Understanding the Three Types of Aura: Visual, Sensory, and Aphasic

The term “aura” can be interpreted in various ways, but within the context of neurological and medical conditions, particularly migraines, it refers to specific temporary disturbances that precede or accompany a headache. While the concept of auras as spiritual energy fields is popular, this article focuses on the medically recognized auras. There are three primary types of auras: visual, sensory, and aphasic. Each type manifests differently and indicates distinct neurological activity. Understanding these differences is crucial for both diagnosis and personal awareness.

Visual Aura: The Most Common Type

What is Visual Aura?

Visual aura is the most frequent type of aura, accounting for about 90% of all aura experiences. It stems from a wave of electrical activity spreading through the visual cortex, the brain’s region responsible for processing sight. This activity disrupts the normal functioning of the visual pathways, resulting in a range of visual disturbances. Importantly, these electrical and chemical waves occur with normal nerve functions and do not cause any harm to the brain.

Common Symptoms of Visual Aura

The symptoms of visual aura can be quite varied, but some of the most common include:

• Seeing spots or flashing lights: These can appear as small dots of light, or more intense flashes, often described as resembling fireworks.
• Zigzag lines or geometric shapes: Many individuals report seeing zigzag patterns, wavy lines, or other geometric shapes, which may move or shimmer within their visual field.
• Stars or sparkles: A sensation of seeing tiny bright stars or sparkling effects can also occur.
• Loss of vision: In some cases, people may experience temporary vision loss in certain areas of their visual field.
• Shimmering vision: The sensation of the vision shimmering or becoming distorted can also indicate a visual aura.
• Kaleidoscopic vision: Seeing colors and patterns resembling those seen through a kaleidoscope is another common symptom.
• Jagged edged shrinking of peripheral vision: This involves a shrinking of the peripheral field of vision with jagged edges.

These visual disturbances can last anywhere from a few minutes to up to an hour. It’s important to note that not all visual symptoms are a sign of an aura, but if they occur before or during a headache, it’s likely linked to a migraine aura.

Sensory Aura: Tingling and Numbness

What is Sensory Aura?

Sensory aura involves unusual sensations, like tingling or numbness. This type of aura affects the somatosensory cortex, the area of the brain responsible for processing physical sensations. These sensations can occur independently, at the same time as a visual aura, or directly after.

Common Symptoms of Sensory Aura

Sensory aura symptoms include:

• Tingling or pins and needles: This is often experienced in the face, hands, or fingers but can spread to other body parts.
• Numbness: A feeling of reduced sensation or numbness in areas where tingling was previously experienced.
• Localized pain: Although less common than tingling and numbness, localized pain can also be a part of a sensory aura.

The duration of sensory aura can vary, typically lasting from 10 to 30 minutes, similar to visual auras. The pattern and location of symptoms can vary greatly from person to person.

Aphasic Aura: Difficulty with Speech

What is Aphasic Aura?

Aphasic aura, also known as dysphasic aura, involves difficulty with speech or language. It affects regions of the brain associated with language processing, including Broca’s area and Wernicke’s area. This type of aura can be particularly alarming for individuals, as it affects their ability to communicate effectively.

Common Symptoms of Aphasic Aura

The symptoms of aphasic aura include:

• Difficulty finding the right words: The inability to recall the specific words you want to use is a frequent experience.
• Garbled speech: Speaking in a way that does not make sense to others and perhaps even to yourself.
• Difficulty understanding speech: Challenges in comprehending what others are saying.
• Word salad: Speaking in complete sentences, but with the words being jumbled or nonsensical.
• Inability to read or write: This is a less common symptom, but some people may have difficulty reading written material or writing coherent sentences.

Aphasic auras are less common than visual or sensory auras and can last for a similar duration to the other two types. When this happens for the first time, it is particularly important to seek medical attention to rule out other neurological issues.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Auras

1. How Long do Auras Typically Last?

Auras generally last from 10 to 30 minutes. However, in some cases, they can last up to an hour. Rarely, individuals may experience continuous auras lasting for days. If you have an aura lasting longer than usual, seek medical advice to rule out more serious conditions.

2. What is a Scotoma in Relation to Aura?

A scotoma is a partial loss of vision within the visual field. It is sometimes associated with auras, particularly visual auras, resulting in blind spots or areas of blurred vision.

3. Are Auras a Sign of Epilepsy?

Auras can sometimes be a sign of epilepsy, and are sometimes referred to as a focal aware seizure. An epilepsy ‘aura’ is in fact a focal aware seizure. For some people, a focal aware seizure may lead to a more significant seizure. However, auras are more commonly associated with migraines.

4. Can Auras Occur Without a Headache?

Yes, auras can occur without a subsequent headache, known as “migraine aura without headache” or “acephalgic migraine.”

5. Are Auras Always the Same Each Time?

No, aura symptoms can vary from one experience to another, even for the same individual. Some people may experience the same aura symptoms every time, while others might have varying symptoms.

6. What Triggers Auras?

Auras can be triggered by various factors, including stress, hormonal changes, certain foods, dehydration, or sleep deprivation. However, identifying specific triggers can be challenging.

7. Can You Stop an Aura Once It Starts?

Once an aura has begun, it’s difficult to stop it. Treatment often focuses on managing the symptoms of any resulting headache. Resting in a dark, quiet room can sometimes reduce the intensity of the symptoms.

8. What are the Four Phases of a Migraine?

The four phases of a migraine are prodrome, aura, headache, and postdrome. Not everyone experiences all four phases.

9. Is There a Cure for Auras?

There is no cure for auras, as they are a symptom of the underlying migraine condition. However, strategies and medication that prevent migraines can help reduce the incidence and severity of auras.

10. What Medications Help Treat Auras?

Medications used to treat or prevent auras are often the same as those used for migraines, including pain relievers, triptans, CGRP antagonists, and preventive medications like beta-blockers and some anti-seizure medications.

11. How Are Auras Diagnosed?

Auras are diagnosed based on a patient’s description of symptoms and their medical history. Usually, no specific diagnostic tests exist for an aura, but sometimes an MRI may be used to rule out other conditions.

12. What Does a Black Aura Mean?

The “black aura” referred to in spiritual contexts does not directly relate to the medical definition of an aura. In a metaphysical context, a black aura can sometimes be interpreted as a sign of protection or of a person guarding themselves emotionally. It is important to differentiate this from the medically-related aura as discussed in this article.

13. What is a “Strong Aura”

In spiritual circles, having a “strong aura” often indicates a person with a clear sense of purpose and strong influence on others. It does not relate to medical auras discussed in this article.

14. What are good aura colors in spiritual circles?

The color of your spiritual aura can vary, and colors have different meanings. For example, red is often associated with passion, orange with creativity, yellow with confidence, and green with compassion. It does not relate to medical auras discussed in this article.

15. What are other aura types that are not medical?

There are not other medical aura types, but auras are frequently talked about in spiritual circles, they are defined as unseen energy that flows around your physical body. These auras have colors and can reflect your emotions and personality.