difference

hi could you tell me the difference between a stroke and aura migraine the symptom's are the same so how do you know which one you are having?

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

How are you?
It is very difficult to differentiate migraine from stroke since their presenting features are so similar. Only a through clinical exam and investigations like CT scan or MRI which show ischemic changes or brain bleed can help in differentiating stroke from migraine.
Presence of risk factors for stroke like high BP, high cholesterol, obesity, and smoking also increases the suspicion of stroke over migraine.

[codycool]

i have been having them for 16 years and i am fearfull that they are strokes i have been to 4 doctors and had two ct scans they say aura migraine if they where strokes could i be having them for 16 years could they of missed something.?

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

Usually strokes will show up on CT scan as ischemic changes, thrombosed blood vessels or brain bleed.
If there has been no such observation, it is very unlikely that you have been having strokes. However if you are still under doubt you can get and MRI done. MRI is a better test to visualize soft tissues.
Hope this helps!