Can u have auras w/o having a seizure?

[drarvindr]

I think your question was excellent. Regarding the answer i'm not too sure. Auras ARE seizures so i don't know if they count. I've only had a GTCS once. i'm a juvenile myoclonic myself and got the tonic clonic when i was an idiot and stopped my meds. I got this aura and then BOOM. But later on when i was headed out to hospital duty one day , i felt the same numb affect and the feeling like i had 20 or 30 absence seizures one after the other . i got one of the other doctors to cover for me and raced home. i waited for the inevitable and nothing happened. So i guess auras without subsequent seizures are possible.

 

[sixpack]

Hi,

I find all of this information and personal experiences fascinating. My daughter, (intro'd myself and daughter in foyer), is multipli-handicapped with seizures so I don't know what, if any, auras she has before she gets one that I can see. It really puts a lot of perspective on how she behaves during the day. Maybe some of those days when she is very agitated or over stimulated are days when she is having multiple auras???? I'll probably never know though.

It reminds me of one day when hubby and Lindsay and I had gone out shopping. She was pretty happy about having mom and dad to herself ( My son is 13 now so we can sneak out some and he can watch the others). Well we went into a BArnes & Noble. I sat her down and soon after she just HAD to escape the store. You know really uptight etc. There was never any kind of typical seizure that she usually has but maybe it was a 'fight or flight' kind of aura. She calmed down a few minutes later. but hmmmmm.

 

[Cint]

Hi again sixpack,

What you described with Lindsay that day @ Barnes & Noble reminds me of a lot of the auras I've had before my TC seizures. I've always started to feel really uptight, even paranoid, felt like everyone was staring at me, everything starts to look like it's moving in slow motion and the voices get loud, so loud I have to escape. Then BOOM!! I don't remember anymore. Those are usually the type of aura I have when I know it's going to be a bad TC seizure.

So many have mentioned that taste in the mouth, but I don't recall ever experiencing that symptom. My auras always have to do with vision and hearing. Now that I have the VNS, I only experience the aura. Those tonic/clonic seizures can be deadly.

Cindy

 

[aedwards]

I've never had Epilepsy or a Seizure but experience Auras.

I (kind of) have the same sensations. I have the deja vu sensations but more of deja vu of dreams that I have. My attacks start with a phantom odor in my nose, or an odd odor. When I start to get that odor, I know that I will be having one of my episodes. I then get a rush of dreamlike thoughts or deja vu sensations. I then panic a bit because of these feelings. This goes on for about 30 seconds then goes away.

I have this problem about once a month. These episodes (as mentioned above) occur for about 30 seconds and about 4 to 5 times in a day. I sometimes get these attacks (or sensations) while I'm sleeping, which at times wakes me up. They then go away and the next few days I feel a bit blue, foggy. That subsides and I'm back to normal.

So this process has been going on for the past few months and currently I'm in my first-stage phase where I'm getting these little attacks.

Has anyone experienced the same?

 

[brain]

:hello: A Edwards!

Welcome to CWE! And have you consulted with
your Primary Care Doctor about these events
that you are experiencing? In addition, you may
want to keep a log / journal / diary / notepad of
such - and record it along with date, time, etc -
and if anyone is there to witness it, let them make
notes of observation(s) as well.

It could be a result from anything from night terrors
to migraines to cardiac issues to neurological issues,
and your Primary will then go over it with you and
make the decision and make a referral to a Specialist
if he/she feels you need to see a specific one.

So phone your Primary ASAP and schedule an
appointment NOW ... don't delay!

If your Primary believes that the issues are neurological
related, then a referral to a Neurologist will then be
set up and arranged for you and from there, will be
your first step forward and the Neurologist will then
be able to run test(s) and maybe even some scans
to determine the problematic issue(s).

But if at any given time you experience jerking, or
seizing (convulsions) - go to the Emergency Room and
be treated as 1st Time Seizures immediately!

One place to visit would be here: EPILEPSY 101

 

[sixpack]

Cindy,

Well if that's what Lindsay experiences, I can fully imagine why she freaks out!!

