Focal seizures affect a small area of the brain and can be simple or complex, with symptoms including muscle spasms, numbness, and blurred vision. Medical evaluation is important, and treatment may include medication or surgery, while maintaining a healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk of seizures.
Focal seizures affect a small area of the brain, while generalized seizures affect the entire brain. Also called partial seizures, focal seizures are classified as simple or complex, depending on whether or not a person is conscious during the episode. A seizure can happen unexpectedly to anyone, although it’s more common in people with congenital epilepsy, recent head trauma, or stroke. Some symptoms of focal seizures include uncontrollable facial movements, abnormal tingling or numbness sensations, or muscle twitching.
A simple partial seizure is one during which the person remains aware of what is happening. Mixed electrical signals in a small area of the brain cause muscle spasms on one or both sides of the body, strange facial movements or tics, numbness, and blurred vision. An individual may begin to feel nauseous, lightheaded, and confused. The episodes can further lead to hallucinations, increased heart rate, changes in smell or hearing, and slurred speech.
Complex focal seizures involve a decline in consciousness and memory during or after an episode. An individual may lose consciousness during a seizure and be unable to remember exactly what happened. In most cases, a complex partial seizure follows a simple seizure. An episode can occur while asleep or awake, and many people report that their attacks generate feelings of déjà vu. Both simple and complex seizures can last from a few seconds to about five minutes.
It is possible for people to experience just one simple or complex focal seizure in their life, without any warning or including medical reason. Individuals who have congenital epilepsy, head injuries, strokes, or brain tumors experience multiple partial seizures over time. Bacterial and viral infections can also lead to seizures, and people with meningitis and encephalitis are particularly at risk for seizures. Short- or long-term drug and alcohol abuse affects chemicals and electrical signals in the brain, which can sometimes cause partial seizures.
Medical evaluation and treatment are very important after a person experiences a focal attack. A doctor usually does an electroencephalogram (EEG) test to check for abnormal electrical activity in the brain. During EEG testing, specialists attach several small electrodes to the scalp to record electrical signals and represent accurate readings on a computer screen. The EEG results, along with other medical imaging scans and blood tests, can help doctors determine the cause of the seizures along with the best ways to prevent future episodes.
Many people are prescribed medications to help control and prevent their epilepsy. Infections are usually treated with antibiotics, and brain tumors may need to be surgically removed. Additionally, anyone can help preserve brain health and reduce the risk of seizures by abstaining from medications, getting plenty of sleep, exercising regularly, and maintaining a good diet.
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