A complex partial seizure arises in one region in the brain. The affected site is typically, but not the temporal lobe on the brain at all times.
Even though common among those with epilepsy, this type of seizure can also occur among those with cerebral palsy. It is characterized by uncontrolled movement of the limbs or other body parts.
Generally, the seizures are brief, and the individual is unaware of their surroundings. In addition, the individual might experience loss of consciousness for a short span of time.
What are the signs?
A complex partial seizure has a variety of potential symptoms. Nevertheless, these signs might arise during one episode and not on the next.
These seizures typically last for a few minutes. An episode that starts in the frontal lobe are generally brief than those that originate in the temporal lobe.
The signs often arise abruptly, and the individual is not even aware of having one such as:
- Inability to respond
Generally, the seizures are brief, and the individual is unaware of their surroundings. In addition, the individual might experience loss of consciousness for a short span of time. - Staring blankly or appears as if daydreaming
- Saying out words repeatedly
- Waking up abruptly
- Smacking the lips, swallowing or moving the mouth repeatedly
- Laughing, screaming or crying
- Hallucinations
- Performing actions that might can potentially endanger themselves such as removing clothes or walking in front of moving cars
- Being unaware either completely or partially of their environment
- Performing motions like riding a bicycle
- Attempting to hurt themselves
- Unable to recall the episode when it has ended
- Confusion once an episode ends
What are the causes?
Even though epilepsy is a usual cause of complex partial seizures, there are also other causes such as:
- Extreme stress
- Psychological trauma or distress
- Neurological ailments
- Autism
- Depression and anxiety
- Neurofibromas
- Other health conditions related to the brain
- Trauma before birth
Management of a complex partial seizure
Various forms of treatment are used for this type of seizure once the condition has been diagnosed. The following are some of the usual treatment options:
- Dietary changes
- Antiepileptic drugs
- Surgery
- Responsive neurostimulation
- Stimulation of the vagus nerve
The form of treatment utilized is based on the cause of the seizure, presence of other health conditions and factors.