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Temporal lobe attacks, caused by scarring or weakness in the brain’s emotional center, can cause mild seizures with symptoms like phantom smells, disorientation, and speech problems. Half of those affected experience auras before an attack. These attacks can escalate into grand mal seizures, which are more dangerous. Diagnosis is done through electronic and magnetic methods, and treatment can include surgery or antiepileptic drugs.
A temporal lobe attack is an attack thought to be caused by tiny scarring or a weakness in the temporal lobe, a section of the brain thought to govern human emotions. The symptoms of seizures are sometimes so mild that people may not realize that what they are experiencing is a seizure. This type of attack can involve phantom smells, disorientation, and problems with speech. In some cases, people may experience involuntary repetitive body movements, especially in the face area. The average duration of a temporal lobe attack is usually a little over a minute.
Most people who experience temporal lobe seizures seem to have some warning that a seizure is imminent. These cues are referred to as auras and sometimes manifest as sudden feelings of panic or anxiety, or an intense feeling of déjà vu. Others report having a strange taste in their mouth before an attack. These auras are generally experienced by about half of people suffering from the condition.
Sometimes a temporal lobe attack can escalate into a full-blown attack, commonly referred to as a “grand mal” attack. When this happens, seizures and unconsciousness may follow. Grand mal seizures are often more dangerous and typically last longer than a temporal lobe seizure. The risk of a temporal lobe attack turning into a grand mal is about 50 percent.
Problems in the temporal lobe are typically diagnosed by the use of two different methods, electronic and magnetic. An electroencephalogram (EEG) is able to trace brain patterns and impulses using electrodes attached to the head. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine uses the magnetic wave to transfer images of the brain that are usually detailed enough to discover blemishes or lesions. In some cases, a plain x-ray can uncover temporal lobe problems, but because the blemishes can be so small, more sophisticated methods are often needed.
Epilepsy is sometimes associated with temporal lobe seizures. This condition is called temporal lobe epilepsy. About half of people diagnosed with epilepsy have this condition.
Treatment for people who experience temporal lobe seizures can vary. If the imperfection in the temporal lobe can be identified, surgery is sometimes considered the best option. For others, antiepileptic drugs can help. These drugs can have side effects such as dizziness, nausea, and weakness. Additionally, many of them could cause serious interactions with other medications and could complicate some existing medical conditions.
