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What is a Migraine Aura?

A migraine is a severe headache that can disable a sufferer for hours. Those experiencing a migraine may suffer from nausea, vomiting or sensitivity to light. Sometimes migraine episodes are accompanied by visual sensation referred to as an aura.

  1. Features

    • An aura is a visual hallucination. The aura is similar to the visual experience of having a camera flashed in the eyes. Those experiencing the aura typically see flashes of moving light.

    Benefits

    • An aura typically occurs prior to the onset of a migraine, which can serve as a warning. If pain medication is taken immediately, once the aura is detected, it is possible to lessen the migraine attack.

    Cause

    • According to the Mayo Clinic, the hallucinations may be caused by chemical or electrical waves that that move across the brain and processes the signals.

    Considerations

    • According to the Migraine Aura Foundation symptoms of an aura can result in other types of illusions and neurological symptoms, such as vertigo, motor weakness, numbness, ataxia or speech disturbances.

    Warning

    • Those who experience an aura without the headache or it is confined to one eye should discuss the condition with an eye doctor.

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