Migraines with Aura: Causes, Symptoms & What to Do

Migraine headaches can interrupt your daily life at any time and cause difficulty with your ability to do work, take care of yourself or get a good night's rest. Symptoms of migraines may include visual problems such as hallucinations and flashing, which is a condition called migraine with aura. According to the National Library of Medicine and the Mayo Clinic, the causes of migraines with auras include stress and eating certain foods.

Allergies

• Seasonal allergies and sinus infections are respiratory conditions that may cause you to have migraines with auras, especially if you have severe congestion.

Environment

• Migraines with auras may be a result of your exposure to environmental irritants such as tobacco smoke, bright lights and loud noises.

Foods

• If your diet includes pickled or fermented foods, alcohol, additives such as monosodium glutamate (MSG), nitrates or tyramine, or caffeinated foods or beverages, these can cause migraines with auras.

Missed Meals

• Missing meals due to being too busy to eat or purposely fasting for dietary or religious reasons may cause you to experience migraines with auras.

PMS

• If your migraines with auras tend to occur just before the start of your menstrual period, they may be caused by hormonal fluctuations during premenstrual syndrome.

Stress

• An excess amount of either physical or emotional stress in your life may cause frequent migraines with auras, especially if you also have anxiety disorders or depression.