We are *thinking* about getting VNS consult. But I've heard so many mixed reviews on them. It appears that Lindsay has catamenial seizures. We get 2-3 around ovulation then 2wks later 2-3 during her period. We just put her on BCP on 10/26 and are hoping we greatly reduce those beasts

 

[Crystal11]

Simple partial seizures that involve movement are simple partial seizures- an aura is still a simple partial seizure but without movement and for some those are shorter. Sometimes they can spread to other areas of the brain causing complex partial seizures. That is what I have. I can have an aura without going into a complex partial seizure but most of the times its the aura/simple partial seizure then complex partial.

Everyone take care and be safe.

 

[wife and mother]

auras

My auras hurt like crazy when they hit. I feel it in my stomache first so I know when they are about to hit but only seconds before. Ever since I've been on carbamazepine they hurt like heck. I get the feeling that I sat on my foot too long but all over my body at the same time. When it hits my head I feel nauseated and I get a head ache. i havn't so far had it turn into a tonic yet.onder:

 

[Elaine H]

Hi There

I was just visiting CWE for the first time in a while, and saw your thread on auras. Auras are indeed seizures, better known as Simple Partial Seizures, whereby only part of the brain is affected, but your consciousness doesn't have to be affected, if the epileptic activity spreads to other parts of the brain i.e Secondary Generalised that's when the problems start, that's why in the UK, we are not allowed to drive full stop, regardless of what our seizure type.

I've only had a few Tonic Clonic seizures over the last 23 years, and before my first lot of brain surgery in 2000, I very rarely got any warning, like you, my auras were a totally separate sensation, and very rarely preceded any other type of seizure, although back in those days, I was having mainly Complex Partial Seizures with all the classic symptoms, and these were sometimes preceeded by a mild aura, but to be honest, it never really followed any pattern, and I quite often just had the aura, especially if I was worried about something.

Six months ago, I had my right Hippocampus removed, the part of the brain responsible for short term memory, spatial awareness, and emotion, and now that I take Trileptal (excellent for auras/Simple Partial Szrs) I am pretty much aura/seizure free. I've always said that the aura was the worst most terrifying part of having this godawful condition, and I used to be scared to be on my own. Like you, I would get the feeling in my tummy like when you go over a bridge, then the taste, and just that awful scary feeling that is almost impossible to describe to someone who has never had epilepsy. It is certainly possible just to have the aura, you are certainly not alone there. I also used to almost hallucinate during an aura, I used to see a man in a flat cap, pulling his collar up against the wind, and looking over his collar at me, wow! It was like a 1930's cobbled street that he was standing in, and I would see him every single time, not seen him for years now, often wonder who he was, and where he went!

Please feel free to ask me anything about the surgery if you like, I've just gained a qualification in epilepsy, I'm writing a book about my experiences with the condition, and it fascinates me how the brain is so incredibly different in us all, how epilepsy affects us all, and how we deal with it. I hope CWE has been helpful to you, I've made some wicked friends through it, and it's just so cool to know that we all understand each other.
I hope to hear back from you soon, and that you are feeling ok at the moment?

Cheers

Elaine x

 

[Ness]

I often have an aura that is a burning smell. It can last for hours or be very short. They seem to be directly related to stress. They happen without subsequent seizures (although my neuro does call the auras simple partial seizures). When I had a seizure that started with jerking of my head and then progressed down the left side of my body, there was no smoky aura first but I did feel nauseous and the panicky feeling that others have described.
I am new to CWE and glad you have found these supportive folks.

 

[brain]

It could be also....
Take a look at this:

Migraines - from eMed

History

The typical headache of migraine is throbbing or pulsatile. It is initially unilateral and localized in the frontotemporal and ocular area, then builds up over a period of 1-2 hours, progressing posteriorly and becoming diffuse. It typically lasts from several hours to a whole day. Pain intensity is moderate to severe, prompting the patient to remain still as it intensifies even with routine physical activity.

