Migraines with Aura: When Your Brain Sends a Warning Signal
What Is a Migraine Aura?
If you’ve ever noticed flashing lights, zigzag lines, or tingling sensations right before a migraine hits, you’ve experienced what’s called an aura.
A migraine with aura is a specific type of migraine that includes temporary neurological symptoms — usually lasting between 5 and 60 minutes — before or during the headache phase.
According to the American Headache Society, about one in three migraine sufferers experiences aura symptoms.
These symptoms are reversible, meaning they fade completely once the migraine resolves, but they can still feel unsettling — especially the first time they occur.
Common Aura Symptoms
Migraine aura can affect your vision, sensation, speech, or coordination. Common symptoms include:
Visual changes: flashing or shimmering lights, blind spots, zigzag lines, or “heat wave” distortions
Sensory symptoms: tingling or numbness in the face, lips, tongue, or hands
Speech changes: trouble finding words or speaking clearly
Motor or balance symptoms (rare): weakness on one side or dizziness
While aura symptoms can mimic more serious conditions like stroke, they typically develop gradually over several minutes and resolve completely.
If you experience new or sudden neurological symptoms, it’s always safest to seek medical attention immediately — even if you suspect it’s “just another migraine.”
What Causes Migraine Aura?
Migraine aura is caused by a temporary wave of electrical activity that moves across the brain’s surface — a phenomenon called cortical spreading depression.
As this wave passes, it briefly changes how nerve cells and blood vessels behave, leading to temporary visual or sensory symptoms.
You can think of it like a brief “power surge” in the brain’s wiring system — harmless, but enough to disrupt normal signals for a short period of time.
This process is influenced by genetics, hormones, stress, sleep, and environmental triggers. That’s why some people experience aura frequently, while others only occasionally.
Managing Migraines with Aura
Treatment for migraine with aura is similar to that for other types of migraine — but with a few important considerations.
At Vale Migraine & Wellness, we personalize each care plan to target both the neurological activity causing aura and the pain that follows.
Acute (Rescue) Treatments
Designed to stop an attack once symptoms begin:
IV migraine cocktails – Gentle hydration with anti-nausea, anti-inflammatory, and calming agents to stop migraine progression.
SPG blocks – A needle-free nasal treatment that helps calm overactive pain pathways in the brain and face.
Acetaminophen, magnesium, and diphenhydramine (Benadryl) – Often used for safe, evidence-based relief.
Reglan (metoclopramide) – Reduces nausea and helps restore normal brain signaling during attacks.
Preventive Treatments
Aimed at reducing how often migraines with aura occur:
Botox® injections – FDA-approved to prevent chronic migraine by reducing nerve hyperactivity.
Magnesium supplementation or infusions – Shown to decrease frequency and severity of migraine aura
Lifestyle & trigger management – Identifying hormonal, dietary, and sleep-related patterns can significantly reduce attacks.
CGRP inhibitors – Modern preventive medications that target the root chemical drivers of migraine, available when appropriate.
Living with Migraine Aura
While aura symptoms can feel frightening, understanding them can turn fear into empowerment. Most people with migraine aura can live full, active lives once they learn to recognize early warning signs and treat attacks promptly.
At Vale Migraine & Wellness, we combine clinical expertise with a restorative, spa-like environment so you can manage migraine without anxiety or disruption.
Our goal is to help you feel confident, in control, and supported every step of the way.
Clarity Begins Here
If you experience migraines with aura — or aren’t sure whether your symptoms fit that pattern — our team can help you find answers and relief.
Book a consultation today to receive a personalized migraine evaluation and treatment plan built around your life.
