How to Prevent Aura Migraines

Migraines are severe headaches caused by changes in a person's nervous system. The Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER) states that a migraine has four stages: the prodrome stage, the aura, the attack and the post-drome, although sufferers might not go through all the stages. According to MFMER, about 20 percent of migraine sufferers experience auras, which are sensory, verbal, motor or visual disturbances. Fortunately, there are some ways to prevent aura migraines for some patients.

Instructions

• 1

  Avoid taking birth control pills for long periods of time. The structured hormonal fluctuations a woman goes through while on the pill sometimes set off migraines with auras.

• 2

  Keep a journal of your eating and activities to determine whether a particular food or activity sets off a migraine. If you find a link, stop eating the food or doing the activity.

• 3

  Consult with your primary care physician to decide on a game plan for treating your aura migraines. Many physicians recommend over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as naproxin or ibuprofin as aura migraine blockers.

• 4

  Talk with your physician about taking prescription drugs if you still battle aura migraines. Drugs such as Tonabersat ward off the aura part of a migraine, according to a study by the Danish Headache Center.

• 5

  Listen to cues from your body. Migraine sufferers who go through the prodrome stage before the aura stage will notice that their physical habits change a day or two before the aura hits. Prodrome phase might include drowsiness, hyperactivity, constipation, diarrhea, food cravings, irritability or constipation.

• 6

  Take medication at the first sign of a migraine, especially if it's still in the prodrome phase. This could prevent the aura migraine from occurring.

• 7

  Prevent aura migraines in a natural manner by avoiding stress. Take up yoga, meditate, and exercise on a regular basis.