Migraine with Aura
Migraine with Aura
It is defined as the headache which occur after or at the time of sensory disturbance which is called aura it is recurring headache, sensory disturbance which induce headache include flashes of light, vision problems.
Symptoms
Migraine aura symptoms include:
- Blind spot in visual field
- Flashes of light
- Zigzag lines in field of vision
- Numbness on one side of face
- Speech problems
Causes
The exact cause of migraine aura is not understood yet but it may be assumed that certain environmental and genetic factors may cause the disturbance in visual cortex which causes hallucinations.
Complications
Stroke is the only complication of migraine aura which is occur rarely.
Diagnosis
After taking medical history and physical examination your doctor recommends following test to confirm the diagnosis:
- MRI to check the images of brain
- CT scan
Treatment
The focus of treatment is to reduce the signs and symptoms, treatment options includes:
- Pain relievers like aspirin and ibuprofen to reduce headache
- Triptans to block the pain pathway in brain
- Opioid for severe pain
- Anti-nausea drugs to reduce the nausea