Aura

Hi

I am new to the group. I had my first tonic clonic sz in Nov. of 2002. As a rule my seizures occur several months apart. There are usually multiple sz in each episode. I have been taken to an ER each time I have sz.

My neurologists have asked me questions about aura preceeding the sz. I know that each sz has been preeceded by a "feeling" in my head that has been present for various lengths of time from several hours to about 20 minutes. I find it very difficult to dscribe the feeling, i.e. it is not a pain, it is not a preasure or numbness but those are the closest descriptive words. I have "feelings" in my head almost every day. These feelings can be similar to the aura but are not always. Because several months can pass between sz I have a difficult time distinguishing between the aura like feelings and the true aura. Has anyone experienced auras similar to mine and how are the auras described? And, Do any of you experience false auras.

Parksboss

HI.  I don't think they are false auras.  An aura is a simple partial in itself.  If it doesn't generalize into a full blown seizure you are lucky.  But an aura alone is a simple partial seizure.  I get these often.  They scare me, but I am always thankful that they disappear without generalization. Also, aura can feel similar to panic attacks, but for me there is a severe feeling of doom along with the feeling, I know that is the aura.  Take care, Tracy

Hi Parksboss-

I can identify with what you mean when you say a "feeling" in your head.  It's really hard for me to explain to people what goes on inside my head when I begin to feel the onset of a seizure.  I can't stop it from happening and even though the "feeling" can't easily be described, I know exactly what it feels like to me.  I think of it like a big weight.  But it isn't on the outside of my head, it actually is on the inside of my head pushing out.  At the same time, I get a feeling in my arms and under my chin like I'm holding a really big ball that is getting bigger and bigger.  I feel panicky when the feeling gets intense, partially due to the feeling of claustrophobia and being crushed from all over.   The feeling is  all over in a matter of about a minute or so. 

Although I learned after awhile what the character of these seizures where like, it didn't seem to make them any less intense when I was having them.  What did seem to help the most was what I did AFTER it happened.  I was always drained of energy afterwards and it really helped me to sit down and do some relaxation breathing.

I've read that a large percentage of people with seizures have non-epileptic seizures as well.  It makes me wonder how many I've had!  I'd still do the same no matter what the origin.  I still have to take my meds.  And the relaxation exercises help me anyways!

Glenda    

I experience auras all the time.  I do know the feeling you are talking about in your head.  Mine are usually accompanied by a violent "streaking" pain, though.  I can only describe the feeling as an uncomfortable expanding, contracting, and spinning bubble or something. It feels as if the pressure in my head is changing.  I know that is hard to understand.  I also have panic and anxiety, which I believe to be a direct result of this.  I get a shooting pain up one side (left frontal) of my head which ends at the base of my neck.  The pain will last anywhere from 20 secs to 2 mins and cripples me completely.  I literally freeze.  Happens a lot in grocery stores due to lightning and beeping noises, I have noticed.  I hope this helps and that you find a solution to help you soon.

Britt

Although I haven't had a GM seizure since 2002 (I think I also had one last fall, I was working outside in the yard and I just remember waking up on the ground with blood all over my face)

 

Now I frequently have auras in the form of an outerbody experience. (as if I'm looking down on myself from above) then I start to hear Bongo Drums, then disoriented, then a little dizzy, and at the same time I get the slow motion thinking and lots of anxiety. All this lasts about 5 mins, when not followed by a sz and then takes about 5 or 10 mins after that to regain my senses.

 

A lot of times it is triggered by something at Wal Mart (I don't know why) or Casino noises and all the flashing lights but that usually only happens when I'm tired.

Randy