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Partial (focal) seizure
Alternative Names: Simple seizure; Complex seizure; Jacksonian seizure; Seizure - partial (focal) Symptoms: Patients with focal seizures can have any of the symptoms below. Patients with simple focal seizures do not lose consciousness and will be aware and remember the events that occur at the time. Patients with complex partial seizures will have abnormal consciousness and may or may not remember any or all of the symptoms or events surrounding the seizure. abnormal motor control rhythmic muscle contraction/relaxation (clonic activity) -- common affecting one side of the body (leg, part of the face, or other isolated area) abnormal head movements forced turning of the head automatisms -- purposeless, complex movement (such as picking at clothes) abnormal mouth behaviors lip smacking chewing/swallowing without cause automatisms usually indicate the seizure is complex forced turning of the eyes abnormal sensations numbness, tingling, crawling sensation, etc. may occur in only one part of the body or may spread may occur with or without motor symptoms hallucinations (visual, hearing, touch, smells, etc.) abdominal pain or discomfort nausea sweating flushed face dilated pupils rapid heart rate/pulse Other symptoms: black out spells -- periods of time lost from memory changes in vision sensation of deja vu changes in mood or emotion Text Continues Below Signs and tests: The diagnosis is based on the symptoms, taking into consideration the patient's other history. It is extremely difficult to diagnose a single focal seizure. However, the diagnosis is easier to make in patients who have recurrent, stereotyped episodes --especially if there are risk factors such as a history of head injury. Page:  1 | 2 | Next >>