Medical Conditions that cause Auras

Some medical conditions cause people to experience a visual disturbance which is commonly called an "aura". Migraine is the most common. This is a trick of vision brought on by a change in brain function. This causes a person to perceive visual effects such as a black spot surrounded by bright flashing lights or zig-zags.

A migraine aura is distracting and uncomfortable. It stops you from seeing properly as it obscures people and objects. It is commonly comes with an intense headache.

On the other hand, a true aura develops subtly in your vision. The color has an energy about it and you can see the color radiating out of people and objects. Above all, there is no headache - in fact, you are left feeling energized when you see a true aura.

The Migraine Aura Foundation is an excellent resource for people who suffer from migraine. It contains pictures and videos of what a migraine aura looks like as well as information on what to do if you are experiencing migraine auras.

People with epilepsy can also experience visual disturbance, which is a valuable warning sign of an impending seizure.

Epileptic auras make people sit up and take notice, with symptoms similar to a migraine aura accompanied by a strange smell, hearing noises or voices, nausea and a general feeling of "something bad is about to happen".

Information on epilepsy can be found at

Epilepsy.com and the Epilepsy Foundation.

Occasionally, an aura may be a symptom of anxiety, depression or mental illness.

Again, this experience is uncomfortable, with a distracting visual disturbance often accompanied by hallucinations, numbness or tingling in the limbs as well as panic symptoms.

Beyond Blue and Depression Guide are great resources if you suffer from anxiety or depression.

The most important thing to remember is this: If seeing an aura makes you feel bad, you need to seek medical help.

Experiencing a true aura should make you feel wonderfully uplifted, connected, peaceful and HAPPY!!

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