* The attack commonly occurs when the patient is already awake, although it may have already started upon awakening and less commonly may awaken the patient at night.
* Nausea and vomiting usually occur later in the attack in about 80% and 50% of patients, respectively, along with anorexia and food intolerance.
* Some patients have been noted to be pale and clammy, especially if nausea develops.
* Photophobia and/or phonophobia also commonly are associated with the headache.
* The headache usually subsides gradually within a day and after a period of sleep; a majority of patients report being tired and weak afterwards.
* About 60% of people who experience migraines report a prodrome, often occurring hours to days before headache onset. Patients describe a change in mood or behavior that may include psychological, neurological, constitutional, or autonomic features.
*
o These symptoms may be difficult to diagnose as part of the migraine complex if they occur in isolation from the headache or if they are mild. The prodrome of migraine has yet to receive significant investigational attention.
o Because of the set periodicity of migraine, linkage to the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus that governs circadian rhythm has been proposed. Discovering the central trigger for migraine would help identify better prophylactic agents.
* The migraine aura is a complex of neurologic symptoms that may precede or accompany the headache phase or may occur in isolation.
o It usually develops over 5-20 minutes and lasts less than 60 minutes.
o The aura can be visual, sensory, motor, or any combination of these.
o The most characteristic visual aura of migraine is a scintillating scotoma (occurring in about 64% of cases), beginning as a hazy spot from the center of a visual hemifield followed by shimmering light of different patterns expanding peripherally to involve a greater part of the hemifield with scotoma.
o Paresthesias, occurring in 40% of cases, constitute the next most common aura; they are often cheiro-oral with numbness starting in the hand then migrating to the arm and then jumping to involve the face, lips, and tongue.
o As with visual auras, positive symptoms typically are followed by negative symptoms; paresthesias may be followed by numbness.
* Sensory aura rarely occurs in isolation and usually follows visual aura.
o The rate of spread of sensory aura is helpful in distinguishing it from transient ischemic attack (TIA) or a sensory seizure.
o Just as a visual aura spreads across the visual field slowly, the paresthesias may take 10-20 minutes to spread, which is slower than the spread of sensory symptoms of TIA.
o The migrainous aura generally resolves within a few minutes and then is followed by a latent period before the onset of headache, although merging of the 2 also is reported.
* Motor symptoms may occur in 18% of patients and usually are associated with sensory symptoms.
o Motor symptoms often are described as a sense of heaviness of the limbs before a headache but without any true weakness.
o Speech and language disturbances have been reported in 17-20% of patients, commonly associated with upper extremity heaviness or weakness.
* Whether migraine with and without aura (prevalences, 36% and 55%, respectively) represent 2 distinct processes remains debatable; however, the similarities of the prodrome, headache, and resolution phases of the attacks, similarity in therapeutic response, and the fact that 9% of patients experience both suggest that they are the same entity.
* When an aura is not followed by a headache, it is called a migraine equivalent or acephalic migraine. This is reported most commonly in patients older than 40 years who have a history of recurrent headache. Scintillating scotoma has been considered to be diagnostic of migraine even in the absence of a headache; however, paresthesias, weakness, and other transient neurologic symptoms are not. In the absence of a prior history of recurrent headache and first occurrence after age 45 years, TIA should be considered and must be investigated fully.
* Although headache is a very common reason for seeking medical care, the majority of headache complaints are benign in origin. However, migraine with its protean manifestation may simulate or be simulated by primary and secondary headache disorders. Also, it can coexist with a secondary headache disorder. When headache is episodic, recurrent, and with a well-established pattern, a primary headache disorder is likely. Differentiating between migraine, tension-type, and cluster headaches is important, as optimal treatment may differ.
* Any of the following features suggest a secondary headache disorder and warrant further investigation:
o Atypical history or unusual character that does not fulfill the criteria for migraine
o Occurrence of a new, different, or truly "worst" headache
o Change in frequency of episodes or major characteristics of the headache
o Abnormal neurologic examination
o Inadequate response to optimal therapy

 

[flinnigan]

I like my Auras

I can't really explain it but if my auras ever stop I think I'll miss them. onder: Sounds kinda sick doesn't it. They're kind of like an old friend. Mine are mostly Deja Vu followed by tunnel vision. They started when I was around 8 and disappeared from age 17 - 36. When they came back they were much more intense and were followed by extreme heat in the stomach and chest. I never realized that the anxiety issue was a part of it until now, that part I could do without. I've never had a tonic clonic it seems strange to me that those who have are so afraid of the auras. I mean the worst thing I've done during one is bight my tongue. (Oh and I hit my car with the lawn mower doing $1200.00 in damage.) When I first figured out that I was having auras I thought they would give me time to get to a safe place even when driving. The first (and only) time I tried that I hit a mailbox and I've never driven since. So yea auras are seizures.

