Chiropractor Valkenswaard – what are aura spots in migraine?

Migraine aura spots are visual disturbances that occur just before or during a migraine attack. They appear as flickering lights, blind spots, zigzag patterns, or blurred vision, and are caused by temporary changes in the brain’s electrical activity. In this article, we answer the most frequently asked questions about migraine with aura, from causes to possible treatment options.

How do aura spots develop during a migraine attack?

Aura spots develop through a phenomenon known as cortical spreading depression: a wave of reduced electrical activity that spreads slowly across the cerebral cortex. This temporarily disrupts the normal functioning of brain cells, causing visual and sometimes other sensory perceptions to become distorted. The aura typically lasts between five and sixty minutes.

The wave of electrical activity often begins in the visual cortex, the part of the brain responsible for processing what you see. This explains why visual symptoms are so characteristic. As the wave spreads, other areas of the brain can become involved, leading to additional symptoms such as tingling or speech difficulties. For many people, the aura is followed by a throbbing headache that can last for hours or sometimes more than a day.

What types of aura symptoms occur with migraine?

The most common aura symptoms associated with migraine are visual in nature, but sensory, motor, and language-related variants also exist. Visual aura is by far the most frequent and includes flickering lights, zigzag lines, blind spots, or a blurred visual field. Other types of aura affect sensation, speech, or movement.

An overview of the most common aura types:

• Visual aura: zigzag patterns, flickering lights, blind spots, or blurred vision
• Sensory aura: tingling or numbness in the face, arm, or hand
• Motor aura: weakness or clumsiness on one side of the body (less common)
• Language and speech disturbances: difficulty finding words or speaking
• Retinal aura: temporary loss of vision in one eye

Some people experience multiple aura types simultaneously or in succession. It is also possible to have an aura without a subsequent headache. This is known as a silent migraine or acephalgic migraine.

What is the difference between migraine with and without aura?

The main difference between migraine with and without aura is the presence of neurological warning symptoms preceding the headache. In migraine with aura, temporary, reversible symptoms such as visual disturbances or tingling occur beforehand. In migraine without aura, the attack begins directly with headache, nausea, and light sensitivity, without any preceding neurological signals.

Both forms share characteristics such as a throbbing or pounding headache, sensitivity to light and sound, and nausea. However, there are notable differences:

• Migraine with aura is estimated to affect approximately one third of all migraine sufferers
• The aura acts as a predictable warning, allowing some people to take medication in time
• In certain cases, migraine with aura has been associated with a slightly higher risk of vascular conditions, which is a reason to always discuss this with a doctor

Both forms can vary considerably in frequency and intensity, from occasional attacks to chronic migraine with more than fifteen attack days per month.

What are common triggers of migraine with aura?

Common triggers of migraine with aura include stress, sleep deprivation, hormonal fluctuations, certain foods, excessive screen use, and an irregular sleep-wake cycle. Triggers often work cumulatively: a single factor rarely causes an attack on its own, but a combination of several factors at once can exceed the threshold.

The most frequently cited triggers are:

• Stress and tension: both acute stress and the relaxation that follows can trigger an attack
• Sleep: too little or too much sleep disrupts brain activity
• Hormonal changes: particularly around the menstrual cycle
• Food and drink: alcohol, caffeine, aged cheese, and certain additives
• Sensory stimuli: bright lights, strong smells, or loud sounds
• Neck tension and posture: muscle tension in the neck and shoulders can promote an attack

Keeping a migraine diary helps identify personal triggers. By making patterns visible, you can take more targeted steps to prevent or reduce attacks.

Can chiropractic care help with migraine aura spots?

Chiropractic care can be a valuable addition to the management of migraine, particularly when muscle tension in the neck, poor posture, or spinal issues are contributing to the symptoms. By carefully aligning the spine and improving nerve communication, chiropractic care can reduce the frequency and intensity of migraine attacks in some people.

Chiropractic care does not focus on suppressing symptoms, but on restoring balance in the nervous system and musculoskeletal system. Tension in the cervical spine — the upper vertebrae of the neck — is linked to headache complaints and can lower the threshold for migraine attacks. A chiropractor assesses whether subluxations or restrictions in movement are contributing to the symptoms.

It is important to know that chiropractic care is not a replacement for medical diagnosis or treatment of migraine. When aura symptoms are present, it is always advisable to consult a doctor as well, in order to rule out other causes.

When is it advisable to consult a chiropractor for migraine?

It is advisable to consult a chiropractor for migraine when neck pain, shoulder complaints, or poor posture form a recurring pattern alongside the headache, or when previous treatments have not produced sufficient results. A chiropractor can assess whether the spine and nervous system are playing a role in the symptoms.

Consider making an appointment if:

• Your migraine is accompanied by persistent neck stiffness or shoulder tension
• Your attacks occur more frequently after periods of stress or prolonged sitting
• Medication provides insufficient relief or you prefer a non-invasive approach
• Your symptoms keep returning despite previous treatments

Always consult a doctor first if you are experiencing aura symptoms for the first time, if the aura lasts longer than an hour, or if the symptoms come on suddenly and severely. This is to rule out more serious neurological causes.

How Ruggensteun helps with migraine with aura

At Ruggensteun, we understand how significantly migraine with aura can impact your daily life. We offer a holistic, cause-focused approach in which we examine the role of the spine and nervous system in your specific pattern of complaints. Our specialized chiropractors use modern techniques to restore balance in your body and help reduce the frequency of attacks.

What we offer:

• A comprehensive intake assessment in which we map your migraine pattern and possible triggers
• Targeted chiropractic treatment of the cervical spine and surrounding structures
• Specialized techniques such as Y-strap and CFR for deep spinal decompression
• Treatments without a referral from your general practitioner, with rapid availability for urgent complaints
• Locations in Eindhoven and Valkenswaard, both with free parking

Would you like to know whether chiropractic care could make a difference for your migraine? Make an appointment at Ruggensteun and discover how we can support you on the path to fewer attacks and greater vitality.