What are migraines with aura?
A migraine with aura, or classic migraine, is a persistent headache
that occurs after or concurrently with sensory disturbances known as
aura. It is estimated that approximately 25% of migraine sufferers
experience aura: 90% to 99% of people who develop aura experience
visual aura such as blind spots, zigzag lines, shimmering spots or
stars, flashes of lights, or even temporary blindness, while 36% of
people develop sensory aura-like tingling or numbness in the face or
extremities. Other temporary disturbances extend to transient speech
and language problems called dysphasic aura.
While the exact cause of migraines with aura is not fully
understood, researchers believe it is primarily related to brain
activity and blood flow changes. One theory is that abnormal
electrical activity spreads across the brain. This abnormal activity
may be linked to the hyperexcitability of specific brain cells or an
imbalance of neurotransmitters. Common triggers such as stress,
hormonal changes, certain foods (like chocolate or aged cheese),
bright lights, strong smells, and even weather changes can
precipitate an episode of migraine with aura in susceptible
individuals.
Sarah's experience
Our interviewee is Sarah, who has been battling migraine with aura
for six years. One of her biggest challenges regarding migraines and
coping was the unpredictability of a migraine attack. She said, "As
a full-time digital marketing executive and a married woman in my
thirties, it was a lot for me to handle at once; I was overwhelmed;
a severe headache would strike up and leave me trapped in a cycle of
pain and uncertainty, followed by the unpleasant symptoms: mostly
visual disturbances such as flashing lights and blurred vision."
At the time, Sarah had to hop into a journey of experimenting with a
combination of preventive medication, adopting new lifestyle
changes, and stress management techniques. "It was tough to cut off
alcohol and cut back on caffeine,” She told us. “I had to get used
to a migraine episode while sleeping and adjust my sleeping
schedule. I took supplements such as magnesium oxide, which did
help. However, it was a trial-and-error process to find the right
balance of treatments to help alleviate my symptoms, and there were
still moments when migraines would flare up."
This chronic disease immensely affected her family, social, and work
life. Sarah reflected, "Regardless of how unpredictable my migraines
were, I am still grateful to my supportive and understanding family;
my husband and young child often had to adjust their plans and
activities. However, I felt guilty since I often had to cancel or
leave family gatherings and social events. At work, I am still
thankful to my accommodating and understanding colleagues when I had
to take time off. It was emotionally challenging to accept those
sudden changes."
Sarah's life plans took an unexpected turn as she had to make
sacrifices, reevaluate her career goals, and accommodate her health
needs: "As a highly ambitious woman, it was elusive to let go and
focus on my well-being. I did not feel accomplished and fulfilled."
Taking a step back and embracing a slower pace was not a walk in the
park. Sarah has experienced a rollercoaster of emotions throughout
the years, but this journey has made her more robust and more
resilient.
Her recovery
As the years went by, Sarah's condition became relatively stable.
Although she still has occasional migraine attacks, they are less
frequent and less intense due to the medications, lifestyle changes,
and stress management measures she has implemented.
On this note, we leave you with Sarah's final thoughts: "Going
through this disease was a wake-up call to value health and treasure
the moments I spend with my loved ones. I learned to appreciate the
days when I could wake up without discomfort and pursue my interests
without fear of crippling headaches. I learned how commonplace
actions, such as sitting in front of a computer screen or eating
particular foods, can impact my health.
My advice for anyone going through the same experience is always to
remember that it shall all pass and that you can persevere and push
through it because you are strong enough and capable of overcoming
it.
It is crucial to enunciate positive affirmations as it sets the tone
for your day. Surround yourself with a supportive system and seek
professional help. Work with a healthcare provider to establish an
effective treatment plan tailored to your needs. Try identifying
triggers and make necessary lifestyle changes to minimize the
frequency and severity of migraines.
I understand that life might throw curveballs at you, but these
curveballs teach you a valuable lesson. My battle with migraine with
aura has been an excellent opportunity to self-reflect and identify
with my thoughts and feelings. Currently, I am shifting my focus to
freelance work and avoiding an overloaded schedule."
Sources
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22131-migraine-aura https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/migraine-with-aura/symptoms-causes/syc