I used to feel a little psychic as a child when I had them that's probably why I liked them. I loved Ellen's story of the man in the hat. I think there's more to them than just physical. I can't help but think we are in more in touch with our spiritual world than others. I've read that right temporal lobe epilepsy has been linked with spiritual conversions. I know that I've always known that there was more to life than this world. I never questioned that we are spirits living in human form for a short time and I now feel that is due to my auras.

I probably wouldn't even try to stop them if I didn't know that this is a progressive disease. The not driving part I'm starting to accept but I'll be 44 in a few weeks and my dad died at 50 from a tonic clonic. The only one he ever had after years of complex partials. His dad died at 63 of the same and well I'd like to be around to my see grand children.

Sorry to be so long. I've never been able to tell anyone this. It probably should have been in the padded room, but here seemed appropriate. Thanks.

 

[flinnigan]

Oops Sorry Elaine H. I called you Ellen.

 

[BSchroth]

Hello. I am new to this sight but I am struggling with my son's epilepsy. We just spent the weekend in the hospital because my son just went thru the most horrific "panic attack" I've ever seen! He was telling me for a week that he had a "funny feeling" that he was going to have a seizure but never had one(or I thought so). I was told at the hospital that he was experiencing the "aura" part of the seizure only or he was having mini seizures. He has complex partial epilepsy and his seizures are from the frontal lobe where emotions come from. Therefore he was feeling scared, as he told me he felt like he was in a nightmare and couldn't get out. The only thing that could calm him down was a valium given to him in the ER. He slept for 12 hrs and woke up okay but still having the "funny feelings". His meds are being slowly increased because he was not getting enough. He is also temporarily on a anti-anxiety pill to help him adjust. If anyone is having these auras please tell your doctor it could become very serious. Has anyone ever experienced anything like this??

 

[ziggidypoo]

My main auras of an oncoming CP is my eyes cross or I just don't feel "right" or an urgency to go to sleep NOW. I have only had a very few big PC's in months, praise the Lord. However, many times when I lay down on the bed, my entire body will just for a moment go stiff as a board with a moan, then, I sleep - seizure??? I don't know. We were just talking that at times, rarely, I get an uncontrolled fluttering eyelid - I was told that was a seizure. Or, my one foot moving on its own. Or, my hand trembling on its own. Or, a sudden change of mood. Usually if ANYTHING is not "right" - I quick go P and go to bed for a nap.

I've noticed when my blood sugar is correct, these weird "auras"??? stop.

Other health probs worsening - that's why I've not been on much.

C'est la vie.

Hugs to all!!

 

[Elaine H]

Hi There Bscroth (New Here)

Just read your thread, I had Simple Partial Seizures/Auras for many years, all gone now I'm pleased to say, thanks to brain surgery for the second time, and the wonderful anti epileptic drug Trileptal (specifically for Simple Partial Seizures) I have always said that the aura was the most terrifying part of having epilepsy!!! Thank God it has all gone, hopefully for good!

Has your son been diagnosed? If he hasn't, you will probably be told, that like me, he has Temporal Lobe Epilepsy, smell, memory, speech and emotions are all dealt with by this part of the brain,the frontal lobes are involved in the control of our voluntary movements, and some aspects of our behaviour and emotions Do you know what triggered the seizures, and what age he was? I was 23, stress triggered it, and that was 23 years ago!

If this helps let me tell you of a typical seizure. I would be doing anything, reading a book, talking to someone, walking round town, then, the dreaded "funny" sensation in the tummy, (epigastric rising) then, the all too familiar but completely impossible to describe to someone, taste in the mouth, almost accompanied with a strange odour, then that godawful feeling of deja-vu, or being trapped in a dream from somewhere, or an emotion, or simply thoughts from yesteryear, or feelings, emotions from another lifetime, all completely unexplainable to someone without epilepsy, but so very real when you are experiencing it! Most of the time, it would stay as an aura, and I would later be aware that I had "lost" a few moments of time, I wouldn't always be sure exactly what had happened, but I just knew that something wasn't right. I would quite often say to my partner, or a friend, "did I just go wonky?" or "did I have a wobbler a little while ago?" oh how distant those days seem to be now, don't forget that you can have just the Aura, it doesn't always mean that you will naturally have a seizure following, some people take the Aura as a warning, but not all.

