Migraine is a type of headache that can affect both adults and children. AThere are two types of migraines that can occur, namely migraines with aura and without aura. These two types of migraine can be distinguished by their symptoms.
Migraine headaches are generally felt on one side of the head, with moderate to severe intensity. However, migraines need to be distinguished from headaches. In addition to feeling a throbbing head, migraines can make sufferers experience nausea, vomiting, and are more sensitive to light and sound.
In addition, some migraine sufferers can also experience an "aura", which is a symptom due to a disturbance in the nervous system that occurs shortly before or simultaneously with the appearance of headaches and other migraine symptoms. The aura is usually followed by a headache, at most 60 minutes afterward.
Aura Characteristics
These aura symptoms can occur in 15-30% of migraine sufferers. Auras generally appear gradually every 5-20 minutes, and only last between 5-60 minutes, except for motor aura symptoms which can last up to 72 hours. In addition, migraine sufferers may experience two or more different aura symptoms in a row.
Aura symptoms need to be distinguished from prodromal and postdromal symptoms, namely symptoms that occur before and after a migraine.
Prodromal symptoms occur hours or 1-2 days before the onset of migraine, which usually include fatigue, difficulty concentrating, neck stiffness, sensitivity to light or sound, nausea, blurred vision, frequent yawning, and pale face.
While postdromal symptoms occur after the headache is gone, which usually includes fatigue and mood swings (can be happier or sadder) up to 48 hours after the migraine is gone.
Types of Aura in Migraine Disease
There are two types of aura in migraine, namely typical and atypical auras. Which includes the distinctive aura is the visual aura (sight), sensory, and speech / language. Meanwhile, which includes atypical aura is the motor aura, brain stem (brainstem), and retina.
1. Visual aura
Visual aura or vision is the most diverse form of aura, such as:
- Seeing flashes or flickering lights.
- Vision becomes blurry or foggy.
- Blind spots or dark areas of vision appear.
- Seeing zigzag or colorful lines.
- Seeing certain points, circles, or shapes.
- Narrowed field of vision or temporary blindness.
2. Sensory aura
This aura is usually a sensation like pins and needles.pins and needles) and tingling or numbness, which can appear anywhere on one side of the body, then spreads slowly.
3. Aura of speech or language
This aura is characterized by aphasia, which is difficulty communicating with other people. People who experience this aura may find it difficult to determine the right words, have difficulty understanding writing or speech, have difficulty concentrating, look confused, speak like mumbling, or speak slurred.
4. Aura motor
Motor aura is characterized by weakness on one side of the limb. Generally, this aura lasts less than 72 hours. But in some patients, it can last for weeks. Motor aura can occur along with sensory aura.
5. Brainstem aura
Brainstem aura is characterized by at least two of the following symptoms, which may go away completely on their own, namely:
- Speech disorders
- Head like spinning
- Ears ringing
- Hearing disorders
- Double view
- Ataxia (impaired coordination of body movements)
- Loss of consciousness
6. Aura retina
This aura is similar to the visual aura, which is characterized by flashes of light, dark spots, or temporary blindness, but occurs repeatedly on only one side of the eye.
Difference between Migraine with Aura and Without Aura
Until now, researchers and doctors have not been able to determine whether migraine with or without aura is a distinct disease or two processes of the same disease.
The presence of an aura with or without a headache is considered a migraine with aura. Migraine with aura that is not accompanied by a headache is also known as migraine silent migraine. In contrast, the diagnosis of migraine without aura emphasizes the headache symptoms and accompanying symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to light and sound.
Even so, the treatment of migraine with aura and without aura is no different, because aura symptoms do not require special treatment.
Based on several studies, people with migraine with aura have a higher risk of having a stroke due to blockage (ischemic stroke), atrial fibrillation, and coronary heart disease, when compared with migraine sufferers without aura.
This is also important for migraine sufferers with aura who are using hormonal birth control or smoking, because these two factors can increase the risk of stroke even higher. Therefore, women who experience migraine with aura should consult their doctor first if they want to use hormonal birth control, such as birth control pills.
Symptoms of aura are often difficult to distinguish from other, more serious neurological disorders, such as stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA) or minor stroke, and epilepsy. So, see a doctor as soon as possible if it's your first time experiencing an aura, especially if it comes after you've had a head injury or a severe headache.
You should also see a doctor if you experience aura symptoms that come on suddenly, last more than an hour, occur on only one side of the eye, or don't get better on their own.
Written by:
dr. Michael Kevin Robby Setyana
