# Migraine with aura | Symptoms, Causes, Tests and Treatment | OSANG > Migraine with aura is a migraine in which aura symptoms such as flashing before the eyes, seeing zigzag lines, tingling in the hands, or difficulty speaking are present… - Official page: https://osns.co.kr/en/encyclopedia/migraine-with-aura - Organization: OSANG Neurosurgery ## Page content Headache ## Migraine with aura Migraine with Aura · G43.1 Migraine with aura is a migraine in which temporary neurological symptoms, such as flashing lights, numbness, and difficulty speaking, appear and disappear for 5 to 60 minutes before or simultaneously with the onset of the headache. It occurs in approximately 25 to 30% of all migraine patients. ## At a glance Migraine with aura is a migraine in which aura symptoms such as flashing before the eyes, seeing zigzag lines, tingling in the hands, or difficulty speaking are present before the headache. This aura usually lasts 5 to 60 minutes and then goes away on its own, followed by a headache. The cause is a phenomenon in which changes in the electrical activity of brain nerve cells spread like waves. Migraine with aura increases the risk of stroke by about two times, so smoking cessation is advised, and contraceptive choice requires caution. This applies to approximately 25-30% of all migraine patients. - 01Definition and Overview - 02Types of Prodromal Symptoms - 03Cause: Changes in electrical activity of brain neurons - 04Diagnostic criteria - 05relationship with stroke - 06Diseases that require differentiation ## Definition and Overview Migraine with aura is Before or at the same time the headache starts It is a migraine with temporary neurological symptoms. It is classified as code 1.2 in the International Classification of Headache (ICHD-3). This applies to approximately 25-30% of all migraine patients. Auras reflect temporary changes in brain function. Like a flashing light or numbness New types of abnormal sensations (benign symptoms), A type in which part of the field of vision is lost or the senses are dulled. It is divided into (negative symptoms). ## Types of Prodromal Symptoms ### Eye-related symptoms (visual aura) Visual signs are the most common form. It accounts for more than 90% of all prodromal symptoms. Typical symptoms are as follows: - Flashing lights or sparkling dots before your eyes - zigzag shaped beam of light - A phenomenon where part of the visual field is not visible (scotoma) - A phenomenon in which an object appears distorted Visual auras usually start in one visual field and It gradually widens over 5 to 20 minutes. This diffusion pattern causes changes in the electrical activity of brain neurons. A phenomenon that spreads like a wave at a speed of 2 to 5 mm per minute. coincides in time. ### Sensory symptoms (sensory aura) Sensory auras are the second most common form. It occurs in approximately 30-54% of patients. Numbness or stinging sensation that starts in one hand After going up the arm It is typical for it to spread to the same side of the face, lips, and tongue. As with visual signs, over several minutes It is characterized by gradual progress. ### Speech symptoms (speech signs) Speech signs occur in approximately 10% of cases. Difficulty remembering words, slurred speech, Reading and writing become temporarily difficult. Language signs do not appear in isolation It often occurs following visual or sensory symptoms. ## Cause: Changes in electrical activity of brain neurons The cause of aura symptoms is changes in the electrical activity of brain neurons. It is a phenomenon that spreads like a wave. The brain cortex (cerebral cortex) surface at a speed of 2 to 5 mm per minute. The excitement of the nerve cells spreads, This is followed by a period in which neural activity temporarily stops. When this phenomenon occurs, the balance of chemicals around nerve cells is disrupted. Temporarily broken, In functional brain imaging (functional MRI) studies Progression of visual symptoms and Temporal and spatial consistency of cerebral blood flow changes was confirmed. This electrical change connects the brain and head blood vessels. It is believed to cause headaches by stimulating the trigeminal nerve. After this phenomenon occurred in animal experiments, Increased secretion of pain-related substances (CGRP) was observed. ## Diagnostic criteria According to the International Classification of Headache (ICHD-3) The diagnostic criteria for typical migraine with aura are as follows. - Two or more attacks meeting the criteria below: - One or more of the following recurring (reversible) prodromal symptoms: - visual symptoms - sensory symptoms - speech or language impairment - motor symptoms - brainstem symptoms - retinal