When the electrical activity spreads to another part of the brain, this is when the seizure becomes Secondary Generalised, and you can experience Complex Partial where only a part of the brain is affected, or it can go on to involve more of the brain, and of course become a Tonic Clonic seizure whereupon the body stiffens Tonic stage, and then the Clonic stage, involving repeated and rythmic muscle contractions, and of course the usual tongue biting, some incontinence etc. I am pleased to say that I only had about half a dozen of these types of seizure over those years.

I hope that this helps you to see that you are not alone, we on CWE understand what you are going through, and I hope that you are getting the correct support and help from the doctors, I must say that we had to really push and push to get my epilepsy investigated more as it was a case of, go to the specialist, get more tablets, try these, come back in six months, etc etc, and this went on for many years, then my mum said, "right, enough is enough, there must be something else that can be done to help Elaine!" Then I began the tests to see if I was a suitable candidate for brain surgery, pleased to say that yes I was, and if there is anything you want to ask, ask away, I am have written a book of my experiences, just finished four years studying epilepsy, and am fascinated by the human brain, so if I can help in any way, please please keep in touch?

I really do hope to hear from you soon, and please say with CWE it is a totally brilliant website, and has been a fantastic support to me!!

Very Best Wishes

Elaine xx

 

[LuvMyTwins]

I don't know how anyone can tell. I used to look at my SPs as just that---seizures that allowed me to stay awake. Yet, they were always followed by a TC seizure---not so great.
When I began seeing a naturopathic MD, he questioned the fact that auras are the body's ability to try and readjust itself. From that, it was my responsibility to work with the energy so that it doesn't progress.
As someone who would panic over a TC this seemed like an impossible task. Yet, with neurofeedback and all the other "stuff" I'm doing, this particular doctor doesn't seem so far off.

I will also be beginning craniosacral therapy next week. Works with the flow of the brain to release "blockages" and return life to normal.

There are so many new theories on epilepsy out there. I've just chosen to look beyond the mainstream and I'm much more positive/upbeat because of it. I find that like most with epilepsy, my brain is my enemy (ok--duh). Yet, not the physical that cause the seizure, but the thinking.

Just my :twocents:---Mere

 

[Elaine H]

Wow, You Are So Wrong!

I can't really explain it but if my auras ever stop I think I'll miss them. onder: Sounds kinda sick doesn't it. They're kind of like an old friend. Mine are mostly Deja Vu followed by tunnel vision. They started when I was around 8 and disappeared from age 17 - 36. When they came back they were much more intense and were followed by extreme heat in the stomach and chest. I never realized that the anxiety issue was a part of it until now, that part I could do without. I've never had a tonic clonic it seems strange to me that those who have are so afraid of the auras. I mean the worst thing I've done during one is bight my tongue. (Oh and I hit my car with the lawn mower doing $1200.00 in damage.) When I first figured out that I was having auras I thought they would give me time to get to a safe place even when driving. The first (and only) time I tried that I hit a mailbox and I've never driven since. So yea auras are seizures.

I used to feel a little psychic as a child when I had them that's probably why I liked them. I loved Ellen's story of the man in the hat. I think there's more to them than just physical. I can't help but think we are in more in touch with our spiritual world than others. I've read that right temporal lobe epilepsy has been linked with spiritual conversions. I know that I've always known that there was more to life than this world. I never questioned that we are spirits living in human form for a short time and I now feel that is due to my auras.

I probably wouldn't even try to stop them if I didn't know that this is a progressive disease. The not driving part I'm starting to accept but I'll be 44 in a few weeks and my dad died at 50 from a tonic clonic. The only one he ever had after years of complex partials. His dad died at 63 of the same and well I'd like to be around to my see grand children.

Sorry to be so long. I've never been able to tell anyone this. It probably should have been in the padded room, but here seemed appropriate. Thanks.

Hi Flinnegan

Firstly, I was sorry to hear that you lost both your father and grandfather to epilepsy, it must have clouded your views on exactly what epilepsy is, and the definition of it. Had they been diagnosed with epilepsy, or were their deaths unexpected? I was thinking along the lines of SUDEP, are you familiar with this? Sudden Unexplained Death in Epilepsy.

