Migraine symptoms can differ from person to person. However, aura headaches have a unique set of symptoms that many people aren’t aware of until they experience their first episode. Accounting for approximately 25% of all migraines, an aura event often presents several visual indicators including figure distortion, flashing lights, and even blinds spots. Some people may even experience tingling sensations in their extremities as a telltale sign that a migraine is coming.
Factors That May Cause Aura Headaches
Yes, some aura headaches are unavoidable. However, knowing what can cause this migraine may help you avoid an episode. Some of the most common triggers include:
Bright Light
Direct sunlight and other stretches of bright light exposure are a leading cause of migraine with aura, particularly for people who often have auras with their migraine episodes. Beyond exposure to bright light, transitioning from dark to light surrounding can also ignite an event.
Let-Down Stress
Many people are surprised to learn that relaxing after a stressful period is potentially the biggest catalyst for an aura migraine. While stress, in general, is often a prompt for a migraine with aura, the time following the release of the anxiety, also known as “let-down stress,” can also play a major role in triggering a migraine.
Seasonal Changes
Changes in the season can also cause an aura component to a migraine. The extended daylight hours and brighter months of the year can prove incredibly challenging for people prone to an attack.
Alcoholic Beverages
While not a universal prompt, some people do find that alcoholic beverages can have a direct impact on their migraine incidents. For some people, red wine can prove particularly problematic. However, other types of alcohol can cause an event, making it critical to understand your own personal trigger.
Emotional Events
Emotional influences can also play a role in aura migraine episodes. Stressful experiences, work-related anxiety, and grief are just a few of the many events that may cause an attack. Some people even notice that increased levels of excitement can also prove an emotional trigger for a migraine situation.
Changes In Sleeping Patterns
Inconsistent sleep routines can increase the occurrence of most types of migraine, particularly those with an aura component. Not getting enough sleep is more likely to ignite an episode than oversleeping. Having trouble falling asleep and experiencing sleep disruptions through the night can also prove a conduit to an aura migraine attack.
Are you suffering from aura headaches? We can help. Contact us at Georgia Chiropractic Neurology today to learn more.