In short
Aura is a set of temporary nervous system symptoms that usually come before or with a migraine headache. Most often it’s visual: zigzag lines or a shimmering blind spot that spreads slowly over several minutes and lasts up to an hour. Sudden symptoms, weakness or aura lasting longer than an hour need urgent assessment.
On this page
What is a migraine aura?
About a third of people with migraine have aura. It’s caused by a slow wave of changed electrical activity moving across the surface of the brain. Aura usually comes before the headache, but can happen during it, or without any headache at all.
What does aura look like?
Visual aura is the most common type. A systematic review of how people describe it found common features:
- zigzag or jagged lines, often shimmering or flickering
- a blind spot that grows, sometimes with a bright, shimmering edge
- flashing lights or bright spots
- blurred or patchy vision
It usually starts small near the centre of vision and slowly spreads outwards. It affects the same side of vision in both eyes, though people often think it’s in one eye.
Headaches taking whole days away?
Talk it through with an Australian doctor online. No referral needed.
Other types of aura
- Sensory: pins and needles or numbness that spreads slowly, for example from the hand up the arm and into the face
- Speech: difficulty finding or getting out words
- Less common: weakness on one side (hemiplegic migraine) or symptoms from the brainstem, which need specialist assessment
How long does aura last?
Each aura symptom typically develops over at least five minutes and lasts five to 60 minutes. Different symptoms can follow one another.
Is it a migraine aura or a stroke?
Aura usually builds up gradually and spreads, has “positive” symptoms like flashing lights or tingling, and resolves fully. Stroke usually starts suddenly, with “negative” symptoms such as loss of vision, numbness or weakness that don’t spread. If you’re unsure, especially the first time, treat it as an emergency.
Get urgent help (call 000) if
- it’s your first aura, especially over the age of 50
- symptoms start suddenly rather than spreading
- you have weakness, facial drooping or loss of vision
- aura lasts more than an hour
- it’s different from your usual aura
Aura and your health
Migraine with aura is linked with a small increase in stroke risk, particularly in people who smoke. It can also affect which types of contraception are recommended. Tell your doctor if you have aura, and see migraine symptoms for more on managing migraine.
Next step: talk to a doctor
Answer a few quick questions and you’ll get an email about your eligibility. A consultation doesn’t guarantee any particular treatment.
References
- Viana M, Tronvik EA, Do TP, et al. Clinical features of visual migraine aura: a systematic review. J Headache Pain. 2019;20(1):64.
- . Headache Classification Committee of the International Headache Society (IHS) The International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition. Cephalalgia. 2018;38(1):1-211.
- Ferrari MD, Goadsby PJ, Burstein R, et al. Migraine. Nat Rev Dis Primers. 2022;8(1):2.
- healthdirect. Migraine.
This guide is general information, not medical advice. It doesn’t replace a consultation with a doctor who knows your history. In an emergency, call 000.