Classic Migraine Migraine With Aura

By
Healthiack.com Editorial Team

Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors

A migraine is a moderate-to-severe headache affecting one or both sides of the head. An aura is an abnormal sensation which warns that a migraine is coming on.

What is going on in the body?

A migraine begins when cells in the central part of the brain become oversensitive to stimulation. The reason this happens is not known. A migraine trigger causes these cells to suddenly begin firing electrical impulses. This causes a chain reaction inside the brain. The impulses travel through the brain in a wave, similar to the way ripples spread across the water when a stone is thrown into a pond. This spreading electrical impulse causes the release of serotonin and other brain chemicals.

Serotonin causes changes in blood flow to the brain. When an impulse reaches the outermost part of the brain, it triggers the release of substance P and other chemicals. These chemicals contribute to the pain, inflammation, and increased sensitivity. The result is the throbbing pain you feel.

What are the causes and risks of the disease?

A migraine occurs when cells in the center of the brain become overly sensitive to stimulation. Factors that may trigger a migraine include the following:

  • alcohol
  • certain foods, including chocolate and some cheeses
  • change in hormone levels
  • fatigue
  • food additives
  • foods containing tyramine, such as red wine and organ meats
  • light or noise
  • too much or too little sleep
  • weather changes

    • Symptoms & Signs

    What are the signs and symptoms of the disease?

    A migraine with aura usually has the following characteristics:

  • may involve sensitivity to light, sound, and odors
  • often accompanied by nausea and vomiting
  • pain usually lasts anywhere from 4 to 72 hours
  • severity may range from mild to excruciating
  • typically involves throbbing or pulsating pain on one or both sides of the head

    • An aura begins 5 to 30 minutes before the headache pain and may involve:

  • a feeling of numbness or pins and needles in the face or head
  • changes in hearing and smell
  • changes in vision, such as tunnel vision or blind spots
  • difficulty finding the right word while speaking
  • visual symptoms, such as wavy or jagged lines, dots, or flashing lights

    • Diagnosis & Tests

    How is the disease diagnosed?

    Diagnosis of a migraine with aura begins with a medical history and physical exam. Rarely, the healthcare provider may order tests to rule out other problems.

    Prevention & Expectations

    What can be done to prevent the disease?

    An individual can lower the risk for migraine with aura by identifying and avoiding triggers. People who are sensitive to tyramine, for example, should not drink red wine. Medicines used to prevent migraines include the following:

  • anticonvulsants, such as gabapentin and carbamazepine
  • beta-blockers, such as atenolol and propanolol
  • calcium channel blockers, such as diltiazem and verapamil
  • lithium carbonate
  • methysergide maleate and methylergonovine maleate
  • nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen and naproxen sodium
  • other antidepressants, such as trazodone and venlafaxine HCl
  • selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), including paroxetine HCl and fluoxetine HCl
  • tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline and nortriptyline
    • What are the long-term effects of the disease?

    If the migraines are infrequent and mild, there are few long-term effects. If they are frequent and severe, they can greatly impair a person’s ability to function or work. Rarely, a migraine can cause a stroke.

    What are the risks to others?

    Migraines with aura are not contagious and pose no risk to others.

    Treatment & Monitoring

    What are the treatments for the disease?

    Medicines used to relieve the symptoms of migraine with aura include:

  • barbiturate combinations, such as butalbital with caffeine and acetaminophen
  • ergot alkaloids and derivatives, such as ergotamine
  • isometheptene agents, with combinations of isometheptene
  • narcotic analgesics, such as codeine and butorphanol
  • pain medicines, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen
  • triptans or serotonin (5HT-1) receptor agonists, such as sumatriptan succinate

    • Alternative and complementary therapies for migraine with aura include:

  • acupuncture, a therapy used to relieve pain by inserting thin needles into certain parts of the body
  • aromatherapy, which uses oils to stimulate pleasant sensations and relieve stress
  • biofeedback, a process in which a person is taught how to relax when the body starts to show the signs of a headache
  • chiropractic, which involves manipulation of the spinal bones
  • anxiety \ \ depression \ \eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia \ \ alcohol and drug abuse problems\ cognitive-behavioral therapy, which helps a person change perceptions and behaviors related to the headache
  • exercise
  • herbal remedies
  • hypnosis, which uses suggestion to influence the person’s subconscious
  • relaxation training, which reduces stress and eases emotional strain
  • stress management
  • transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, or TENS, which relieves pain by stimulating nerves
    • What are the side effects of the treatments?

    Medicines used to treat migraine with aura may cause drowsiness, allergic reactions, or rebound headache. Rebound headaches are caused by regular use of pain medicines.

    How is the disease monitored?

    The individual may be asked to keep a headache diary to identify triggers and track the success of treatment. Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider.

    Article type: xmedgeneral

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