Complex partial seizures and partial seizures

Partial seizures, also known as focal seizures, occur in one distinct region of the brain, usually the temporal or frontal lobe. The nature of partial seizures is usually determined by the function of the part of the brain where they occur. A seizure in the motor cortex area of the brain, for example, might cause an arm or leg to jerk uncontrollably. There are basically three types of partial seizure: simple partial, complex partial and partial seizures that develop into secondarily generalized seizures.

In a simple partial seizure, consciousness is not impaired, but either one limb (or part of a limb) will rhythmically twitch. A patient also will experience unusual tastes or sensations, such as a feeling of “pins and needles,” in a distinct part of the body. If a simple partial seizure develops into another type of seizure, it is often called a “warning” or “aura.”

Complex partial seizures differ from partial seizures in that consciousness is affected. This type of seizure usually begins with a blank or empty stare, and awareness changes, even though the seizure does not involve convulsions. The patient might fiddle with her clothes or nearby objects, wander around, or experience general confusion. This type of seizure usually lasts two to four minutes and involves the temporal lobes of the brain, but may also affect the frontal and parietal lobes.

If either of these types of seizure spreads to involve the whole brain, your seizure is called a secondarily generalized seizure.