on the same side or to both sides. Auras are particularly common in focal seizures. If the motor cortex is involved in the overstimulation of neurons, motor auras can result. Likewise, somatosensory auras (such as tingling, numbness, and pain) can result if the somatosensory cortex is involved. When the primary somatosensory cortex is activated, more discrete parts on the opposite side of the body and the secondary somatosensory areas result in symptoms ipsilateral to the seizure focus. Visual auras can be simple or complex. Simple visual symptoms can include static, flashing, or moving lights/shapes/colors caused mostly by abnormal activity in the primary visual cortex. Complex visual auras can include people, scenes, and objects which results from stimulation of the temporo-occipital junction and is lateralized to one hemifield. Auditory auras can also be simple (ringing, buzzing) or complex (voices, music). Simple symptoms can occur from activation in the primary auditory cortex and complex symptoms from the temporo-occipital cortex at the location of the auditory association areas. Examples An aura sensation can include one or a combination of the following: Visual changes Bright lights and blobs Zigzag lines Distortions in the size or shape of objects Vibrating visual field Scintillating scotoma Shimmering, pulsating patches, often curved Tunnel vision Scotoma Blind or dark spots Curtain like effect over one eye Slowly spreading spots Kaleidoscope effects Temporary blindness in one or both eyes Heightened sensitivity to light Auditory changes Hearing voices or sounds that do not exist: auditory hallucinations Modification of voices or sounds in the environment: buzzing, tremolo, amplitude modulation or other modulations Heightened sensitivity to hearing Vestibular dysfunction causing vertigo Other sensations Strange smells (phantosmia) or tastes (gustatory hallucinations) Heightened sensitivity to smell Synesthesia Déjà vu or jamais vu Cephalic aura, a perception of movement of the head or inside the head Abdominal aura, such as an epigastric rising sensation Nausea A sudden feeling of anxiety, fear, or foreboding Numbness or tingling (paresthesia) Weakness on one side of the body (hemiparesis) Feelings of being separated from or floating above one's body (dissociation) Sensation of limbs or teeth growing Feeling of overheating and sudden perspiration Inability to speak (aphasia) or slurred speech See also References External links Medical terminology Symptoms and signs of mental disorders Hallucinations Epilepsy Migraine