Symptoms
Symptoms of partial seizures are highly variable depending on the specific brain area involved. They can include:
Motor: Jerking, twitching, stiffening of a limb or part of the body.
Sensory: Tingling, numbness, visual disturbances (flashing lights, spots), auditory hallucinations, unusual smells or tastes.
Emotional: Feelings of déjà vu, anxiety, fear, or pleasure.
Autonomic: Sweating, flushing, goosebumps, nausea.
Cognitive: Difficulty speaking, understanding, or remembering.
Complex Partial Seizures (Impaired Awareness): Staring, repetitive movements (lip smacking, hand wringing), wandering, confusion, unresponsiveness.
Causes
The causes of partial seizures are diverse and can include:
Brain injury: Trauma, stroke, surgery.
Brain tumors or lesions.
Infections: Meningitis, encephalitis, brain abscess.
Genetic conditions: Some genetic disorders increase seizure risk.
Developmental abnormalities: Brain malformations present at birth.
Scarring of brain tissue (mesial temporal sclerosis).
Stroke.
Unknown causes (idiopathic).
Medicine Used
Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are the primary treatment for partial seizures. Common medications include:
Carbamazepine
Lamotrigine
Levetiracetam
Oxcarbazepine
Phenytoin
Topiramate
Zonisamide The choice of medication depends on seizure type, individual factors, and potential side effects. Often, a single medication is tried first, and if ineffective, other medications or combinations may be used.
Precautions
While a person is having a seizure, the following precautions are generally advised:
Protect the person from injury: Clear the area of any sharp or dangerous objects.
Do not restrain the person: Allow the seizure to run its course.
Turn the person on their side: This helps prevent choking if they vomit.
Loosen tight clothing around the neck.
Do not put anything in the person's mouth.
Stay with the person until the seizure stops and they are fully alert.
Call for medical help (911 or local emergency number) if:
The seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes.
The person has difficulty breathing or is injured.
The person has another seizure soon after the first.
The person is pregnant or has diabetes.
This is the person's first seizure.
How long does an outbreak last?
Partial seizures are not an outbreak, they are a symptom of a brain disorder. Each individual seizure typically lasts from a few seconds to a few minutes. The overall "duration" of the condition depends on how well it's managed with medication and lifestyle adjustments. Untreated, partial seizures can occur repeatedly over a lifetime.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically involves:
Medical history: Gathering information about the patient's symptoms, past medical conditions, and family history.
Neurological examination: Assessing motor function, sensory function, reflexes, and mental status.
Electroencephalogram (EEG): Recording brain electrical activity to identify abnormal patterns that may indicate seizure activity.
Brain imaging (MRI or CT scan): To look for structural abnormalities in the brain that may be causing the seizures.
Blood tests: To rule out other conditions that may be causing seizures, such as electrolyte imbalances or infections.
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline of symptoms can vary greatly:
Aura (before the seizure): Some individuals experience an aura, which may involve unusual sensations, emotions, or thoughts, that precedes the seizure.
During the seizure: Symptoms occur suddenly and typically last for seconds to minutes.
Postictal phase (after the seizure): Following the seizure, there may be a period of confusion, fatigue, headache, or weakness that can last from minutes to hours.
Important Considerations
Driving: Seizure control is essential for safe driving. Many jurisdictions have laws restricting driving privileges for individuals with seizures.
Lifestyle adjustments: Adequate sleep, stress management, and avoiding alcohol and recreational drugs can help reduce seizure frequency.
Medication adherence: Taking medication as prescribed is crucial for seizure control.
Regular follow-up with a neurologist: Monitoring medication effectiveness and managing potential side effects is important.
Safety: Implement safety measures at home and in the workplace to minimize the risk of injury during a seizure.
Emergency plan: Have a plan in place for what to do if a seizure occurs, including who to call and what information to provide.