Premium Nahrungsergänzungsmittel | artgerecht

Aura: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

An aura is a temporary neurological phenomenon that occurs before or during a migraine attack or epileptic seizure. Typical signs include visual disturbances, tingling, or speech difficulties.

Regular tips about health Regular tips about health

Things worth knowing about "Aura"

An aura is a temporary neurological phenomenon that occurs before or during a migraine attack or epileptic seizure. Typical signs include visual disturbances, tingling, or speech difficulties.

What Is an Aura?

The term aura refers to temporary neurological symptoms that occur before or during certain medical events – most commonly before a migraine attack or an epileptic seizure. The symptoms are caused by temporary changes in the electrical activity of the brain and usually resolve within 20 to 60 minutes without causing lasting damage.

Causes and Underlying Conditions

An aura occurs in association with several neurological conditions:

Migraine with aura: The most common form. A wave of electrical activity spreads across the cerebral cortex (known as cortical spreading depression), causing temporary neurological disturbances.
Epilepsy: An aura can occur as a warning signal before an epileptic seizure, triggered by abnormal electrical discharges in the brain.
Transient ischemic attack (TIA): In rare cases, similar symptoms may arise from brief disruptions in blood flow to the brain.

Symptoms

Aura symptoms vary depending on which part of the brain is affected. They are generally grouped as follows:

Visual Aura Symptoms

Flickering lights, zigzag lines, or flashes of light (known as fortification spectra)
Blind spots (scotomas) in the visual field
Distorted or blurred vision

Sensory Aura Symptoms

Tingling or numbness, often in the hands, arms, or face
A spreading tingling sensation that moves from one body part to another

Motor and Speech Aura Symptoms

Muscle weakness or coordination problems (as seen in hemiplegic migraine)
Difficulty speaking or finding words (aphasia)

Other Aura Symptoms

Confusion or disorientation
Auditory disturbances or sounds
Unusual smell or taste sensations (particularly in epilepsy)

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of an aura is primarily based on the medical history and the description of symptoms provided by the patient. Additional investigations may include:

Neurological examination: Assessment of reflexes, coordination, and sensory perception
EEG (electroencephalogram): Measurement of brain electrical activity, especially when epilepsy is suspected
MRI or CT scan: Imaging studies to rule out structural brain changes

It is important to distinguish a migraine aura from a stroke or TIA, as the symptoms can be similar but require different treatments.

Treatment

Treatment of an aura depends on the underlying condition:

Migraine with Aura

Acute therapy: Pain relievers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol, as well as migraine-specific medications (triptans), although triptans are generally not recommended during the aura phase itself.
Preventive therapy: Beta-blockers, valproate, topiramate, or monoclonal antibodies targeting CGRP can help reduce the frequency of attacks.
Lifestyle measures: Regular sleep, stress management, adequate hydration, and avoiding known triggers.

Epilepsy

Antiepileptic medications such as lamotrigine or levetiracetam
In certain cases, surgical procedures or neuromodulatory therapies

When to See a Doctor

If aura symptoms occur for the first time or suddenly change in character, medical advice should be sought promptly. The following warning signs require immediate medical attention:

Aura symptoms that last longer than one hour
A sudden, severe headache
Accompanying symptoms such as vision loss in one eye, loss of speech, or signs of paralysis

References

International Headache Society (IHS): The International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition. Cephalalgia, 2018.
Olesen J. et al. - The Headaches, 3rd edition. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2006.
Hadjikhani N. et al. - Mechanisms of migraine aura revealed by functional MRI in human visual cortex. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), 2001.

Building Blocks for a Healthy Life

As an integrated manufacturer, we develop & produce evidence-based, patented, and non-patented formulations. We work exclusively with plant and natural extracts according to the strictest purity & quality standards.
The combination of science & modern technology with the laws of nature creates solutions consistently tailored to humans – for the highest good: health.

Most read entries

3 Posts in this encyclopedia category