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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

Focal seizures Resources
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