Migraine with Aura: What to expect?

Migraine is a common health condition, affecting around 1 in every 5 women and around 1 in every 15 men. They usually begin in early adulthood. People who experience “migraine with aura” will have many or all the symptoms of a migraine with aura and additional neurological symptoms which develop over a 5 to 20 minute period and last less than an hour.

About 15-20% of people with migraine get an “aura” which is a manifestation of neurological symptoms that occurs before a migraine headache. The aura can include visual or auditory hallucinations and disruptions in smell, taste, or touch. Other symptoms may include:

• blind spots in the field of eyesight

• colored spots

• sparkles or stars

• flashing lights before the eyes

• numbness or tingling

• pins and needles in the arms and legs

• weakness on one side of the body

• dizziness

• a feeling of spinning

The exact cause of migraines is unknown, although they're thought to be the result of temporary changes in the chemicals, nerves and blood vessels in the brain. Around half of all people who experience migraines also have a close relative with the condition, suggesting that genes may play a role. While the severity of a migraine attack often causes patients to fear they are having a stroke, the likelihood of a migraine attack causing a stroke is very remote. During an attack, many people find that sleeping or lying in a darkened room can also help. When a person experiences headache that is severe and / or accompanied by any of the following: confusion / dizziness / fever / numbness / difficulty breathing / slurred speech / vomiting / vision loss / weakness or paralysis. It is best to see a migraine specialist or a neurologist. #migraine #aura #headache #vertigo #pain #specialist #neurologist #winnielimkhoo #doctor #health #exercise #diet #lifestyle #healthy #manila #philippines