symptoms - 3 or more of the following apply - One or more symptoms that gradually spread over 5 minutes or more - Two or more symptoms occur consecutively - Each aura lasts 5 to 60 minutes. - One or more aura symptoms present on only one side - One or more aura symptoms are positive (new sensations occur) - Headache within 60 minutes of symptom onset or at the same time - Not better explained by another condition ## relationship with stroke If you have migraine with aura, your risk of stroke (cerebral infarction) increases. In a large-scale research analysis The risk of stroke in patients with migraine with aura is It was found to be approximately 2.16 times higher than that of the general public. On the other hand, in migraines without aura, No increased risk of stroke was identified. The risk is highest in women under 45 years of age; Taking oral contraceptives (about 7 times) If you combine smoking (approximately 9 times), the risk increases significantly. Therefore, for women with migraine with aura, The use of oral contraceptives containing estrogen is not recommended. Quitting smoking is strongly recommended. ## Diseases that require differentiation Premonitory symptoms of migraine with aura are: Symptoms may be similar to those of other diseases, so differentiation is necessary. - Transient ischemic attack (TIA): Occurs suddenly and causes - While it gets most severe within a few minutes, - Symptoms progress slowly over 5 minutes or more. - Epileptic seizures: progress rapidly within seconds to minutes. - Cerebrovascular malformation: Confirmed through brain imaging. When prodromal symptoms first appeared, If it is different from the existing pattern or persists for more than 60 minutes You must seek medical attention from a specialist. ## Frequently asked questions ### Q01What are the aura symptoms of migraine with aura? Auras are temporary neurological symptoms that occur before or simultaneously with the onset of a migraine headache. The most common form is seeing flashing lights, zigzag lines, or losing sight of part of your vision. It usually lasts for 5 to 60 minutes and then goes away on its own, so don't be too alarmed. ### Q02Are migraines with aura related to stroke? Studies have shown that if you have migraine with aura, your risk of stroke is approximately twice that of the general population. In particular, the risk increases further when taking oral contraceptives or smoking, so it is very important to quit smoking and it is recommended that you consult a specialist about contraceptive methods and choose a safe alternative. ### Q03Is it possible to only have auras and not have a headache? Yes, it is possible. This is called the ‘typical sign without headache’ and tends to occur mainly in men after the age of 40. However, the symptoms may be similar to other diseases such as transient ischemic attack, so if this is your first time experiencing it or if the symptoms have changed, be sure to seek medical attention from a specialist. ### Q04How is migraine with aura diagnosed? Diagnosis is made according to the International Classification of Headache diagnostic criteria. It is diagnosed when at least one of the eye, sensory, or speech symptoms is completely reversible (reversible), spreads slowly over 5 minutes, and has 2 or more attacks with each symptom lasting 5 to 60 minutes. Brain imaging tests are also done to rule out other disorders. ### Q05Can I take oral contraceptives if I have migraines with aura? For women with migraines with aura, oral contraceptives containing estrogen are generally not recommended because they may increase the risk of stroke. There are alternative methods of contraception, such as progestin-only products or intrauterine devices, so be sure to consult with a specialist to choose a method that is safe for you. ### Q06How should I deal with prodromal symptoms? If you experience any symptoms, first stop what you are doing and rest in a quiet, dark place. If you are driving, you must park your car in a safe place. If you are prescribed acute medication, it is effective to take it before the headache begins. If your symptoms last longer than 60 minutes or are different from before, visit the emergency room immediately. ## Related articles - giant cell arteritis - Hemicrania continua - Hypnic Headache - Idiopathic intracranial hypertension This article provides general medical information and does not replace an individual diagnosis or treatment plan. Please seek a medical assessment if symptoms persist. ## Important notice This Markdown alternative helps search and AI tools understand the public page accurately. It provides general health information and does not replace an individual diagnosis or treatment.