Migraines are intense, recurring headaches that can sometimes be accompanied by sensory symptoms, which are known as migraine with aura. Both types of migraine can be very disruptive to a person’s life due to the uncomfortable symptoms they cause.
Most migraines include symptoms like throbbing pain on one or both sides of the head, light sensitivity, and nausea. However, some people also experience auras, which are sensory disturbances associated with the following effects:
Aura often occurs before a migraine, but they can also happen during an attack. These symptoms may last as long as one hour, but they can also have a shorter duration.
Some studies show that people who experience migraine with aura have a higher chance of experiencing an ischemic stroke, which is caused by obstructions in the blood vessels within the brain. On the other hand, migraine without aura does not carry the same risk according to the research.
It is worth noting that this risk is relatively slight, but people who experience migraine with aura should keep their stroke risk in mind. For instance, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking can all lower your stroke risk. Your doctor can help you better determine your risk to ensure you take the proper steps.
There is no cure for migraines, with or without aura, and it is not always possible to prevent them. However, the following steps can help lessen their intensity and recurrence:
Most people are able to get a handle on symptoms and manage migraines successfully.