Tips From a General Dentist on Handling Dental Issues
November 5, 2025
The Role of Dental Implants in Restoring Confidence
November 6, 2025
A migraine is a neurological condition that causes a severe headache. While a key feature of migraines is intense head pain, some people experience sensory disturbances before or during an attack. These disturbances are known as an aura, and they serve as warning signs. Here is more information about these symptoms to help manage migraine episodes:
Flashing Lights
Flashing lights are a symptom of a migraine aura. Some see various shapes or patterns. These visual disturbances, which may start small, tend to expand over several minutes gradually. For many, the experience involves seeing geometric shapes, while others perceive zig-zag lines.
Other people may see bright spots or stars. The visual aura may also involve blind spots in your field of vision, which is another condition. While these symptoms can be disorienting, they typically resolve within an hour. They are a clear signal that a migraine headache will follow.
These visual events can appear in one or both eyes, and they may move across your visual field. If you experience these lights for the first time, take action. Recognizing them as part of a migraine aura can provide some reassurance.
Ringing Ears
Some individuals experience auditory symptoms with their migraine aura. This can manifest as tinnitus, which is a ringing in the ears. You may notice buzzing or humming sounds no one else hears, which can be unusual and unsettling. These sounds may appear suddenly. They can last for a few minutes or persist for up to an hour.
The sounds can vary in pitch and intensity. For some, it may be a low hum, but for others, it is a high-pitched ringing. Auditory hallucinations can occur alone or alongside aura symptoms such as flashing lights.
Tingling Face
A sensory aura can affect your sense of touch. One symptom is a tingling sensation, often described as a sensation of pins and needles. It typically starts in one hand and travels up the arm. The tingling might then move to one side of your face, lips, or tongue. This progression typically happens over several minutes. While it can be unsettling, the sensation itself is temporary.
- Numbness in the face
- Difficulty speaking
- Tingling in the tongue
Treating Migraines
Doctors have multiple approaches for treating migraines. Medications are a primary treatment, so your doctor can prescribe specific drugs to manage pain. Botox injections are another option for chronic migraine sufferers. Nerve blocks involve injecting an anesthetic near specific nerves to offer temporary pain relief. Physical therapy may help by addressing issues in the neck and shoulders that could contribute to migraines. Some people also explore acupuncture, which is a practice that involves inserting fine needles into specific points on the body.
Get Treated for Migraines
Migraine auras present a unique set of symptoms before or during a headache. Identifying visual, auditory, or sensory disturbances is the first step toward understanding your condition. If you experience symptoms of a migraine aura, seek a medical evaluation to receive a proper diagnosis. Schedule a consultation with a doctor to discuss your symptoms and find a suitable management plan.
