Focal seizures

Focal seizures are a type of seizure that originates in just one part of the brain. They are also known as partial seizures. Focal seizures can be further classified into two types: focal aware seizures (previously known as simple partial seizures) and focal impaired awareness seizures (previously known as complex partial seizures).

Symptoms

The symptoms of focal seizures can vary greatly depending on the area of the brain where the seizure originates. Some common symptoms include:

• Sudden changes in mood or emotion
• Altered senses, such as smell, taste, hearing, or vision
• Involuntary jerking of a body part, such as an arm or leg
• Dizziness or vertigo
• Numbness or tingling in a part of the body

Causes

Focal seizures can be caused by a variety of conditions that affect the brain, including:

• Epilepsy
• Brain injury or trauma
• Stroke
• Brain tumor
• Infections of the brain, such as meningitis or encephalitis
• Certain genetic disorders

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of focal seizures typically involves a thorough medical history and physical examination, as well as various tests to assess brain function. These may include:

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

Treatment

The treatment of focal seizures primarily involves medication to control the seizures. In some cases, surgery may be considered if medication is not effective. Other treatments may include:

• Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs)
• Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS)
• Responsive neurostimulation (RNS)
• Deep brain stimulation (DBS)
• Dietary therapy, such as the ketogenic diet

See also

• Generalized seizures
• Epilepsy
• Seizure types
• Antiepileptic drugs

Focal seizures Resources
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