What Is Migraine with Aura?

If you’ve ever experienced strange visual disturbances, tingling sensations, or difficulty speaking before a migraine hits, you might be dealing with migraine with aura. While migraines are already challenging, those with aura can add another layer of confusion and discomfort. Keep reading to learn more about this condition, including its symptoms, possible triggers, and how you can manage it effectively.

Understanding Migraine with Aura 

Migraine with aura is a type of migraine that includes temporary sensory disturbances before or during the headache phase. The aura phase typically lasts anywhere from five and 60 minutes¹ and can affect vision, touch, or even speech (more to come below on specific symptoms). Not everyone with migraines experiences aura—it affects 25-30% of migraine sufferers²—but for those who do, it can be unsettling.

Aura symptoms occur due to temporary changes in brain activity and blood flow. While the exact cause isn’t fully understood, researchers believe that a phenomenon called “cortical spreading depression”—a slow-moving wave of electrical activity in the brain—plays a role in triggering these symptoms.³

Common Symptoms of Aura

The symptoms of aura can vary from person to person, but they generally fall into three categories:

1. Visual Disturbances

• Flashing or flickering lights
• Zigzag lines or shapes
• Blurry or tunnel vision
• Blind spots that slowly expand

2. Sensory Changes

• Tingling or numbness in the face, hands, or arms
• A “pins and needles” sensation that spreads gradually

3. Speech and Language Issues

• Difficulty finding words
• Slurred or jumbled speech

In some cases, aura symptoms can be mistaken for more serious conditions like a stroke, which is why it’s important to seek medical advice if you experience these symptoms for the first time.

What Causes Migraine with Aura?

Several factors may contribute to migraine with aura, including:

• Genetics: If migraine runs in your family, you may be more likely to experience them.
• Hormonal changes: Fluctuations in estrogen levels, especially in women, can trigger migraine with aura.
• Certain foods and drinks: Processed meats, aged cheese, caffeine, alcohol, and artificial sweeteners are just a few of the common culprits.
• Stress and lack of sleep: Both emotional and physical stress can lead to migraines.
• Bright lights and strong smells: Sensory triggers like fluorescent lights or perfume can quickly initiate an episode for some individuals. 

Managing and Treating Migraine with Aura

While there is no cure for migraine with aura, there are ways to manage and reduce their impact on your life.

1. Identify and Avoid Triggers 

Keeping a migraine diary can help you track patterns and identify specific triggers. By avoiding known triggers, you may reduce the frequency of your migraines. 

2. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

Healthy habits can go a long way in managing and mitigating migraines. Make it a point to:

• Stick to a regular sleep schedule.
• Stay hydrated and eat balanced meals.
• Exercise regularly but avoid overexertion. 

3. Medications

Doctors often recommend medications such as triptans, anti-inflammatory drugs, or preventive treatments like beta-blockers or antidepressants. While these have been shown to be effective in managing migraine, all medications come with a risk of side effects, which is why it’s always important to consult with your health care provider before trying anything new. 

4. Consider Non-Drug Alternatives

Many migraine sufferers seek drug-free alternatives for relief. One innovative, non-drug option for managing migraine with aura is gammaCore™ non-invasive vagus nerve stimulator (nVNS), a portable, handheld device you administer yourself. gammaCore nVNS works by delivering gentle electrical pulses to the vagus nerve through the skin on the side of your neck, which helps to relieve pain associated with migraine. Unlike medications, it has no systemic side effects and can be used as both a preventive and acute treatment option. 

When to See a Doctor

If you experience frequent or severe migraines with aura, it’s important to consult a health care professional. You should seek immediate medical attention if you notice:

• Sudden, severe headaches that feel different from your usual migraines.
• Weakness or paralysis on one side of your body.
• Difficulty speaking or confusion.
• Aura symptoms lasting more than an hour.

Migraine with aura can be a frustrating and sometimes frightening condition, but understanding its symptoms and triggers can help you manage it more effectively. By making lifestyle changes, tracking triggers, and exploring treatment options like gammaCore (available with a prescription from a health care provider), you can take control of your migraines and improve your quality of life.

To see if gammaCore is right for you, visit our clinic finder to locate a health care provider near you, or contact our dedicated Customer Experience team at 888-903-2673 or customerservice@electrocore.com.