Migraine With Aura

Excerpt

Migraine is a prevalent condition generally characterized by a unilateral pulsating headache developing gradually over hours to days. Approximately 25% of individuals with migraines experience accompanying focal neurological symptoms or auras either before or with the headache. Despite traditional teachings emphasizing the occurrence of auras preceding headaches, many patients experience both simultaneously. Auras manifest as visual, auditory, motor, or somatosensory symptoms.

Migraine attacks progress through 4 phases: prodrome, aura, headache, and postdrome. Earlier theories linked the pain of migraine headaches to cranial blood vessel vasodilation and auras to subsequent vasoconstriction. However, current research indicates a genetic foundation along with cortical spreading depression of Leão as the fundamental cause. Understanding the intricacies of the pathophysiology, presentation, assessment, and management of migraine with aura is crucial for healthcare professionals. Adopting a collaborative team approach enhances the comprehensive care provided to affected individuals.