Conditions That May Mimic the Aura of Migraine

Conditions that may mimic an aura:

(1) transient ischemic attack (TIA)

(2) seizure disorder

(3) CNS tumor

(4) venous thrombosis

(5) arteriovenous malformation

(6) dissection of a carotid artery

When to suspect an aura mimic:

(1) new onset of symptoms, especially late in life

(2) abrupt onset (rather than gradual with progression)

(3) visual loss

(4) motor weakness

(5) failure to meet criteria for migraine with aura