What Is Migraine Aura?

Migraine aura is a set of neurological symptoms that typically precede the headache phase of a migraine attack. About 25-30% of people with migraines experience aura, and understanding what causes these aura symptoms can help with early treatment.

Types of Aura

Visual Aura (Most Common)

Visual disturbances are reported by over 90% of people who experience aura:

  • Scintillating scotoma - a shimmering, zigzag arc of light that slowly expands across your field of vision
  • Fortification spectra - patterns resembling the walls of a medieval fort
  • Blind spots that gradually enlarge
  • Flashing lights or stars
  • Tunnel vision

Sensory Aura

  • Tingling or numbness that typically starts in the fingers and travels up the arm to the face
  • Often affects one side of the body
  • Usually follows the visual aura

Language Aura

  • Difficulty finding words (aphasia)
  • Slurred speech
  • Trouble understanding spoken or written language

Motor Aura (Rare)

  • Temporary weakness on one side of the body
  • Known as hemiplegic migraine
  • Should always be evaluated by a neurologist

The Timeline

A typical aura develops gradually over 5 to 20 minutes and lasts less than 60 minutes. The headache usually begins within 60 minutes of the aura ending, though some people experience aura without a subsequent headache.

Aura vs. Stroke Warning Signs

Migraine with aura is distinct from other headache types. While a tension headache presents as a dull, pressing pain, aura involves neurological disturbances. Because some aura symptoms overlap with stroke symptoms, it is important to know the differences:

| Feature | Migraine Aura | Stroke | |---------|--------------|--------| | Onset | Gradual (minutes) | Sudden (seconds) | | Visual symptoms | Positive (adding light/shapes) | Negative (vision loss) | | Progression | Symptoms march sequentially | Multiple symptoms simultaneously | | Duration | 5-60 minutes, then resolves | Persistent |

If you are ever unsure, call emergency services immediately.

Managing Migraine with Aura

  • Take acute medication at the onset of aura for best results
  • Keep a detailed log of aura symptoms, duration, and triggers
  • Discuss preventive medications with your neurologist if auras are frequent
  • Avoid common migraine triggers during vulnerable periods
  • Women who have migraine with aura should discuss contraceptive options with their doctor, as combined hormonal contraceptives may increase stroke risk

When to Seek Urgent Care

  • First-ever aura symptoms
  • Aura lasting longer than 60 minutes
  • Aura symptoms that do not fully resolve
  • New types of aura you have not experienced before
  • Motor weakness during aura

Log your aura symptoms, duration, and triggers to build a clear picture for your neurologist. The this free app is a free migraine tracker app that lets you quickly record aura details and track migraine triggers so you can spot patterns and take action early.