A collection of sensory abnormalities known as an aura can appear before a migraine, however, some people have an aura without a migraine or headache.
Migraine is a neurological disorder that causes severe disability and is caused by a complex neuroinflammatory process. In the United States, at least 39 million individuals suffer from migraines. Yet, as many individuals never obtain a thorough diagnosis, the actual number of people suffering from migraine is probably far greater.
What is a migraine with aura?
People sometimes refer to migraine aura as a “warning sign” for migraine since it is a sequence of sensory disruptions that generally occur before a migraine attack. The following symptoms are linked to migraine aura :
- One side of the body becomes weak.
- Tingling or numbness on the face or hands or on one side of the body.
- Trouble using words properly or trouble to speak clearly.
- Total temporary loss of vision.
- Flashes, bright dots, black patches, seeing spots, stars, wavy lines or zigzags.
Aura-related visual complaints often begin in the centre of vision, spread outward, and invariably affect both eyes. Aura visual symptoms frequently fluctuate throughout the first five minutes of an individual’s experience.
Aura occurs in around 25–30% of patients with migraine sometimes and normally lasts for 20–60 minutes. Individuals who get migraines and have aura often only have it once or twice a year rather than prior to each migraine attack.
Aura only occurs in 4% of patients with migraine, according to the American Migraine Foundation (AMF), who do not have additional migraine symptoms. According to the AMF, those in their 20s and 30s or those in the age range of 40 to 60 are typically affected.
Aura without migraine sufferers typically had aura with migraine in the past but outgrew the migraine phase as they aged. Some patients who get an aura but not a migraine may endure severe symptoms that continue for days.
Are migraines with aura dangerous?
Aura is often not hazardous. Instead of posing a genuine risk to individuals, it is more of an annoyance or frightening incident. Aura visual symptoms can be harmful if they lead to falls, collisions, or mishaps while performing tasks like cooking or operating a vehicle. Aura can sometimes make it challenging or frustrating for some people to try to communicate.
Aura may also be quite terrifying if it impairs eyesight significantly or results in vision loss, especially if the person experiencing it is unaware of what is occurring. They could believe they have permanently lost their vision or be exhibiting symptoms of another severe neurological disorder, including a brain tumour or stroke.
Can migraines with aura lead to death?
No one can die due to migraines with aura. Yet, if it results in an accident, particularly when driving, cooking, or using machinery, it may be fatal. The persistent, inexplicable aura that is not connected to migraine can be brought on by stroke and other catastrophic autoimmune disorders.
Aura without a migraine can potentially indicate long-term vision issues or flaws in the visual field.
The AMF advises closing one eye and trying to look at or read anything, then covering the other eye and repeating the procedure in order to differentiate aura from other visual disturbances. A true aura will affect both eyes’ vision in a comparable or the same manner.
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