Migrane auras or seizures?

I'm not sure what's going on, but hopefully someone here can help.  I hate to go to my doctor with these weird symptoms.  I have had optical (visual) auras since a head injury in 1981, but they eventually became few and far between.  about a year ago I had a strange episode in which it seemed like there was a movie playing in my head of my past, but in very fast motion.  I was disoriented and was aware something was not right.  That morning I had felt very tired and thought I may be coming down with something.  After this "spell" happened, I told my husband about it, but couldn't really verbalize it well.  I went into the bathroom to put my make up on and finish getting ready, but couldn't remember how.  It took me a while to get my thoughts together.  This hasn't happened again, but it concerned me.  Now, I'm having those zig-zag auras (without headaches) almost every day and sometimes more than one a day.  They seem to last longer now too.  Also, I have bright shooting lights in my peripheral vision alot.  Is this a form of seizure, stroke, migrane or what?  Thanks for any input!

I have to agree to Andrew, Most of those symptoms are associated with migraines. However, problems related to head injuries can show up years later. I would definetaly have a neuologist check you over. If it is migraines, there are plently of medication our there that would help you reduce or eliminate the number of events you are having. If it is something else, the neurologist can help make a diagnosis and treatment plan for you.

Good luck and keep us posted.

I was in an accident a few years ago myself and really knocked around.

about a year ago I experienced my first optical aura at home (fortunately), was standing up, felt dizzy so sat down - had what looked like flames (like in a log fire) at bottom of my right eye and strange lines etc left eye and then I lost my sight for a couple of minutes - all I could see was a clear white weird pattern but couldn't see and that lasted for about two minutes, then my sight came back. This happened two days in a row and then nothing for ages.

I am now in my 4th day of Optical auras and migraine - shocking headache which has gone but have had other headache as well. The aura is continuing mainly in my right eye with flashes just out of my sight on the right side - sometimes it extends sometimes its flashes like black splotches or flowers type thing.

Went to gp who sent me to Opthomologist who said I should be ok by end of the week (hope so) and to see my gp re possible medication. Have just been taking panamax for headache (I hate taking medication).
Have recently had lazer eye surgery to punch hole in the iris to lessen the pressure in my eyes as it was really high so I don't get glaucoma. I was told the pressure is still up there on my right eye 26 and left eye 17. Have had a couple of flashes in left eye but its my right eye that I am still having visual I call disturbances with - gets worse then gets less but its still there! It concerns me because I lost my sight last time. Do hope it stops soon. All the specialist said was that the flashes are a warning that I'm about to get a migraine. He checked the back of my eye which was clear and said I'm a migrainous person, thanks heaps, not!!

Please go and speak to your gp - they get paid to listen to whats going on with our body, seriously.
I have Sjogrens (autoimmune disease where the white cells attack the body and I don't make enough tears or bodily fluid) and ibs as well as other health issues and have had to change my diet. I researched and found I need to change my diet again as chocolate and cheese can trigger the auras as well as can red wine etc and I like my chocolate. Had to cut out wheat (its an inflammatory food and can clog the arteries and I have heart problems too, cut out potato and processed sugars too). I thought the auras might be part of Sjogrens as other Sjogrens sufferers have auras too but its separate.

Honestly, if it wasn't for my gp being a good listener and me having to advocate for myself (write down all the symptoms and how long they last for and date it etc to tell the doctor - thats what they are there for). My gp has sent me to specialists etc - if it wasn't for her I wouldn't know what I am dealing with in my own body and feeling much better now. Don't be afraid to see your gp, truly.

There can be more serious underlying problems that need to be dealt with - don't put it off any longer and you will have peace of mind, ok. Take care.

Thank you everyone for your posts - you have helped me a great deal. I was beginning to get worried because my aura is still there and now I feel better. Shall keep notes in case I need to go back to my gp - I do anyway about meds - have to wait until next week as its the weekend today and a long weekend.

Do hope you all get supportive answers for your conditions to help you with your condition and health.
Have a great weekend everyone. Thinking of you all. Will send up some prayer too.

Christine