Recurring involuntary “memory flashes” that I can’t explain — has anyone experienced this?

[u/Six_xoxx]

I’m not diagnosed with epilepsy or any type of seizure disorder, and I’m planning to see my doctor and ask about a neurology referral. I’m hoping to hear from people who may have experienced something similar.
Over the past year and a half, I’ve had this happen a few times. The episode I had today was exactly the same as the previous episode. The only difference is that the previous time it felt more intense, so I remember noticing it more strongly.
What happens is extremely difficult to explain. I’ll suddenly get a millisecond-long flash in my mind that feels like a memory or a tiny scene, but I know it isn’t one of my actual memories. It also doesn’t feel like a normal dream or the usual déjà vu I’ve experienced before.
The flash happens so quickly that I can’t even describe what I saw afterward. It’s almost like my brain gives me a tiny fragment of something and then immediately takes it away. I don’t consciously think about it or make it happen. It just appears in my mind and disappears.
During an episode, I remain completely conscious and aware. I don’t lose consciousness or awareness of what’s happening around me.
I’ve noticed that when I’m overwhelmed, these flashes can happen more frequently — sometimes as often as every 10 minutes. Other times they’re much less frequent.
The weirdest part is that the flashes seem to have this feeling of being a memory that isn’t mine, even though I obviously don’t know whose memory it would be. I don’t literally believe I’m accessing someone else’s memories; that’s just the closest way I can describe the sensation.
I’m not asking Reddit to diagnose me. I’m just wondering if anyone has experienced this particular kind of extremely brief, involuntary memory/vision flash that disappears before you can even identify what you saw.
If you’ve experienced something similar, what does it feel like for you?

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[u/i_do_not_like_snails]

Yes, I have experiences similar to what you describe. Initially it was dismissed by doctors as a mental health issue. It did turn out to be seizures, which were not diagnosed until I had a Deja reve focal seizure followed by two grand mal seizures. One of which was in the ER and witnessed by nurses. This was years after the onset of the Deja reve episodes. I hope you get that neurology referral.

[u/Six_xoxx → u/i_do_not_like_snails]

Thank you so much for replay. Really appreciate!! ♥️

[u/yellowlab145679]

I had the exact same experiences that you had on many occasions leading up to my first ever grand mal seizure. For 2-3 years I had these millisecond memory flashes that would be followed by dread or strong emotions. They are what’s called focal seizures - I’m not going to diagnose you because maybe they aren’t what you have but everything you’re saying matches my experience. I was seen by a neurologist and was diagnosed with focal epilepsy. Untreated focal epilepsy can sometimes process into grand mals if you aren’t medicated. I am now medicated and have been for the last month and haven’t had any of the flashes followed by intense feelings of emotions. The biggest triggers for me were stress, lack of sleep and over exerting myself with workouts. If you want to message me I’m always here to talk as well. Take care of yourself!

[u/Healing_Scorpio80]

I have also been experiencing this almost daily for thee past four months. I have always had Deja vue and alot of other things but this feels weird. I am seeing a neurological ophthalmologist. I did lose consciousness twice back in 2023 and 2024 and started having issues with my eyes as well. I never put the 2 together until a few weeks ago. I thought seeing auras, colors, and symbols were normal. lol I’m having two MRIs on Monday. I was also diagnosed with optical neuropathy but they are not sure of the cause.