Do you sometimes experience strange symptoms like seeing lights in front of your eyes, seeing lines, or suddenly feeling tingling in your limbs before your headache? Sometimes you may even struggle to speak. These are not just any things. We call this (Migraine Aura) . It's like a little premonition, a warning before the storm called migraine comes. So today, let's talk about this (Migraine Aura) in a simple way that you can understand, okay?
Let's first see what a migraine aura is.
Simply put, a migraine aura is a series of sensory changes that some people experience before a migraine headache begins. It's like a "warning phase." It can affect your senses, such as vision, hearing, and touch. Think of it this way:
- You see different kinds of lights in front of your eyes, like tiny dots floating, and zigzags.
- Some people may feel like they are hearing a constant ringing in their ears, which we call Tinnitus .
- You may feel dizzy or lose your balance.
- Although rare, there are times when some people are unable to speak properly.
These symptoms usually begin about 30 to 60 minutes before the headache. But the important thing is that not everyone with migraines experiences this (Migraine Aura), and it does not happen with every migraine.
Are there types of Migraine Aura?
Yes, we are talking about three main types of migraine aura.
1. Visual Aura: This is the most common type. It involves temporary changes in your vision. For example, you may suddenly see lights or streaks.
2. Sensorimotor Aura: This is when your senses or movements are affected. You may feel numbness, tingling, or weakness in one or more parts of your body. Sometimes this may or may not occur with a visual aura.
3. Dysphasic Aura: This is the rarest type. It is characterized by slurred speech, loss of memory, and difficulty understanding what is being said.
How common is this?
We've said that not everyone with migraines experiences migraine aura. Statistically, between 25% and 30% of people with migraines experience migraine aura. That's about one in four people.
From those who experience this (Migraine Aura):
- Between 90% and 99% of people experience a visual aura. That means it's the most common.
- About 36% of people experience a sensory aura.
- Dysphasic aura occurs in a small number of people , about 10% .
How do you see the visual aura?
A person experiencing a visual aura may experience the following vision-related symptoms:
- Flashing lights: Suddenly, lights flash in front of the eyes.
- Brightly colored spots: Tiny dots of different colors floating around.
- Zigzag lines: Things like zigzag and broken lines appear.
- Foggy vision: Things appear as if they are through a mist.
- Blind spots: Some areas of vision suddenly become invisible.
- Like looking at something through water or heat: Things can appear to be wrinkled, just as they do when you look at things through a wave of hot air.
These symptoms increase gradually, they don't come on suddenly.
Is Migraine Aura dangerous?
Migraine aura is usually not dangerous or life-threatening, but it can be very uncomfortable and frightening for the person experiencing it.
But the most important thing here is that these (Migraine Aura) symptoms can sometimes resemble the symptoms of a very dangerous condition like a stroke or a transient ischemic attack (TIA).
Therefore, if you experience any of these symptoms for the first time, or if they are different or more severe than usual, see a doctor immediately without any hesitation. The doctor can then determine whether this is migraine aura or something more serious.
Why does this (Migraine Aura) occur?
The exact cause of migraine aura is not yet fully understood. However, according to scientific research, it is believed that this happens in the part of the brain that sees things, we call it the visual cortex , and it is thought that it may be because something like an electrical wave spreads there. It is because of this change in electrical activity that the strange things in vision happen.
What increases this (Migraine Aura)? (Triggers)
These (Migraine Aura) vaccines affect the same factors that often increase the risk of migraines (typical migraines without aura). Let's see what they are:
- Strong light: Sudden strong sunlight, flash lights, and sometimes bright light from a TV or computer screen can also affect it.
- Certain foods or drinks: Things like cheese, chocolate, coffee, tea, and processed foods can affect some people.
- Some medications: For example, birth control pills.
- Stress: This is a major cause that affects many people. Pressure caused by things like office problems, family problems, exams, etc.
- Sleep disorders: Not getting enough sleep, or sleeping too much.
- Periods in women: This is related to hormonal changes.
- Strong scents: Some perfumes smell like smoke.
- Changes in weather.
These are the most common reasons, but they can vary from person to person.
How do you know exactly what a migraine aura is? (Diagnosis)
When you see a doctor when you have migraine aura symptoms, the first thing he or she will do is make sure there are no other serious medical conditions. Because as we mentioned earlier, these symptoms can be similar to a TIA or a mini stroke.
Therefore, the doctor may perform tests like these:
- Physical Examination: Your general health is checked.
- Eye Exam: Check to see if these symptoms are caused by another eye problem.
- A CT Scan (Computed Tomography Scan) of the head: This can take detailed pictures of the inside of the brain. This can help to see if there is something wrong with the brain, such as a tumor or a blood clot.
- A brain MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): This is also a test that takes detailed pictures of brain tissue and organs. It provides clearer images than a CT scan.
Only after these tests can the doctor tell you exactly whether you have Migraine Aura or something else.
What can be done to stop this (Migraine Aura)? (Treatment)
The main goal of treating migraine aura is to control symptoms and reduce the headaches that come with it. Your doctor may prescribe medications such as:
- Pain relievers: Over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen , ibuprofen , and aspirin can help reduce the pain of a headache when taken at the beginning of the aura.
