Wiki Migraine

The Migraine And Headache Program™ By Christian Goodman This program has been designed to relieve the pain in your head due to any reason including migraines efficiently and effectively. The problem of migraine and headaches is really horrible as it compels you to sit in a quiet and dark room to get quick relief. In this program more options to relieve this pain have been discussed to help people like you.

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Understanding migraine aura: Symptoms and triggers.

Understanding Migraine Aura: Symptoms and Triggers

Migraine aura is a set of neurological symptoms that can occur before or during a migraine attack. It typically lasts for a short period, ranging from a few minutes to an hour, and it serves as a warning sign that a migraine headache is about to begin. However, not all migraines are accompanied by an aura.

Symptoms of Migraine Aura

Migraine aura symptoms can vary from person to person, but they usually affect vision, sensory perception, or speech. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types of aura symptoms:

1. Visual Aura

• Flashing Lights or Sparkles: Bright spots or flashing lights that often appear as zigzag patterns or flickering lines.
• Scotoma: A partial loss of vision, where blind spots or dark areas appear in the visual field.
• Fortification Spectra: A complex visual pattern resembling the fortifications of a castle, often described as a jagged, zigzag line that slowly expands across the visual field.
• Tunnel Vision: A sensation of seeing only the center of the visual field, with everything around it appearing dark or blurry.
• Visual Distortions: Objects may appear smaller or larger than they are (micropsia or macropsia), or lines may appear wavy or distorted.

2. Sensory Aura

• Numbness or Tingling: Often begins in the fingers or hands and may spread to the arm, face, lips, and tongue. It typically occurs on one side of the body (unilateral).
• Pins and Needles Sensation: A prickling or tingling sensation that can move across different parts of the body.
• Burning Sensation: A less common symptom where a burning feeling occurs on one side of the body.

3. Speech and Language Aura

• Aphasia: Difficulty finding words or speaking clearly, which can manifest as slurred speech or the inability to form coherent sentences.
• Dysphasia: Partial impairment of language, where speaking or understanding words becomes challenging.

4. Motor Aura

• Weakness: Temporary weakness or paralysis on one side of the body, often mimicking stroke-like symptoms. This is characteristic of hemiplegic migraine.
• Difficulty Moving Limbs: A feeling of heaviness or difficulty controlling arm or leg movements.

5. Other Aura Symptoms

• Vertigo: A sensation of spinning or dizziness, common in vestibular migraines.
• Tinnitus: Ringing or buzzing in the ears.
• Auditory Hallucinations: Hearing sounds that are not present, such as ringing, buzzing, or even voices.

Triggers of Migraine Aura

Migraine aura can be triggered by various factors, many of which overlap with general migraine triggers. Identifying and avoiding these triggers can help in managing migraines. Common triggers include:

1. Stress and Anxiety

• Emotional stress and anxiety are significant triggers for both migraines and aura. Stress can lead to changes in brain chemicals, which may initiate an aura.

2. Hormonal Changes

• Hormonal fluctuations, particularly in women, can trigger migraines with aura. This is often seen during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause, or with the use of hormonal contraceptives.

3. Dietary Triggers

• Certain foods and beverages can trigger aura symptoms. Common dietary triggers include:
  • Caffeine: Too much or withdrawal from caffeine.
  • Alcohol: Especially red wine and other alcoholic drinks.
  • Aged Cheese and Processed Meats: These foods contain tyramine, a known trigger.
  • Artificial Sweeteners: Such as aspartame.
  • Monosodium Glutamate (MSG): A flavor enhancer found in many processed foods.

4. Sleep Disturbances

• Lack of sleep, excessive sleep, or irregular sleep patterns can trigger migraines and aura. Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule can help reduce the frequency of attacks.

5. Environmental Factors

• Bright Lights and Loud Sounds: Exposure to bright, flickering lights or loud noises can trigger an aura.
• Weather Changes: Rapid changes in weather, temperature, humidity, or barometric pressure can precipitate an aura.
• Strong Odors: Certain smells, such as perfume, smoke, or chemical fumes, can trigger an aura.

6. Physical Factors

• Intense Physical Activity: Overexertion, whether through exercise or physical labor, can trigger migraines with aura.
• Posture: Poor posture, particularly when sitting for long periods, can contribute to neck and shoulder tension, leading to migraine aura.

7. Sensory Overload

• Overstimulation of the senses, such as too much visual or auditory input, can be a trigger for aura in some individuals.

Conclusion

Migraine aura is a complex neurological phenomenon that serves as a precursor or accompanying symptom of migraine headaches. Understanding the symptoms and identifying triggers can be crucial for effective management and prevention of migraines with aura. If someone experiences frequent or severe auras, they should seek medical advice for proper diagnosis and treatment.