Psychomotor epilepsy

Psychomotor epilepsy is a type of epilepsy characterized by complex partial seizures and, often, behavioral and emotional disturbances. This condition is now more commonly referred to as temporal lobe epilepsy.

Definition

Psychomotor epilepsy is a disorder in which seizures are accompanied by complex sensory and emotional experiences. These experiences may include hallucinations, fear, euphoria, and even déjà vu. The term "psychomotor" refers to the combination of psychic (relating to the mind) and motor (relating to movement) symptoms that are often seen in this type of epilepsy.

Symptoms

The symptoms of psychomotor epilepsy can vary widely from person to person. They may include:

• Aura: A warning sensation before the onset of a seizure. This can take many forms, including a sense of fear, a feeling of déjà vu, or even a strange taste in the mouth.
• Automatism: Unconscious, automatic behaviors that occur during a seizure. These can include lip smacking, hand wringing, or repetitive swallowing.
• Hallucinations: Sensory experiences that occur without any external stimulus. These can be visual, auditory, or olfactory (smell) in nature.
• Amnesia: Memory loss for the period of time surrounding the seizure.

Causes

Psychomotor epilepsy is most often caused by abnormal electrical activity in the temporal lobe of the brain. This can be due to a variety of factors, including brain injury, infection, stroke, or tumors. In many cases, however, the cause of psychomotor epilepsy is unknown.

Treatment

Treatment for psychomotor epilepsy typically involves medication to control seizures. In some cases, surgery may be recommended to remove the area of the brain where seizures are originating.

See also

• Epilepsy
• Temporal lobe epilepsy
• Aura
• Automatism
• Hallucination
• Amnesia