Having just completed and passed a four year university course in epilepsy care and management, I have to say two things in response to your thread.

First of all, I have never ever heard of epilepsy being referred to as a disease, it is a neurological condition, or as was defined by the British neurologist Hughlings Jackson a century ago as a "recurrent, episodic, uncontrolled discharge of nerve tissue".

Secondly, being diagnosed with epilepsy is certainly not a death sentence. Between two and three in every 100 members of the population have recurrent seizures at some time in their lives, fortunately, the majority of these people do not have epilepsy throughout their lives.

I have had epilepsy now for twenty three years, and I'm happy to be able to report that I am seizure free. I would like to say though, that the most terrifying part of having epilepsy, was having the aura, or Simple Partial Seizure. Although the consciousness is not affected during a seizure of this type, when I had one, I was extremely scared, confused, experiencing a variety of emotions, feelings, and generally being in a state of total and absolute terror, I would have the taste and smell, the typical deja-vu, all the symptoms associated with TLE. It was when the electrical activity spread (secondary generalised) that I wasn't "there", I always said that it wasn't me that suffered with epilepsy, but the people around me, as, during a seizure of this type, I was really out of it, so I had no idea what was going on, but with the aura, God, I sure as hell knew what was going on, and I can honestly say, that it was the most terrifying thing I have ever experienced! I would not wish it on my worst enemy. I can however, sort of understand you almost enjoying them, I have read that many people see them as almost a religious experience, a kind of high, almost like being on some kind of "trip" but you try being without them for a while, and I can guarantee, that you will not miss "your friends" at all!

Epilepsy, is not a progressive disease, I'm not sure where you got that from, but I have never ever heard that one before. Some people, such as myself, can be considered for surgery, as long as, after a series of indepth tests and monitoring, it is found that there is a definate focus on the brain, and it can be determined exactly where the seizures start in the brain. After many years of taking various anti-convulsants, I began these tests, and a focus was found, and luckily, I was an ideal candidate for brain surgery.

A diagnosis of epilepsy, is as I have said, not an end to your life, and of course, once a suitable drug regime can be decided, and wether the epilepsy is symptomatic (with a known cause), or idiopathic/cryptogenic (no known cause) most people can lead a completely normal life. Unfortunately, it is society that sees epilepsy as a disability, I have never considered myself to be disabled, and, if epilepsy is the only medical condition I have to put up with in my life, I will consider myself to be very fortunate.

I'm seizure free, and I mean all types of seizure, I have no auras, no tastes, no deja-vu, nothing, I am a totally new person, I will be able to drive again soon, and thanks to my wonderful brain surgeon, and the care I've had from the hospital in London, "normal service has been resumed" I am me again, and living proof, that epilepsy, is NOT a progressive disease!! Stop worrying!!! I don't know where you got that from!!

Best Regards

Elaine x

 

[Elaine H]

Hi There

Very quickly, you are displaying the classic signs of Simple Partial Seizures, or Auras, this is epileptic activity, it is regarded as epilepsy, and needs to be investigated. You need to find out what causes it, and what to do about it, it sounds as though you would benefit from some sort of drug regime, they are happening regularly, and 30 seconds is a long time to be going through a seizure, a lot can happen to you during that time, I so hope that you don't drive?!

The Simple Partial Seizure can lead to Complex Partial, and then Tonic Clonic seizures, then you will have all sorts of problems.

Please feel free to write back to me, but I would so advise you to get checked out, and fast, there are a lot of great people on CWE, and you will only get help and support from us all, having epilepsy is NOTHING to be afraid or ashamed of ok?

Cheers

Elaine x

 

[BSchroth]

Hi Elaine,
Thank you for responding so quickly. I really need to talk to other people who are, or have gone through this. It's so hard to understand. My son was diagnosed with complex partial epilepsy in July of 08(he's 10 yrs old). He is taking Depakote ER (500mg a day) and Trileptal (300mg a day). The docs at the hosp. recommended increasing his Trileptal and weening him off of the Depakote. I have spoken to his neurologist and that is the plan. Hopefully he responds well to the medication adjustment, it's so hard watching your child go through something like this.