COMPLEX PARTIAL SEIZURES
by Epilepsy Association of Scotland
Epilepsy is a tendency to have recurrent seizures (also called
"fits" or "epileptic attacks"). These result from
disturbances in the brain's normal electrical activity.
Complex partial epilepsy
Complex partial epilepsy is called "partial" because only part of
the brain is affected, and "complex" because the disturbance affects
a number of different functions, often causing a change in awareness. It is
sometimes referred to as temporal lobe epilepsy, and is the most common kind of
partial epilepsy. Excess electrical activity generally begins in the temporal
lobes - the part of the brain which controls emotions, sensations, short-term
memory, and sexual feelings.
Symptoms
Everyone affected by such a seizure feels something different. For example,
you may:
- experience vague, unusual feelings that are difficult to describe
- see life-like dream pictures
- be aware of stronger feelings of anxiety or exhilaration
- feel that familiar things are strange, or vice versa
- sense that time is passing quickly or very slowly
- feel that surroundings are large, very small, distorted, or bizarre
- see well known things take on frightening forms
- experience strange tastes or smells
You may feel muddled afterwards, and have difficulty remembering what
happened. Other people will be aware of your seizure by such actions as:
- plucking at your clothes
- smacking your lips
- vblinking
- swallowing
- performing repeated movements
- speaking in a confused and repetitive way
- walking in a compulsive manner
- clinging to people
Sometimes it is possible to "lose" time, i.e. to go through
motions and actions with no recollection of them when full awareness returns.
Treatment
Anti-epileptic drugs are mainly used to control seizures, and in a majority
of cases they are successful. However, they do need to be taken regularly to
ensure the best possible seizure control. Alcohol can interfere with their
effectiveness, and it is probably best avoided (see "Epilepsy and
alcohol"). A small number of people who do not respond to drug treatment
may be suitable candidates for surgery. Complementary therapies have produced
success in isolated cases. Advice on these different treatments can be sought
from your doctor.
Length of seizure
Most people with epilepsy establish a pattern to their seizures. A seizure
may last a few seconds or a few minutes, but sometimes can last longer, even up
to 20 minutes or more. There may be a period of confusion lasting for some time
after the seizure.
Self-help
For optimum control of seizures, take the anti-epileptic medication as
directed. Most people can reduce the likelihood of seizures by adopting a
healthy lifestyle of regular eating habits, safe exercise, and regular sleep,
and by managing anxiety and stress effectively. Learning simple relaxation
techniques can help.
Find out what pattern your seizures take, since this helps in understanding
what happens during a seizure, and enables you to tell others what is likely to
happen. It also helps others to understand behaviour that is caused by
seizures, and so develop a sympathetic, tolerant, and positive attitude.
Find out about making your home safe (see "Epilepsy in the home - Good
sense about safety") and consider carrying identification which may allow
others to help you if you have a seizure.
Help from others
If, in the course of your seizure, you put yourself in some danger, then
gentle guidance away from the source of danger is required, not restraint.
Others living with you in your home can also help by taking safety precautions,
learning about epilepsy, and knowing about first aid for seizures.
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