Focal Aware Seizures (Simple Partial Seizures)

Overview

• Focal Aware Seizure: Begins in one side of the brain without confusion or loss of awareness.
• Formerly Known As: Simple partial seizures.
• Common Among: People with epilepsy.

Who is at Risk?

• Anyone can experience focal aware seizures.
• Higher likelihood in individuals with:
  • Head injuries
  • Brain infections
  • Stroke
  • Brain tumors
• Often, the cause is unknown.

Experience During a Focal Aware Seizure

• Individuals remain fully awake and alert.
• May appear "frozen" and unable to respond.
• Seizures are brief (less than 2 minutes).
• Symptoms depend on the brain part affected:
  • Shaking of a body part
  • Abnormal sensations
  • Nausea
  • Visual symptoms (e.g., flashing lights)

Differential Diagnosis

• Symptoms can be similar to other conditions:
  • Stomach disorders
  • Pinched nerves
  • Psychiatric illnesses
  • Migraines
  • Transient ischemic attacks (TIA)

Post-Seizure

• Individuals typically resume previous activities immediately.
• May serve as an aura before more severe seizures.

Frequency of Occurrence

• Varies significantly:
  • Daily occurrences in some
  • Rare in others

Identification

• May be hard to detect without patient’s disclosure due to maintained awareness.

Diagnosis

• Methods:
  • Thorough medical history and physical examination.
  • EEG: Detects abnormal electrical discharges, but absence of changes doesn’t rule out seizures.
  • MRI/CT Scans: May reveal structural causes.

Treatment Options

• Anti-seizure Medications
• Devices
• Surgery
• Dietary Therapies
• Consult with an epileptologist if seizures are uncontrolled.

Steps to Take

• Report suspected seizures to a doctor immediately for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Authorship and Review

• Authored By: Elaine Kiriakopoulos MD, MSc
• Reviewed By: Robert Fisher MD, PhD

Additional Resources

• Epilepsy Centers: Diagnosis and treatment options.
• Medication Information: Understanding anti-seizure medications.
• 24/7 Helpline: Support and information from epilepsy specialists.
• Tools & Resources: Management tips and more.