Are all migraines the same?
No. Quite simply, some people experience aura before a migraine attack, and some
do not. An aura is a “feeling” or a series of sensations that come before
a migraine attack (see below).
Migraine without aura:
- This is the most common kind of migraine
- Seven out of 10 people who get migraines do not get auras
- It can include terrible throbbing pain and sensitivity to light
and sound
- It can also include nausea
- Keep in mind that sometimes these symptoms can occur before the
migraine starts
Migraine with aura:
- Three out of 10 people who get migraines have auras. This type of
migraine has all the symptoms of a regular migraine, plus aura
- An aura tends to appear right before a migraine hits, and can include
seeing bright lights, jagged lines, or blind spots
- Auras usually last less than an hour
The most common symptoms of an aura include:
Visual changes:
- Seeing flashing lights
- Seeing jagged lines
- Blurred vision or blind spots
- Difficulty focusing
Changes with your body or senses:
- Numbness or tingling of the lips, face, or hands, on 1 or both sides
- Weakness in the arms or legs, usually on 1 side of the body
Speech or language changes:
- Not being able to understand words
- Not being able to speak normally/at all