Aura
Aura[edit | edit source]
An aura is a perceptual disturbance experienced by some individuals, often preceding a migraine or seizure. Auras can manifest as visual, sensory, or motor phenomena and are considered a warning sign of an impending neurological event.
Types of Auras[edit | edit source]
Auras can be classified into several types based on the symptoms they produce:
Visual Auras[edit | edit source]
Visual auras are the most common type and may include:
- Scintillating scotoma: A flickering, zigzag pattern that often expands over time.
- Photopsia: Flashes of light or bright spots.
- Fortification spectra: Resembling the walls of a fort, these are jagged, shimmering lines.
Sensory Auras[edit | edit source]
Sensory auras involve changes in sensation, such as:
- Paresthesia: Tingling or numbness, often starting in the fingers and spreading up the arm.
- Dysesthesia: Abnormal sensations that may be painful or uncomfortable.
Motor Auras[edit | edit source]
Motor auras are less common and may include:
- Weakness: Temporary weakness or paralysis, often on one side of the body.
- Speech disturbances: Difficulty speaking or forming words.
Causes[edit | edit source]
Auras are believed to be caused by a wave of electrical activity that spreads across the cerebral cortex. This phenomenon, known as "cortical spreading depression," leads to changes in blood flow and neuronal activity, resulting in the symptoms of an aura.
Diagnosis[edit | edit source]
Diagnosing auras involves:
- Patient history: Detailed accounts of the aura's characteristics and timing.
- Neurological examination: Assessing for any underlying neurological conditions.
- Imaging studies: MRI or CT scan to rule out other causes.
Treatment[edit | edit source]
Treatment of auras focuses on managing the underlying condition, such as:
- Migraine prophylaxis: Medications like beta-blockers, anticonvulsants, or antidepressants.
- Seizure management: Antiepileptic drugs to control seizures.
Prognosis[edit | edit source]
Auras themselves are not harmful, but they can be distressing and may indicate a more serious underlying condition. Proper management of the associated condition can reduce the frequency and severity of auras.
See Also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
External Links[edit | edit source]
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
