Understanding Partial (Focal) Seizures: Symptoms and Treatment Strategies

What are seizures and their types?
Seizures happen when electrical signals in the brain malfunction, causing abnormal activity. This sudden surge results in a seizure. There are two main types: generalized seizures, affecting the entire brain, and partial seizures, involving only a specific brain area.

A focal seizure, also known as a partial seizure, can be caused by various factors.

The primary causes include stroke, head injury, high blood pressure, epilepsy, congenital brain anomalies, kidney or liver failure. External factors like bites, infections, drug use, or stings can also trigger partial seizures. They are more common in seniors over 65.

Common symptoms of partial seizures
These seizures impact both physical and emotional well-being and can affect anyone over age 1, sometimes mimicking mental health or neurological disorders. Symptoms typically last seconds to minutes.

Symptoms include:

• Repetitive movements like hand rubbing
• Nausea and unease without clear cause
• Uncontrollable jerking motions
• Feeling sensations like crawling on the skin without reason
• Continuous chewing or oral movements
• Uncontrollable eye movements and pupil dilation
• Memory lapses regarding recent events
• Sudden flushing of face or neck
• Unexplained laughing or crying episodes
• Heightened anxiety and fearfulness
• Profuse sweating without exertion
• Staring spells
• Persistent abdominal pain
• Hallucinations
• Feeling wakeful yet unconscious
• Inability to speak despite clear thoughts
• Local muscle contractions
• Tingling sensations in specific areas
• Walking in repeated circles
• Sudden shifts in mood
• Seeing flashes of light during the day
• Feeling cold then hot unexpectedly
• Sudden increases in heart rate

Severe focal seizures may show generalized signs such as bladder loss, eye rolling, balance issues, breathing difficulties, muscle stiffness, or limpness. Some individuals recover quickly, while others struggle post-seizure.

If symptoms appear, immediate medical consultation is advised. Call emergency services if symptoms last longer than a few minutes.

Treatment options for focal seizures
Diagnosis involves tests like CT scans, MRI scans, and EEGs to evaluate brain activity and pinpoint causes. Identifying the underlying reason guides proper treatment. Early intervention is critical, as seizures can cause emotional distress or suicidal thoughts. Medication is often prescribed to control the condition. Lifestyle modifications such as regular exercise, meditation, and adequate sleep are recommended, and in severe cases, surgery may be considered.