Are migraine auras serious?
In general, migraine aura is harmless. The symptoms usually last for less than an hour and go away completely. But migraine aura can be confused with other more serious conditions, such as stroke or eye problems.
Can aura migraines damage your brain?
Migraines cause serious pain. If you get them, you’ve probably wondered if they have a lasting effect on your brain. Research suggests that the answer is yes. Migraines can cause lesions, which are areas of damage to the brain.
What happens in the brain during a migraine aura?
As it passes over the brain, blood vessels constrict, limiting oxygen flow. Researchers believe the cortical depression may be the cause of the visual auras that some people with migraine experience. These auras result in people seeing dark or colored spots, sparkles, or other visual disturbances.
What causes visual migraine aura?
Although migraines are extremely common, their exact cause remains unknown. It appears likely that the visual aura relates to a phenomenon called “cortical spreading depression” which temporarily affects electrical impulses in the brain.
Why is migraine with aura a stroke risk?
People who experience aura might have increased tendency to form blood clots due to temporarily narrowed blood vessels, which can predispose them to stroke, Tietjen said, which studies suggest may increase stroke risk compared to women in that age group who don’t have migraines.
Is migraine with aura a disability?
If you experience chronic migraine that makes it difficult or impossible for you to work you can file a claim for Social Security disability benefits. You will need to provide medical documentation of your illness in order for your claim to be approved.
Can migraines show up on MRI?
An MRI can’t diagnose migraines, cluster, or tension headaches, but it can help doctors rule out other medical conditions that may cause your symptoms, such as: A brain tumor.
What are auras a symptom of?
An aura is a collection of symptoms that occur before or along with a migraine attack. Auras can cause disturbances in your vision, sensation, or speech. The American Migraine Foundation estimates that between 25 and 30 percent of people with migraine experience aura.
Do migraines leave scars on your brain?
Scans show brain lesions that point to cell death, but effect is unclear. TUESDAY, Jan. 27, 2004 (HealthDayNews) — Migraine headaches can leave telltale scars in the brain that point to cell death from a possible lack of blood, new research shows.
Can migraines cause brain fog?
Phase 3: During the Headache The intense pain and light sensitivity that often accompany a migraine headache is bad enough, but you may also find you cannot read as quickly as you usually can or that your memory seems faulty.