Migraines characterize an inherited disease that affects 18 percent of the population. Blood vessel swellings produce intense unbearable headaches, called migraines. The World Health Organization lists migraines as the 19th ranked disability-inducing disease. Migraine auras are typically identified by loss of vision, blind spots, zigzag lines or shinning spots and occasionally by hearing artifacts and slurred speech. The exact cause of auras is unknown, but many migraine triggers contribute to their occurrence.
Hormonal Changes
Drops in estrogen levels and the beginning of menstruation often cause migraines with auras. Although few women believe that hormonal contraceptives help prevent migraines, the National Headache Foundation reports a high percentage of women experience stronger and more frequent migraines with the use of hormonal contraceptives.
Intense Smells
Cleaning supplies, cooking and perfumes are common triggers for migraines with auras. Since visual and auditory auras are linked to the same areas of the brain that interpret taste and smell, it is important to control the environment to limit exposure to stimuli.
High Pitch and Repetitive Noises
Most people often ignore humming, produced by most electrical equipment; however, those with migraines should actively remove all extraneous noises as they might serve as triggers for migraine auras.
Bright Lights
Bright sunlight, fluorescent light or flashing lights often produce migraines. Many migraine sufferers wear sunglasses indoors and out to help ward off this trigger of migraine auras.
