Migraine with Persistent Aura

Abstract

Abstract Approximately 20% of individuals with migraine experience an aura with their attacks. Auras are characterized by transient episodes of fully reversible focal neurological disturbances that may precede or accompany the headache onset. Occasionally, auras may occur without headache. In general, auras develop gradually over 5–20 minutes and resolve within 1 hour or less. The migraine aura may manifest as a visual, sensory, or language disturbance and may be simple or complex. This chapter on migraine with persistent aura defines migraine with aura and differentiates persistent aura from typical aura. The chapter provides tools to help with the diagnostic workup when a patient presents with persistent aura and also provides differential diagnosis and management recommendations.