Focal epilepsy

Focal epilepsy is a type of epilepsy that originates in just one part of the brain. The seizures in focal epilepsy are generated from a network of neurons in one area of the brain, known as the seizure focus. This is different from generalized epilepsy, where seizures seem to involve all parts of the brain at once.

Symptoms

The symptoms of focal epilepsy can vary greatly depending on the specific area of the brain where the seizures originate. Some common symptoms include:

• Involuntary movements
• Altered consciousness
• Distorted perceptions
• Emotional changes

Causes

The causes of focal epilepsy can be diverse and are often difficult to identify. Some potential causes include:

• Brain injury
• Brain tumor
• Stroke
• Infection of the brain
• Genetic disorders

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of focal epilepsy typically involves a detailed medical history, a neurological examination, and various tests such as:

• Electroencephalogram (EEG)
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Positron emission tomography (PET)

Treatment

Treatment for focal epilepsy usually involves medication, but can also include surgery or other therapies if medication is not effective. The goal of treatment is to control, stop, or decrease the frequency of the seizures without interfering with the patient's quality of life.

See also

• Epilepsy
• Generalized epilepsy
• Seizure
• Neurology

References

Focal epilepsy Resources
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