Migraine With Aura – The Basics

Migraine is a common disabling primary headache disorder. Epidemiological studies have documented its high prevalence and high socio-economic and personal impacts. It is now ranked by the World Health Organization as number 19 among all diseases world-wide causing disability.¹

Migraine is a genetic neurological disease. Because there are several different types of Migraine, and some forms involve different genetic markers, some researchers theorize that it may actually be more than one disease. For now, however, Migraine is divided into two major subtypes, Migraine without aura (MWOA) and Migraine with aura (MWA). There is a single classification under Migraine without aura. MWOA is the most common form of Migraine. MWA is the second most common, occurring in 25-30% of Migraineurs. Few people have the aura phase with every Migraine attack. Thus, it’s quite common to be diagnosed with both MWA and MWOA.

For consistency in diagnosing and classifying head pain disorders, the International Headache Society’s International Classification of Headache Disorders, Second Edition (ICHD-II), is generally accepted as the “gold standard.” Hemiplegic and basilar-type Migraine are subtypes of Migraine with aura. For the purposes of this article, we’ll be discussing 1.2.1, “typical aura with migraine headache.” The ICHD-II classification criteria:

1.2 Migraine with aura

Previously used terms:

Classic or classical migraine, ophthalmic, hemiparaesthetic, hemiplegic or aphasic migraine, migraine accompagnée, complicated migraine

1.2.1 Typical aura with migraine headacche

Description:

Typical aura consisting of visual and/or sensory and/or speech symptoms. Gradual development, duration no longer than one hour, a mix of positive and negative features and complete reversibility characterise the aura which is associated with a headache fulfilling criteria for 1.1 Migraine without aura.

Diagnostic criteria:

A.     At least 2 attacks fulfilling criteria B–D

B.      Aura consisting of at least one of the following, but no motor weakness*: