Questions about auras

[Literophile]

If a seizure aura is a type of partial seizure, what is a migraine aura?

Also, I was just reading Salt and epilepsy and Eric's posts caught my eye. I have previously stated that I have auras when I eat (especially a big meal), and that is still true, even though I have not been having seizures. Can migraine auras be caused by overeating? I know it's not one specific food that causes the auras, I've kept track.

Another question I have is this: I'm not sure, but I think my migraine aura is flashing lights. It looks like the lights get brighter for just a moment, then go back to their normal brightness. Even though it only lasts a moment, I can tell it starts in my right eye. Is that actually an aura or is it just my perception? Like, am I just particularly perceptive of the flickering of fluorescence?

[Endless]

Several posts in here talk about how epilepsy and migraines are related. It's hard picking out the difference between a migraine aura and a seizure aura. Some articles say a migraine is a type of seizure, but most say it is a different thing altogether, though related. It really takes a neurologist to sort it all out.
http://professionals.epilepsy.com/pa..._variants.html
http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1142731-overview
differentiation of olfactory aura as migraine or SPS


Occipital seizures can imitate visual migraine auras, too. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1296258/

This is a great topic to talk to your neurologist about.

Sorry you have to experience that. It sounds miserable.

[Literophile]

Wow, what great information! Thank you so much!

I have an appointment soon, so I'll write up a list of questions RE:migraines. Thanks for the info.