Key Takeaways
- A migraine with aura is a type of migraine that includes temporary visual, sensory, or speech disturbances with head pain.
- You might see zigzag lines, blind spots, or flashes of light during an episode.
- Sudden vision changes are a sign you should seek prompt attention from an eye care professional.
- If your family is managing migraines, our team can assess everyone’s eyes and recommend solutions for relief.
A migraine with aura is more than a headache. Before the pain even starts, you might see shapes drift across your field of vision or notice a spot where nothing quite comes into focus. At Beyond 20/20 Optometry, we know that these changes can be alarming, which is why we want you to understand what a migraine with aura can mean and when to seek prompt care.
A migraine with aura is a type of migraine that includes temporary visual, sensory, or speech disturbances alongside the head pain. Migraines can be exhausting to manage, but you don’t have to do this alone. We’re here to help assess your vision and discuss relief options moving forward.
What Is a Migraine with Aura?
A migraine with aura isn’t just a bad headache. It’s a headache that comes with temporary nervous system symptoms beforehand, which can be sensory, speech-related, or visual. Visual symptoms are the most common type of aura, though everyone is different. It can recur, but some people experience it as a single event or in response to medication or lifestyle changes.
For many people, the visual disturbances can pass on their own before the headache begins. That window can feel disorienting, especially if you’re not sure what’s happening with your eyes.
What You Might See During an Aura Episode
Common Visual Changes
Visual aura symptoms can look different from person to person. If you are having a migraine with aura, you may experience:
- Zigzag lines that drift slowly across your field of vision.
- Blind spots, sometimes outlined by curved or angular shapes.
- Shimmering spots, stars, or flashes of light that appear and then fade.
These changes come from temporary activity in the nervous system, not from damage to your eyes. That said, they can be unsettling, and it’s worth knowing what’s normal for you and what isn’t.
Other Sensations
Not every aura stays strictly visual. Some people also notice:
- Tingling in the face, hands, or tongue.
- Temporary difficulty finding words or speaking clearly.
These sensations tend to pass, but if they feel sudden, severe, persist, or worsen, discuss them with a health professional right away.
Common Patterns Worth Knowing
Migraine episodes are often connected to patterns in your daily life. Some common ones to pay attention to include:
- Poor sleep, skipped meals, or not drinking enough water.
- Certain foods like: red wine, cheese, or chocolate.
- Bright lights, loud sounds, or strong odours.
- Stress and hormonal shifts.
These patterns vary from person to person, which is why identifying your own matters more than following a general list. For some, a headache diary can help them start to see those patterns more clearly. Prolonged screen time is another factor worth watching, as digital eye strain can sometimes make visual discomfort worse around the time of an episode.
When to Get Your Eyes Checked
Signs That Warrant Prompt Attention
Not every visual change is a migraine aura. If you notice new flashes or floaters, a dark curtain falling across your vision, new or worsening eye pain, or new or shifting symptoms that feel different from your normal episodes, it’s a good idea to seek prompt eye care.
Your vision is worth taking seriously, and changes that don’t follow your normal pattern deserve a closer look. Booking a comprehensive eye exam is a straightforward next step when something feels off.
Migraines with Aura Versus Other Eye Conditions
A typical visual aura usually affects both eyes, even if it may feel as though the change is coming from 1 eye. Temporary vision changes that truly affect only 1 eye can have different causes and should be evaluated promptly. An eye exam can help evaluate whether an eye condition could be contributing to your symptoms.
Ways to Manage a Migraine Day to Day
During an Episode
When aura symptoms start, a couple of simple steps can help you get through the episode more comfortably. When you notice a migraine coming on, try to do the following:
- Rest in a dark, quiet room as soon as symptoms begin.
- Limit screen time and reduce your exposure to bright light.
Reducing Future Episodes
Building habits around your patterns can help reduce how often episodes happen. A few approaches that may be worth trying include:
- Keeping a headache diary to track patterns over time.
- Sticking to a regular sleep and meal schedule as much as possible.
- Connecting with a care team in Moncton who can help guide your next steps.
Migraine Glasses
Migraine glasses are specially designed eyewear that help reduce light sensitivity, which is a common migraine trigger. They usually feature lenses that filter out specific wavelengths of light, helping to reduce eye strain and the frequency and severity of migraines. By filtering out these wavelengths, migraine glasses help create a more comfortable visual environment, so you can go about your day with fewer interruptions.
If you’re curious about migraine glasses, our team can talk with you about your needs and help you decide whether they’re a good choice for you.
Schedule Your Eye Exam
You don’t have to figure this out on your own. Our team at Beyond 20/20 Optometry is here to support you with thorough eye care in Moncton, whether you’re sorting out what your symptoms mean or looking for guidance on what to do next. Reach out to book your appointment today.
