Migraine With and Without Aura

Migraines are headaches that cause pulsing and throbbing head pain lasting hours or days. Some patients get visual, auditory, sensory or speech warning signs that a migraine is about to happen. This is referred to as an aura. Auras can last for several minutes up to an hour. 

What are the signs and symptoms of migraines without aura?

Migraine symptoms can include:

• Sensitivity to light and sound
• Nausea and vomiting
• Worsening pain with physical activity

What are the signs and symptoms of migraine with aura?

Symptoms of migraines with aura can include:

• Visual aura can occur in one or both eyes as an area of brightness or blindness that expands into flashes of light, zigzags, stars or shapes.
• Auditory aura includes hearing sounds that are not there or a buzzing in the ears.
• Sensory aura includes a burning sensation, numbness or a pins-and-needles feeling.
• Speech and language aura happens when a patient cannot recall words or understand language and has problems reading and writing.

How are migraines treated?