What Are the Causes of Migraines With Auras?

Migraine headaches can interrupt your daily life at any time and cause difficulty with your ability to do work, take care of yourself or get a good night's rest. Symptoms of migraines may include visual problems such as hallucinations and flashing, which is a condition called migraine with aura. According to the National Library of Medicine and the Mayo Clinic, the causes of migraines with auras include stress and eating certain foods.

Allergies

• Seasonal allergies and sinus infections are respiratory conditions that may cause you to have migraines with auras, especially if you have severe congestion.

Environment

• Migraines with auras may be a result of your exposure to environmental irritants such as tobacco smoke, bright lights and loud noises.

Foods

• If your diet includes pickled or fermented foods, alcohol, additives such as monosodium glutamate (MSG), nitrates or tyramine, or caffeinated foods or beverages, these can cause migraines with auras.

Missed Meals

• Missing meals due to being too busy to eat or purposely fasting for dietary or religious reasons may cause you to experience migraines with auras.

PMS

• If your migraines with auras tend to occur just before the start of your menstrual period, they may be caused by hormonal fluctuations during premenstrual syndrome.

Stress

• An excess amount of either physical or emotional stress in your life may cause frequent migraines with auras, especially if you also have anxiety disorders or depression.