Migraine Aura vs TIA

How to tell migraine aura from a TIA, and the red flags that need urgent care.

By Cerebral Torque

Published Updated 1 min read

It can sometimes be difficult to distinguish between migraine aura and TIA, especially in cases of hemiplegic migraine, migraine with brainstem aura, or retinal migraine. Pay close attention to the red flags and consult a medical professional.

Characteristic Migraine Aura Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)
Visual Symptoms
  • Bright, positive visual phenomena
  • Both visual fields affected
  • Gradual movement across visual field
  • Typically lasts 15-60 minutes
  • Vision loss (negative symptom)
  • Affects one side
  • Vision remains static
  • Usually lasts 3-10 minutes
Sensory Symptoms
  • Gradual buildup and evolution
  • Tingling/prickling sensations (positive symptom)
  • Involves hand and face on one side
  • Sensations recur in stereotyped pattern
  • Abrupt onset
  • Numbness (negative symptom)
  • Unilateral paresis
  • Sensory changes are variable
Progression
  • Symptoms march from one type of aura to another (visual, sensory, speech)
  • Symptoms spread from one body part to adjacent areas
  • Affected areas involved first become the last to clear
  • Episodes typically span 20-30 minutes
  • Simultaneous involvement of different symptoms (e.g. motor, sensory) and body parts (e.g. arm, leg)
  • Symptoms manifest and resolve simultaneously
  • Usual duration around 5-10 minutes

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Guided practice

Alternate nostril breathing

A 5-minute guided practice for migraine prevention, from Unraveling Migraine. Captions are built into the video.

  • Prevention, not a rescue. Keep your usual medicine for migraine attacks.
  • Daily practice is what counts. The study behind it used 3 short sessions a day for 3 months.
  • Skip it or stop if your nose is blocked or it starts to feel like a strain.
Read the full guide and the research