The difference between a seizure aura and a partial seizure

On Treatment
Written By Liz Salmi

I was busy last night doing some work on my computer. And then I got a seizure aura.

I said aura, not partial seizure. There is a difference.

A partial seizure would cause me to feel some sort of “ants marching up my arm” sensation, also known as a Jacksonian march. But this was more of a "world spins sideways and time slows down" sensation.

To prevent the aura from turning into a full blown seizure I got up and tottered to the medicine cabinet where I keep the Ativan. I put the pill in my hand but did not take it--I have stuff to do, after all. If I took the Ativan I would have been out for the night.

I sat down on the ground and waited to see how I'd feel next.

The sensation faded away.

I put the pill next to my computer and went back to work as usual.

Liz Salmi

Liz Salmi is Communications & Patient Initiatives Director for OpenNotes at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. Over the last 15 years Liz has been: a research subject; an advisor in patient stakeholder groups; a leader in “patient engagement” research initiatives; and an innovator, educator and investigator in national educational and research projects. Today her work focuses on involving patients and care partners in the co-design of research and research dissemination. It is rumored Liz was the drummer in a punk rock band.

https://thelizarmy.com
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