Migraine with aura

The meaning of the word aura comes from the Greek and means ”steam”. In the context of migraine this can be explained by the fact that a teacher from Galen named Pilops describes the symptoms of the aura as vapors that spread from the extremities through the veins to the head. The aura, which is also the second phase of migraine, describes neurological disorders that can be a harbinger of migraine.

The symptoms during the aura are individually different. Often they affect vision. These include blurred vision, flashes, sparkles or shapes in front of the eyes and, in extreme cases, short-term blindness. In other patients, however, other neurological disorders such as numbness, paresthesia or tingling may also occur. The impressions during an aura do not always have to be accompanied by pain, but many people find them very distressing.

Drugs

In the treatment of migraine, various drugs can be used. Depending on the accompanying symptoms and the intensity of the pain, the doctor or pharmacist decides which therapy is most promising. Paracetamol, acetylsalicylic acid (e.g. aspirin) and ibuprofen for mild to moderate pain.

These drugs can be obtained without a prescription at the pharmacy. Triptans such as sumatriptan or naratriptan imitate the body’s own substance serotonin and constrict the blood vessels in the brain that are dilated in migraines. The triptans are also effective against nausea and vomiting.

It is best if the triptans are taken during the aura phase, but they can also help during a migraine attack. Ergotamines (or ergot alkaloids) are mainly effective against the pain of migraines. In the past, they were the drugs of choice for treating migraines.

However, because of the side effects (including nausea and vomiting) they were replaced by triptans some time ago. In addition to the painkillers mentioned above, other drugs for the accompanying symptoms of migraine can be taken to supplement the therapy. These include, for example, metoclopramide for nausea and vomiting as well as combinations of other painkillers.

Paracetamol, acetylsalicylic acid (e.g. aspirin) and ibuprofen for mild to moderate pain. These drugs can be obtained without a prescription at the pharmacy.
Triptans such as sumatriptan or naratriptan imitate the body’s own substance serotonin and constrict the blood vessels in the brain that dilate during migraine. The triptans are also effective against nausea and vomiting.
It is best if the triptans are taken during the aura phase, but they can also help during a migraine attack.
Ergotamines (or ergot alkaloids) are mainly effective against the pain of migraine. In the past, they were the drugs of choice in the treatment of migraines. However, due to the side effects (including nausea and vomiting) they were replaced by triptans some time ago.
In addition to the above-mentioned painkillers, other drugs for the accompanying symptoms of migraine can be taken to supplement the therapy. These include, for example, metoclopramide for nausea and vomiting as well as combinations of other painkillers.