What Does a Migraine Aura Look Like? Types of Symptoms
Key Takeaways
Migraine auras can manifest in various ways, affecting vision, sensation, smell, speech, motor function, or the brainstem. Recognizing these different types of auras can help communicate symptoms more effectively to a healthcare professional.
Visual auras are the most common, while olfactory and brainstem auras are less frequent but still possible during a migraine.
Seeking medical attention is crucial if migraine attacks disrupt daily life or if new or worsening symptoms arise. Accurate diagnosis and treatment can help manage the condition and rule out other potential causes.
It can occur before or during a migraine episode. Migraine aura can cause problems with vision, sensation, sense of smell, or speech. It usually lasts about 20 to 60 minutes.
A migraine aura can be a warning sign that a migraine attack is coming, or it can happen during an attack. But it doesn’t happen with every migraine episode.
Medical emergencyIf you have symptoms like loss of consciousness or weakness on one side of the body, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
with aura
the risk of stroke, and it’s important to avoid certain medications and treat any symptoms.
A visual aura is a
with visual symptoms. This is the most common kind, occurring in
of migraine auras.
Besides being the most common kind, these auras are also the most varied, with many different symptoms reported.
Common characteristics of
can include:
flashes of bright light
“foggy” vision
zigzag lines
blind spots
small bright dots
feeling like you’re seeing things through heat waves or water
An aura describes symptoms that often precede a migraine episode and can include visual changes, flashes of light, and even numbness in the hands and face. Illustration by Wenzdai Figueroa.A sensory aura involves sensory disturbances.
This type of aura is present in approximately
. These sensory disturbances can happen with or without a visual aura.
The main symptoms of a sensory aura include feelings of
in one arm that then travels up one side of the:
face
lips
tongue
Another symptom is a “pins and needles” sensation.
A dysphasic aura involves speech and language disturbances. It occurs in
of migraine auras.
Symptoms can include:
slurred speech
mumbling
not being able to form the right words
Olfactory auras are a less common type of migraine aura, but that doesn’t mean they don’t happen.
An olfactory aura involves a heightened sense of smell and the perception of imaginary odors.
found that people may smell cigarette smoke, among other unpleasant smells like gasoline, when experiencing an olfactory aura.
A motor aura happens during a
, which is a rare form of migraine. It
at the same time as other forms of migraine aura.
Motor aura typically involves
, or weakness on one side of the body.
Weakness from a motor aura can start in the hands and spread to the arm and face. This sensation can also switch sides during a migraine attack.
A brainstem aura occurs with a
. This is a rare type of aura that involves symptoms in the brainstem or both sides of the brain.
Symptoms can include:
(feeling like you’re moving while still)
(slurred speech)
(ringing in ears)
impaired hearing
lack of coordination
confusion
fainting (sometimes)
Along with aura, migraine attacks can have many other symptoms. These can vary depending on
or phase of the migraine episode, as well as among individuals and for each attack.
Prodrome
The prodrome stage, also called the premonitory phase, can last a few hours or even several days.
living with migraine will have prodrome but perhaps not with every migraine attack.
During prodrome, taking any medications, avoiding known
, and trying relaxation techniques may help to
.
Common prodrome symptoms include:
mood changes
thirst
Headache
The headache phase is the one most people probably think of when they think of migraine. This phase is marked by pain on one or both sides of the head. It can last anywhere from a few hours to up to 3 days.
Headaches can vary from person to person and for each individual attack. In addition to the head pain, symptoms can include:
high sensitivity to light, sounds, or smells
abdominal pain or
worsening pain with physical activity
Postdrome
The postdrome phase is also called a “migraine hangover.” It comes after the headache phase, but not everyone with migraine has postdrome.
Symptoms of postdrome can include:
fatigue
body aches
trouble concentrating
sensitivity to light
dizziness
Contact a doctor if your headache or migraine attacks are interfering with your everyday life or functioning. Treatment with a combination of acute and preventive medication is necessary if you have migraine with aura.
A doctor can determine whether the cause of your aura is migraine or something else. An accurate diagnosis can help you get appropriate treatment.
Medical attention is necessary if your symptoms:
have a sudden onset
last more than an hour
don’t completely resolve
Not everyone living with migraine has migraine with aura. Even for those who have migraine with aura, there can be a lot of variation.
You may not have aura with each migraine attack, and the symptoms can vary. Auras can be visual, sensory, olfactory, dysphasic, motor, or brainstem.
Knowing the symptoms of each can help you describe them to a doctor and get appropriate treatment.