Colorful but invisible fluctuating bio-magnetic or psychic energy fields said to emanate from and surround all living things. Auras are perceptible only to those with the gift of clairvoyance or with special equipment.
Through their colors and intensity, the auras supposedly indicate the mental and physical state of the being emitting them. The colors range through the rainbow’s spectrum, from rosy red to orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple; as emotions change, so do the colors. Different colors seem to be related to different kinds of emotions; for example, red is associated with strong passions, whether anger or lust, while green is associated with calm. In general, the more intense the color, the stronger the emotions being experienced. As one’s health changes, so do the intensities and sizes of the auras; generally, the further the auras extend from the physical body, the stronger the subject’s health. If colors and sizes are weak, small, and dark, the subject is usually considered to be in failing health, with the possibility of death being imminent. Some psychics claim to be able to diagnose specific kinds of physical or mental illness through their analysis of the auras.
An aura refers to a distinctive “warning” sensation that occurs prior to or serves as a precursor to the onset of a migraine attack or a seizure in epilepsy. This peculiar sensation is often experienced by individuals who suffer from these conditions and can manifest as various neurological symptoms. The aura serves as an early indication that an episode is imminent, allowing individuals to prepare or take necessary precautions. These warning sensations can include visual disturbances, such as flashes of light or blind spots, as well as sensory changes, language difficulties, or other perceptual alterations. The precise nature of the aura experienced can vary between individuals and even across different episodes for the same person.
Prior to a migraine attack, individuals may experience various prodromal symptoms that serve as warning signs. These symptoms can include a sense of elation, excessive energy, or drowsiness. Additionally, there may be an increase in thirst or a craving for sweet foods. Some individuals may also encounter visual disturbances, such as flashing lights, blurred or tunnel vision, or difficulties in speaking. Physical manifestations, such as weakness, numbness, or tingling, may occur on one side of the body. Once these prodromal symptoms fade, the migraine headache itself typically commences. It is important to note that the specific symptoms experienced can vary among individuals, and not all individuals will experience prodromal symptoms before a migraine attack.
During an epileptic episode, an aura can manifest as a distorted perception, such as hallucinatory smells or sounds, or a sensation of movement in a specific part of the body. In individuals with temporal lobe epilepsy, a particular type of seizure often begins with a vague sense of discomfort in the upper abdomen. This sensation may be followed by borborygmi, which are rumbling or gurgling sounds originating from the bowel, and a feeling of fullness in the head. These prodromal symptoms can serve as indicators of an impending seizure and vary in their nature and intensity between individuals. Recognizing and understanding these auras can aid in anticipating and managing the subsequent epileptic episodes effectively.
A feeling that occurs just before an epileptic seizure, which can manifest as visual flashes, localized irritation like in the thumb, or other sensations. This warning may allow the individual to move to a safer location before the seizure takes place.