Visual Disturbances Preceding Migraines

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Visual Disturbances Preceding Migraines

Question:

Before the start of a migraine attack, I see balls or circles of transparent light. Is this a common symptom?

Answer:

Yes, visual disturbances like this are common with migraines. Visual changes are the most commonly described aura. An aura is a symptom or set of symptoms that happen just before a migraine headache. People who experience this are said to have migraine with aura.

Auras tend to last 5 to 20 minutes followed soon after by the headache. Some people with migraines get the aura with little or no headache afterward.

The symptoms of an aura often differ from one person to the next. But each person tends to have his or her own aura symptoms. When an aura occurs, it usually feels the same as the ones that happened before.

Here are some ways people describe their auras:

• Zigzag visual patterns

• Flashing lights

• Blind spots

• Prickly skin

• Visual hallucinations

An aura is a warning sign that a headache is likely to follow. If you haven't already, ask your doctor what you should take when an aura starts. This is called abortive therapy because it can stop the headache from coming on, or at least help make it less painful.

Howard LeWine, M.D., is chief editor of Internet Publishing at Harvard Health Publications. He is recognized as an outstanding clinician and teacher and is a recipient of the Internal Medicine Teacher of the Year award at Brigham and Women's Hospital. Dr. LeWine continues to practice Internal Medicine; most recently he became a hospitalist after practicing primary care for over 20 years.

Last updated:	July 20, 2009