When explaining a partial seizure, it is important to understand the different regions of the brain and how they control the human body. How a partial seizure affects a person depends upon whether it is a simple or complex seizure, and what specific area of the brain the seizure is happening in.
A simple partial seizure leaves the person's awareness, consciousness, and memory intact, wheras a complex partial seizure affects one or more of these areas. A partial seizure occurs when the brain cells in a specific part of the brain become overexcited with electrical activity.
The cortex of the brain is the outer layer of the brain, and is comprised of the frontal, occipital, temporal, and parietal lobes. The inner parts of the brain contain structures that maintain more automatic functions, life breathing.
The Lobes In the Brain and Their Functions
The temporal lobe plays an important role in memory and emotions, which make it a part of the brain that is used frequently. As such, seizures occur frequently in people in this region of the brain.
A person suffering from a complex partial seizure in this area of the brain could experience seizure activity that spreads from one area of the lobe to the other. This would cause an increase in the way a person's memory, feelings, and behaviors were adversely affected than if it were a simple partial seizure. As a result, a person suffering from this type of seizure may experience confusion, memory loss, and be unable to continue with an ongoing activity.
When a person experiencing a seizure has visual disturbances, then the area responsible is in the back of the brain. This area is called the occipital lobe. It contains neurons that send electrical impulses to the eyes.
A seizure that occurs in the back end of the frontal lobe, along the motor strip area, will cause twitching or jerking of the muscles. This area send impulses to the nerves that control your muscles so they can move voluntarily at your will. Specifically, the upport portion of the motor strip controls muscles in the legs, while the lower region controls muscles in the upper body.
When tingling or numbness (not in the skin) is felt by a person suffering from a seizure, it occurs in the area behind the motor strip.
A person experiencing a complex partial seizure can act in different ways. Some may grasp objects tightly, smack their lips, repeat the same phrases over-and-over, or have staring spells. Unfortunately, because complex partial seizures affect memory, awareness, or consciousness, people have no memories of what occurs during the time they suffer from a seizure.
It is important to determine if you or a loved one is suffering from a seizure and what type it is, which is why an accurate diagnosis is critical. Please see a doctor or neurologist with any questions, or advise your loved one to do so.
