Confusion During Aura Stage of Migraine Headache

An "aura" is the name given to a series of symptoms that may happen up to an hour before migraine headache pain begins. Not all people with migraines experience auras. Although the Mayo Clinic lists the most common aura symptoms associated with migraines as visual disturbances (such as flashing lights and tunnel vision), confusion is another migraine aura symptom.

• Confusion can occur before migraine pain starts.

Other Symptoms

• According to the Migraine Aura Foundation, other symptoms of auras preceding a migraine include hearing sounds that aren't there, smelling odors that are not present, a tingling or numb sensation in part of the body, trouble speaking and feeling as if one part of the body has suddenly shrunk or enlarged. Confusion does not have to be present each time a person experiences an aura, and an aura does not have to appear every time a person has a migraine attack.

Types

• There are many types of migraine, but only a few types are associated with confusion during the aura stage. These include classic migraine (also called migraine with aura); basilar artery migraine (or BAM) and hemiplegic migraine, which combines classic migraine symptoms with neurological symptoms such as loss of coordination on one side of the body. There are two types of hemiplegic migraines: familiar hemiplegic migraine (caused by genes) and sporadic hemiplegic migraine (which has no known cause).

Speculation

• Many aura symptoms are caused by the senses giving inaccurate information, such as suddenly smelling odors from objects that aren't there or feeling as if your head has suddenly enlarged. Because we depend so heavily on our senses in order to get through life, it is only natural that we become confused when they begin to send conflicting or inaccurate information to our brain.

Warning

• Confusion, visual disturbances, sudden headache, problems speaking and loss of coordination are also common symptoms of a stroke. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should go to the hospital immediately or contact emergency medical personnel. According to "Migraines for Dummies," people suffering from a hemiplegic migraine or BAM need to be hospitalized during an attack, as regular painkillers for migraines will not be effective.

Significance

• After being diagnosed with any type of migraine, auras can become useful warning signals. During the aura, a patient can take preventive medication for pain or begin to travel to the hospital. If you are prone to becoming confused during the aura stage, inform your friends, family and close co-workers about your condition. They can help ensure you get appropriate medical attention.