What is the term for the sensation experienced by a patient just before a seizure?

The sensation experienced by a patient just before a seizure is known as an aura. An aura is often described as a warning sign or a perceptual disturbance that can occur before the onset of the seizure. Patients may experience various sensations, such as unusual smells, tastes, visual changes, or feelings of déjà vu, which signal to them that a seizure may be imminent. Recognizing an aura can be important for individuals with epilepsy, as it may provide them with an opportunity to take precautions to ensure their safety.

The postictal phase refers to the period following a seizure when the individual may feel confused, fatigued, or disoriented as they recover from the event. The clonic phase pertains to the repetitive jerking movements that occur during a certain type of seizure, and the tonic phase involves the stiffening of the muscles. While all these terms relate to seizures, they do not describe the precursory sensations experienced before a seizure, which is specifically characterized by an aura.