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Epilepsy and paroxysmal conditions

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Epileptic aura in medicine and literature

https://doi.org/10.17749/2077-8333/epi.par.con.2025.234

Abstract

This article investigates the phenomenon of epileptic aura in the context of medicine and literature. An epileptic aura is a focal epileptic seizure that occurs without loss of consciousness and manifests with visual, auditory, olfactory, tactile and other hallucinations. The descriptions of epileptic auras in the literature works of outstanding writers such as M.A. Bulgakov,  F.M. Dostoevsky and L. Carroll are presented. The description of this epilepsy-related manifestation complements the psychological and physical experiences described in the works. The article combines scientific approach to studying epileptic auras and literary analysis, thereby emphasizing its relevance and informative impact for both the medical and literary community.

About the Authors

A. V. Vasilenko
Almazov National Medical Research Center; Mechnikov North-Western State Medical University
Russian Federation

Anna V. Vasilenko, Assoc. Prof.

Scopus Author ID: 35773656400

2 Akkuratov Str., Saint Petersburg 197341; 41 Kirochnaya Str., Saint Petersburg 191015



D. A. Novichkova
Mechnikov North-Western State Medical University
Russian Federation

 Darya A. Novichkova

41 Kirochnaya Str., Saint Petersburg 191015



S. G. Ismailov
Almazov National Medical Research Center
Russian Federation

 Sultan G. Ismailov

2 Akkuratov Str., Saint Petersburg 197341



S. N. Chudievich
Almazov National Medical Research Center
Russian Federation

Sergey N. Chudievich

2 Akkuratov Str., Saint Petersburg 197341



A. S. Zaripov
Saint Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University
Russian Federation

Alexander S. Zaripov

2 Litovskaya Str., Saint Petersburg 194100



V. E. Druzhinina
Mechnikov North-Western State Medical University
Russian Federation

Valeria E. Druzhinina

41 Kirochnaya Str., Saint Petersburg 191015



T. I. Pulotova
Mechnikov North-Western State Medical University
Russian Federation

Takhmina I. Pulotova

41 Kirochnaya Str., Saint Petersburg 191015



E. R. Bannikov
Almazov National Medical Research Center
Russian Federation

Eduard R. Bannikov

2 Akkuratov Str., Saint Petersburg 197341



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Review

For citations:


Vasilenko A.V., Novichkova D.A., Ismailov S.G., Chudievich S.N., Zaripov A.S., Druzhinina V.E., Pulotova T.I., Bannikov E.R. Epileptic aura in medicine and literature. Epilepsy and paroxysmal conditions. 2025;17(3):287-296. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.17749/2077-8333/epi.par.con.2025.234

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ISSN 2077-8333 (Print)
ISSN 2311-4088 (Online)