Aura and Seizures
Aura is the term used to describe symptoms that may occur before a seizure. An aura may include:
- Visual changes. Examples include:
- Bright lights.
- Zigzag lines.
- Slowly spreading spots.
- Distortions in the size or shape of objects.
- Blind or dark spots in the field of vision.
- Hearing voices or sounds (auditory hallucinations).
- Strange smells (olfactory hallucinations).
- Feelings of numbness or tingling on one side of your face or body.
- Feeling separated from your body.
- Anxiety or fear.
- Nausea.
An aura is often the first sign that you are going to have a seizure. You may have an aura from several seconds up to 60 minutes before a seizure. Most people who have auras have the same type of aura every time they have a seizure.
Understanding Seizures -- Diagnosis and Treatment
To diagnose an apparent first-time seizure, your doctor will: Take a detailed medical history (including a family history of seizures) Gather information about your behavior before, during, and after the episode Do a physical exam These are tests that may be done: An electroencephalogram (EEG) to identify any abnormal electrical misfiring in the brain and help predict the risk of future seizures Brain imaging tests such as an MRI or CT scan to help narrow down a possible tr...
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