Headache Basics - People with migraines sometimes have an aura

Headache Headache Basics

People with migraines sometimes have an aura

Auras are neurologic symptoms that can occur before and during a migraine headache and sometimes occur in the absence of a headache. People may see spots of light, have their vision turn gray or observe zigzag lines. This usually starts in a small area of one's vision and then expands to encompass the entire visual field. It is thought that auras maybe due to the affect of the brain chemical serotonin on blood vessels. Although aura is a well-known feature of migraine, it is thought that only 20 percent of all people with migraine suffer them.