I see bright flashes and dark spots in my vision. Is it epilepsy?

[Beyouandonlyyou]

Okay so I was diagnosed with epilepsy after my first seizure in may this year, I’m 27. I have slow and sharp waves in my frontotemporal regions(both sides) and I have tonic-clonic seizures when I’m asleep 2-3 seizures 1 hour apart. I can go 4 weeks without having any so far.

I have been experiencing headaches, flashes of light and also dark spots in my vision from around the same time the seizures started (I think it was two weeks before my first seizure)

I have had my eyes tested so check for damage to my eyes etc. but I’ve been told everything looks fine and to consult my neurologist.

Could this be me having auras? And if so is it possible to experience auras 95% of the day?

thank you.

[EpilepsyAction1 Partner Epilepsy Action]

Hi Beyouandonlyyou

As your optician has suggested, it would be best to talk to your epilepsy specialist or epilepsy nurse to get a medical diagnosis for these symptoms.

If your symptoms are related to epilepsy, it could be some type of focal seizure. An aura is sometimes used to describe focal seizure. In these seizures the epileptic activity starts in just a part of your brain. You may remain alert during this type of seizure, or you may not be aware of what is happening around you. You may have movements that you can’t control, or unusual sensations or feelings. Focal seizures can be very brief or last for minutes. epilepsy.org.uk/info/seizur....

Focal seizures can happen many times a day. If focal seizures are diagnosed, your specialist will review and alter your epilepsy treatment to help stop these from happening. epilepsy.org.uk/info/treatm...

If we can be of any more help, please feel free to post any further questions on here or phone the Epilepsy Action Helpline freephone 0808 800 5050. Our helpline is open Monday to Friday 8.30am until 5.00pm and Saturday 10.00am until 4.00pm.

Regards

Diane

Helpline Team