Major Features of Persistent Aura without Infarction
The most important feature of Persistent Aura without Infarction is the migraine aura itself. An aura is a visual disturbance that may precede a migraine headache. They usually occur anywhere minutes to hours before the pain of a migraine starts. These symptoms typically last for anywhere from 10 to 25 minutes.
What is an Aura?
Many people experience some change in their vision during an aura. Visual changes can occur in one or both eyes. They can include one or more of the following:
- Zigzag lines
- Flashing lights
- Visual hallucinations
- Temporary blind spots (scotomas)
- Light sensitivity
- Blurred vision
- Eye pain
Even though many auras involve a person's vision, they may experience other symptoms, such as weakness or numbness in part of the body. Other symptoms that may signal the onset of a migraine include:
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Chills
- Increased urination
- Increased sweating
- Swelling of the face
- Irritability
- Fatigue
In Persistent Aura without Infarction, you will notice that your aura symptoms are similar to other migraines you have experienced. The big difference is that one or more of the aura symptoms last for longer than a week, rather than disappearing after the migraine starts. Also, these symptoms are not due to any problems with the brain, like a stroke or other circulatory disorder.
Treating Persistent Aura without Infarction
Treatment for a migraine aura starts with treating the migraine itself. In most cases, routine abortive migraine treatments will work for your usual migraine with aura.
If the aura continues after the migraine, however, there is little that can be done. There are some reports that treating PAWI with acetazolamide or valproic acid may be helpful.
If you have a migraine aura that lasts longer than you think it should, be sure to contact your health care provider so you can be evaluated. He or she may want to rule out other more serious medical issues before deciding that you have Persistent Aura without Infarction.
Sources:
Headache Classification Subcommittee of the International Headache Society. The International Classification of Headache Disorders, 2nd edn. Cephalalgia 2004; 24(Suppl. 1): 1-160
Kantor, Daniel. Migraine with Aura. U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health. Updated 11/21/2006. Retrieved: September 7, 2008. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000721.htm
Olesen, J. “Understanding the Biologic Basis of Migraine.” NEJM. 22 Dec, 1994.
