura, certain areas of the brain have less blood flow than in patients who "only" suffer from migraines. Accordingly, a lack of oxygen in the affected regions could be the cause. The poor circulation, in turn, could be due to genetic factors.
Triggers for migraines
What is undisputed, however, is that it is there are individual triggers for those affected by migraines with aura, that cause an attack. This can include stress, but climate change (e.g. due to vacation) can also trigger migraines.
Symptoms: These symptoms can be caused by migraines with aura
Almost all sufferers experience visual disturbances. These include:
- Zigzag lines
- Radiant wreaths around people and objects
- Flashing lights
- Blinding shapes that slowly grow in size (e.g. circles)
In addition, a so-called scotoma can occur. This is a temporary loss of vision in a field of vision – up to complete loss of vision. Often the symptoms resolve within an hour.
But people also experience sensory disorders more often due to migraines with aura. There is tingling or numbness in the hands, arms, or cheeks. In rare cases, there are also language disorders – patients have difficulty finding the right words or poor pronunciation. The symptoms are similar to a stroke: Anyone who experiences a migraine with aura for the first time will probably call the doctor directly – but this should also be done if a stroke is suspected.
Can aura stop migraines?
So far there is unfortunately not a scientifically proven treatment for migraines with aura. Medication can curb the resulting headaches, with the aura it is best to wait in a quiet, dark place until it goes away on its own. However, it might make sense to take something against nausea in good time – this occurs more often with visual disturbances. Strong medication should not be used until the aura has subsided.