What should you know about migraine aura?

Visual aura may involve zigzag lines, shimmering lights, blind spots, or a narrowing field of vision. Some people notice tingling that moves through a hand, arm, face, or tongue. Finding words difficult or hearing unusual sounds can also occur. Symptoms often build gradually and then clear, but a first episode should be assessed because other neurological problems can look similar. Aura may happen with headache, and some people experience aura with little or no head pain. Migraine itself can also bring nausea, light sensitivity, dizziness, or vertigo.

Stop driving and move to a quiet, dim room while your vision or sensation is altered. Note when the symptoms began, which body areas were affected, how they changed, and when they ended. Sip fluids if you can, rest, and use a treatment already recommended for your migraines according to its instructions. A diary can reveal links with missed meals, poor sleep, stress, bright light, or hormonal changes. Do not take a new medicine solely because an episode resembles a previous one without checking its suitability.

Call emergency services for sudden facial drooping, one-sided weakness or numbness, severe trouble speaking, collapse, confusion, or a sudden severe headache. Seek urgent assessment if visual loss affects one eye, symptoms do not clear as expected, or the episode follows a head injury. Arrange a medical review for a first aura, a major change in your usual pattern, or episodes that are becoming more frequent or disruptive.

Ask whether your pattern fits migraine aura, whether you need an eye or neurological examination, and which symptoms should change your usual action plan. Discuss medicines, pregnancy or contraception if relevant, and how to distinguish aura from symptoms needing emergency care.