Migraine Aura vs TIA

Posted on May 28 2024, By: Cerebral Torque

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

The Migraine Brain Does NOT... Migraine Attacks Independen...

MigraineScience Blog

Sat, Apr 26, 25

CGRP Therapy Medications List

Compare CGRP migraine medications with our comprehensive list detailing receptor/ligand targets, dosages, and whether they're preventive or abortive treatments for effective migraine management.

Sat, Apr 26, 25

Migraine Pharmaceutical Treatment Pearls

Comprehensive expert guide to migraine treatments: evidence-based recommendations for acute medications (NSAIDs, triptans, gepants), preventive therapies, and special considerations for pregnancy, cardiovascular disease, and other medical conditions. Find effective strategies...

Fri, Apr 25, 25

Evidence-Based Guidelines for the Pharmacological Treatment of Migraine (Updated April 2025)

Discover evidence-based guidelines for migraine treatment from leading experts. Learn about effective medications for acute attacks and prevention, their evidence quality, and recommendation strength to better manage your migraines.