caret icon Back to all discussions

Is it epilepsy?

Hi, I don't know if it is a right community to reach out to, so sorry in advance.

Almost every day when I lay down and think about my day, certain things I have done etc. all of a sudden, I get these weird hallucinations (?) I can lay down for about a minute and just have this vision all of a sudden, not even closing my eyes. Thing is I'm never actually asleep or smth. when this occurs. I have my eyes wide open, I hear everything around me, I just cannot stop seeing what my brain shows me. It's usually pretty weird or terrifying even. It just feels like my brain is getting lost. Most of the time, I'm suddenly focusing on some item or person. It's almost like a flash. I don't know how to describe it better. Then it just happens, I cannot get out of this vision or feeling even though I'm fully aware of it. The image is distorted and it feels like I'm running away or hiding from something terrifying. It's not like there's some demon chasing me or whatever, its just my typical everyday surroundings and normal people, but they flash before my eyes, get bigger, distorted etc. I think it's just this weird feeling that makes it scary.

I've never had any neurological or psychological problems ever. My mother has epilepsy, not sure what type, but she's just unresponsive.

I can give more details if necessary.

  1. , Hi there! As Derra has shared, thank you so much for reaching out to the community, we're happy that you've found us. Having symptoms that could potentially be epilepsy is undoubtedly scary. Our strongest recommendation would be to definitely check in with your doctor/care team to get a proper assessment to see if it is indeed epilepsy that you may have.

    Additionally, i found this article on our site that you may find helpful: https://epilepsydisease.com/basics

    We are wishing you all the best and please keep us updated if you wish! Warmly, Kailah (Epilepsy Team Member)

    1. Hi there! I personally haven't experienced that with my epilepsy, but seizures/epilepsy come in various forms. However, it can be a sign of Focal sensory visual seizure according to www.epilepsydiagnosis.org/seizure/sensory-overview.html. This is a direct quote from the site "Focal sensory visual seizure- characterized by elementary visual hallucinations such as flashing or flickering lights/colours, or other shapes, simple patterns, scotomata, or amaurosis. More complex visual hallucinations such as seeing formed images are considered a focal cognitive seizure. ”

      I am not a doctor, but check in with your primary care doctor and notify them of your symptoms. Or reach out to a neurologist.

      Derra Howard
      Patient Leader

      Please read our rules before posting.