A migraine aura is a set of sensory changes that can happen before or during a migraine attack. Think of it as your brain sending out warning signals — though not everyone with migraines experiences them.
About 25% of people with migraines get auras. They typically last between 5 minutes and one hour. Auras can show up in Show Full Answer
A migraine aura is a set of sensory changes that can happen before or during a migraine attack. Think of it as your brain sending out warning signals — though not everyone with migraines experiences them.
About 25% of people with migraines get auras. They typically last between 5 minutes and one hour. Auras can show up in several ways, including:
- Visual changes — flashing lights, zigzag lines, shimmering spots, or blind spots
- Tingling or numbness — often starting in the fingers and moving up the arm or into the face
- Speech difficulties — trouble finding words or understanding language
- Hearing changes — ringing in the ears or temporary hearing loss
- Muscle weakness in some cases
One MyMigraineTeam member described experiencing multiple aura phases back to back — first a missing spot in their central vision, then bright wavy lines — before a full migraine set in. It's worth knowing that aura symptoms can vary from one migraine to the next, even in the same person. In rare cases, an aura can occur without any headache following it.
If you ever experience new or sudden vision loss, muscle weakness, or trouble speaking, it's important to see a doctor right away to rule out anything more serious.
October 26
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