Migraine with aura

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Brain

Migraine with aura

Alternative Names:

Migraine - classic; Headache - migraine with aura
Symptoms:

When a migraine begins with visual disturbances (aura), these warning symptoms may occur anywhere from a few minutes to 24 hours before the headache. The visual changes are common in one or both eyes. They may occur in any combination:

Seeing zigzag lines
Seeing flashing lights
Other visual hallucinations
Temporary blind spots
Sensitivity to bright light
Blurred vision
Eye pain

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Other symptoms that may precede or accompany the headache include:

Loss of appetite
Nausea
Vomiting
Chills
Increased urination
Increased sweating
Swelling of the face
Irritability
Fatigue

The headache itself is often described as a "pounding" feeling that starts on one side of the head and may spread to the other side. For many patients, the headaches start on the same side each time. Many patients describe pain behind the eye or in the back of the head and neck.

The headache typically begins as a dull ache that progressively worsens over several minutes to hours to the point of disabling pain. The headache may last several hours to days, during which patients are sensitive to light or sound. Patients often wish to rest in a quiet, dark room.