Migraine aura, light flashes, blurry vision, headache - A State of Sight #39

A migraine aura occurs before a classical migraine headache. Often, this aura looks like bright, flashing, jagged lines that begin in the center of the vision and progressively spread to the peripheral vision. In this episode of A State of Sight, Isaac Porter explains migraines and the visual symptoms that are related to migraines.

Although the appearance of a migraine aura may vary between individuals, many patients describe the aura in a similar way. Good examples of patients' interpretations of the migraine aura can be seen on Google images by searching for "migraine aura": http://www.google.com/imghp

Medically, the classic aura is described as a scintillating scotoma, which identifies the zig-zag shaped shimmering arc of lines that may begin small and centrally in the vision. As the aura progresses, this arc usually enlarges and expands until it moves out into the peripheral vision and disappears. The entire process generally lasts 15-25 minutes and during this time the aura interferes with vision.

Since the migraine aura occurs in the brain where we actually see, the aura is visible even when the eyes are closed. Also, the aura may seem to be isolated to one eye, but it is present in the visual field of both eyes.

In a classical migraine, the migraine aura proceeds a migraine headache. However, many people can have migraine without headache where they only experience the visual symptoms. Migraines are usually one-sided with a pulsating or throbbing character, and can cause nausea or light sensitivity.

Migraines are more common in females than males, and occur more frequently in people who have a relative with migraines. Common triggers for migraines include hormone changes, stress, lack of sleep, caffeine, and foods like chocolate, wine, and cheese.

Fortunately there are good treatments for migraines available both to stop migraines when they start and to prevent migraines.

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