Medicines/Techniques that help Aura? - National Migraine...

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Medicines/Techniques that help Aura?

NetroPhil profile image
7 Replies

One of my worst symptoms is during aura, where I get a travelling numbness. It starts in my fingers, moves to my wrist (and last time, up my forearm), and then goes straight for one side of my face, including the cheek, mouth, throat and around the eye.

And it's honestly the WORST thing about my migraines. I know it should be the headache, but the numbing is a lot more psychologically frightening because I'm paranoid of strokes.

Does anyone know any way to.....lessen the effect at all?

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NetroPhil profile image
NetroPhil
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7 Replies

I'm sorry not to have anything better to recommend, but apparently what staves off aura altogether is 75mg (ie small amout) of aspirin daily. My daughter is prescribed by her neurologist another type of blood thinner instead, for reasons I don't exactly know, but it has the same effect. I heard about it last year during Migraine Summit, passed it on to her, she told her doctor and he said good idea.

Best wishes, G.

Bea66 profile image
Bea66 in reply to

This was recommended to me too, but sadly I don't think it made any difference. I took it for around 3 years on the advice of my neuro. It hasn't done my tummy much good either 😕

in reply toBea66

Sorry to hear. I don't know if it has made much difference to her either. But a blood thinner is also probably a preventative of stroke which she has an increased chance of getting. Maybe your tummy problems would be less if you took another type of blood thinner, not aspirin. Then again, if aspirin has not kept the auras at bay, maybe no point.

Best, G.

Langley-Loper profile image
Langley-Loper

I get the same and agree it's very frightening. Not tried aspirin or equivalent but do take an overall preventative (pizotifen) which has reduced the frequency significantly.

Purpled profile image
Purpled

Hi

I get exactly the same and it terrifies me. It goes across my eye and cheek and side of face. Havnt found anything that helps. Tell me how do you cope if you are out shopping or something when one comes on?

NetroPhil profile image
NetroPhil in reply toPurpled

Thankfully I've never had one when I've been out and about. Usually its when I'm at home or at work, and since I don't drive I call my dad and he's usually available to pick me up and take me home. I have tried working through it before but that just went horribly.

But going through that when I'm out is always a worry for me. Especially when I'm looking for a new job in the city - getting back on public transport with that kind of pain would be a disaster

PS I understand the kind of numbness you get with aura is different from stroke precisely in that it is gradual, just as you describe. With a stroke, it's all at once down one side. Try not to worry. I know, easier said than done...

all the best, G.

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