Aura without headache, often called a silent migraine or typical aura without headache, is a neurological phenomenon where a person experiences the sensory symptoms of a migraine aura but does not develop the usual migraine headache afterward. This means that the visual, sensory, or speech disturbances that typically precede or accompany a migraine occur on their own, without the intense head pain that usually follows[3][4].
An aura is caused by abnormal electrical activity spreading across the brain, known as cortical spreading depression. This leads to temporary changes in nerve function, resulting in symptoms such as visual disturbances (like flashing lights, zigzag lines, or blind spots), sensory changes (such as pins and needles or numbness), speech difficulties, dizziness, or even muscle weakness. These symptoms usually develop gradually over 5 to 60 minutes and last less than an hour[3][4].
While most people experience aura as a warning sign before a migraine headache, some have aura symptoms without any headache at all. This silent migraine can still be disruptive and cause symptoms like visual changes, sensitivity to light or sound, and sensory disturbances, but without the pain that defines a typical migraine attack[1][4].
Aura without headache is not considered dangerous by itself, but because its symptoms can mimic those of more serious conditions like stroke, it is important to seek medical evaluation if new or unusual neurological symptoms occur. Diagnosis is usually based on the pattern of symptoms and ruling out other causes[5].
In summary, aura without headache is a form of migraine where the neurological symptoms of aura occur alone, without the subsequent migraine pain. It reflects the complex brain activity involved in migraines and can vary widely in its presentation.
Sources
https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/migraine/types
https://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/migraine-auras-explained
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Migraine
https://migrainetrust.org/understand-migraine/stages-of-a-migraine-attack/
https://www.brownhealth.org/be-well/migraine-aura-what-know-and-how-treat-them