- Triptans: These are medications that are specifically designed for migraines. Examples include sumatriptan and rizatriptan . They come in the form of pills, nasal sprays, or injections. They block the pathways that send pain signals to the brain.
- Dihydroergotamine nasal spray or injection: This is also used to reduce the symptoms of migraines.
- Opioids: These are very strong painkillers. They are given to people who cannot use medications like triptans, or who do not benefit from them. They have a high risk of addiction, so they are only considered if all other options have failed.
- Antinausea drugs: If nausea and vomiting occur with migraine aura, medications such as metoclopramide and chlorpromazine can help control these symptoms.
- Magnesium supplements: Some studies have shown that magnesium can reduce visual auras and reduce pain.
The most important thing is, whatever medicine you take, take it only as directed by your doctor, and only in the prescribed dosage. Don't just go to the pharmacy and buy whatever you feel like.
Can't Migraine Aura be prevented? (Prevention)
It's hard to stop migraine auras completely. But there are things you can do to reduce how often they occur, how severe they are, and how long they last. If you have frequent, severe migraines with migraine auras, your doctor may recommend the following:
- Nutritional supplements: Magnesium , CoQ10 (coenzyme Q10), Riboflavin (vitamin B2) etc. These should be taken as directed by your doctor.
- Blood pressure lowering medications: Calcium channel blockers such as Verapamil , or beta blockers such as Timolol , Propranolol , and Metoprolol Tartrate can help prevent migraines.
- Antiseizure drugs: Medications such as topiramate and valproate can reduce the frequency of migraines. However, these can cause side effects such as nausea, dizziness, and weight changes.
- Antidepressants: Some antidepressants, such as amitriptyline, can help prevent migraines.
- Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) monoclonal antibodies: These are the newest injectable medications approved for the treatment of migraines. These injections are given about once a month.
- Botox® Injections: For some people, Botox injections every 12 weeks help prevent migraines.
All this is done under the supervision of a doctor.
How long has this (Migraine Aura) been going on?
Most of the time, migraine aura symptoms start gradually, not all at once. These symptoms usually last between 20 and 60 minutes . Then the headache begins, but sometimes the aura can occur without the headache.
What to do when (Migraine Aura) symptoms appear?
If you notice that you are having migraine aura symptoms, or if you experience any other warning signs that come before a migraine, do these things:
1. Stop whatever you are doing as soon as possible. If you are driving, stop in a safe place.
2. Take the medication your doctor has prescribed immediately.
3. If possible, go to a quiet, dark room and close your eyes for a while, or try to sleep.
4. Placing a cold water bottle on the head also brings relief to some people.
When should I see a doctor?
As we have already mentioned, the symptoms of (Migraine Aura) can be similar to the symptoms of some dangerous diseases. Therefore,
- If this is the first time you have these symptoms in your life .
- What if you experience symptoms that are different from those of a migraine aura?
- If symptoms last more than 60 minutes .
- If the aura is accompanied by severe symptoms such as numbness on one side of the body, inability to speak, or blindness ,
- If something like this happens for the first time after the age of 50 .
In such a situation , seek medical advice immediately.
Is it possible to have a migraine without a headache (Migraine Aura)?
Yes, it is possible. Some people only experience the symptoms of migraine aura, but do not experience a headache afterwards. We also call this a "silent migraine" or "acephalgic migraine." Treating this condition is a bit more difficult, because it often takes longer for the medication to work than the short period of time that the aura is present.
However, taking a painkiller as soon as the aura symptoms appear can sometimes help reduce the nausea and sensitivity that may occur later.
What causes migraine aura without pain?
It is not yet completely clear what exactly causes migraine auras. However, you can keep a diary . Write down when you had these auras, how long they lasted, what symptoms you had, what you did that day, what you ate and drank, etc. Over time, you will understand what things are making your "silent migraines" worse.
What if I continue to have migraine aura?
A migraine aura usually lasts less than an hour. However, very rarely, some people may have migraine aura symptoms that last for a week or more. We call this "Persistent Aura without Infarction." If this happens to you, you should see a doctor immediately. He or she will examine you to see if these symptoms are caused by any other serious condition.
Can migraine aura increase during pregnancy?
Yes, some women may experience an increase in migraines during pregnancy, especially without a headache (migraine aura). If you are pregnant, tell your doctor right away if you experience migraine symptoms with or without a migraine (migraine aura). He or she will tell you what treatments are safe to use during pregnancy.
So, what are the things we need to remember from all of this? (Take-Home Message)
Migraine aura is not usually dangerous, but it can be a major disruption to your daily life. It can also be a frightening experience for the person experiencing it.
- If you have symptoms of migraine aura, whether with or without a headache, be sure to tell your doctor. He or she can help you and make sure your symptoms are not a sign of another serious condition.
- If you experience any new symptoms, or if they become more severe than usual, seek medical advice immediately.
- Don't take any medication you feel like without consulting a doctor.
- Find out what triggers your migraine aura and try to stay away from them as much as possible.
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle (sleep well, eat a balanced diet, exercise, and reduce stress) also helps greatly in controlling migraines and migraine aura.
I hope you learned something from this information. Don't be afraid to talk to a doctor about any health concerns you may have.
` Migraine, migraine, aura, Migraine Aura, headache, vision changes, neurological symptoms
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න