Partial seizures are an electrical discharge in a specific, localized area of the brain. There are different types of partial seizures, with each seizure having a different outcome. This is due to the fact that different parts of the brain control different functions. The cortex, also known as the thinking part of the brain, is divided into four lobes: the frontal lobe, the temporal lobe, the parietal lobe, and the occipital lobe. Other, deeper structures in the brain are associated with life support functions, movement, and other semi automatic behaviors.
At the rear end of the frontal lobe is the motor strip. This signals muscles to move. A seizure in this part of the brain will cause uncontrolled movements or twitching of the body. These seizures can last for a few seconds to a few minutes. Near the top of the motor strip are the nerves that control leg muscles, while lower in the motor strip are the nerves that control muscles located in the trunk of the body, the arms, fingers, face, and mouth. If a seizure spreads along the motor strip, the twitching can be seen moving from place to place along the body. Behind the motor strip is an area that controls skin sensation. If a seizure originates in this location it can cause tingling in the body, although most sensations of skin tingling are not because of a seizure.
At the rear of the head is the occipital lobe which controls vision by use of brain cells. A seizure that originates here can cause flashing lights, shimmering lines, or even visual hallucinations.
The Difference between Simple Partial Seizures and Complex Partial Seizures
The temporal lobe is located on either side of the head, under the area of the ears. Seizures are very likely to occur in this lobe. This area of the brain is responsible for complex activities such as memory and the control of emotional states. If a seizure begins in one side of the temporal lobe and spreads to the temporal lobe on the other side of the brain, it can cause a pause in activity, confusion, temporary memory loss, and fragmentary automatic behavior. This is the most common type of seizure in adults. This is a complex partial seizure.
If awareness is preserved, memory is preserved, and consciousness is preserved, the seizure is considered a simple partial seizure. If any of these three are impaired then the seizure is considered a complex partial seizure. Someone experiencing a complex partial seizure may live in what seems to be a moment to moment world. People experiencing this type of seizure may repeat an action or their words and then keep repeating the same action or words not realizing what they are doing. They may experience anatomatism which includes fumbling their hands, smacking their lips, or even grabbing tightly onto things during the seizure. Others suffering from a complex partial seizure may stare blankly into space with little or no movement at all.
After experiencing a complex partial seizure, people will not remember what was said, what they did during the seizure, or even that they had a seizure at all. Their memory will reflect what was happening before the seizure and what happened after the seizure, but there will be a gap in their memory during the time their seizure took place. If you or someone you love is experiencing seizures, it is very important to make sure you see a physician.
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