A migraine aura is a particular kind of prodrome, or
premonition that signals advanced warning of an imminent migraine.
The effects of an aura build up in about five minutes,
typically arising from twenty minutes to an hour before the onset of the headache.
Symptomatic of a classic migraine, they are experienced by roughly 15-20% of
migraineurs.
Aura Effects
The majority of migraine auras are visual, and are called
positive visual phenomena because those who experience them actually see things
rather than experiencing fading,darkening vision. Examples may include:
Haloes
Haziness or corona of light surrounding objects, principally
sources of light
Flashing Lights
Coloured or white spots that seem to move
Lightning Bolts
Zigzag lines that arc over the field of vision, the severity
and frequency of which increases until sight is no longer possible. This is
called a whiteout. The onset of headache pain usually halts this effect.
Photophobia
This is an acute sensitivity to light, which often lasts for
the duration of the headache.
Most auras last for less than an hour, but those that suffer
longer lasting auras are experiencing migraines with prolonged aura. Sometimes,
auras can be experienced without resulting in a headache, but it is still
considered to be a symptom of chronic migraine. In fact, the same individual
may experience all three types at various times, migraine with aura, migraine
with prolonged aura, or aura without a headache.
Recognising and understanding these signs play a big part in learning how to prevent migraines.
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