what it is depends on the type of diagnosis you have.

Schitophrenia people have simular visions and they are caused by a chemical imbalance of the brain. Medication corrects the problem.

If you do not have schizophrenia and have been abused physically, or mentally it is possibly a flashback.

Flashbacks can be a sound, a picture, a smell, a taste, or physical sensations that are associated with the abuse situation.

I have different varieties and came up with my own level for them -

My Mild ones are like you discribed they come and leave just as fast.

My meduims last a bit longer but no pain involved.

The hard ones are very vivid and painful, basically take my breath away, curl the toes type.