Which condition is characterized by severe headaches and aura?

The condition characterized by severe headaches and aura is a migraine. Migraines are often debilitating and are marked by recurrent episodes of intense headache, which can be accompanied by neurological symptoms known as auras.

Auras can manifest as visual disturbances, such as seeing flashes of light or zigzag lines, as well as sensory changes or difficulties with speech. These symptoms typically precede the headache phase or can occur during the headache itself. The intensity and specific characteristics of migraines make them distinct from other headache types.

In contrast, tension headaches usually present as a mild to moderate, non-pulsating pain and do not involve auras. Cluster headaches, while severe and occurring in cyclical patterns, primarily affect one side of the head and are not associated with aura. Sinus headaches are commonly associated with sinusitis and are characterized by facial pain or pressure rather than aura. Thus, the defining features of severe headaches accompanied by aura align specifically with migraines.