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Alternative names Return to top
Seizure - complex; Complex seizureDefinition Return to top
A partial complex seizure is a brief and temporary alteration in brain function. It is caused by abnormal electrical activity in a specific, discrete area of the brain. The seizure is characterized by a change in alertness or awareness, behavioral or emotional symptoms, and temporary loss of memory. See also temporal lobe seizure.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
Partial complex seizures may occur at any age, as a single episode or as a repeated, chronic condition (seizure disorder, epilepsy). They are uncommon in very young children.
During the normal functioning of the brain, information is transmitted from nerve cell to nerve cell by an electrochemical process. This process can be detected as electrical activity by an electroencephalograph (EEG). Abnormal patterns of electrical activity are associated with seizures.
Given sufficient circumstances, any person will have a seizure. Partial complex seizures are usually the result of abnormal electrical activity in the temporal lobes of the brain. The most common cause is when a specific area of the brain has been damaged by lack of oxygen, trauma, brain tumors, or discrete brain lesions of any sort.
In tissue studies, about 47% of children with partial complex seizures were found to have hippocampal sclerosis (hardening in the area of the brain called the hippocampus).
Symptoms Return to top
Signs and tests Return to top
The diagnosis is based primarily on the symptoms of the patient. The diagnosis of the cause begins with a completephysical examination, including a detailed neuromuscular examination, blood tests, and a possible lumbar puncture to rule out infection of the central nervous system.Treatment Return to top
You should write down details of the seizure so you can report them to the health care provider. Include the date and time of the seizure, how long it lasted, which body parts were affected, the type of movements or other symptoms, possible causes, and other factors noted.Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
Seizures can occur as a single isolated incident, at closely repeated intervals (recurrent multiple seizures), or at various intervals (episodic, paroxysmal). Seizures that recur with little or no observable cause are most commonly associated with seizure disorders (epilepsy). This is a chronic, lifelong condition.
Seizures that occur singly or in a closely associated group are commonly caused by an acute condition such as brain injury. They may occur as an isolated incident, or they may develop into a chronic seizure disorder. Seizures within the first two weeks of a brain injury do not necessarily mean that a chronic seizure disorder will develop.
A seizure-free period may mean that medications may be reduced or eliminated. Medications should be changed only under the supervision of the health care provider.
Death or permanent brain damage from seizures is rare, but either can occur if the seizure is prolonged or many seizures occur soon after each other.
Serious injury can occur if the seizure happens while the person is driving or operating dangerous equipment. These activities may be restricted for people with poorly controlled seizure disorders. Infrequent seizures may not severely restrict lifestyle. Work, school, and recreation do not necessarily need to be restricted.
Complications Return to top
Calling your health care provider Return to top
Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if the seizure lasts longer than usual for the person. In addition, repeated seizures are an emergency situation if consciousness or normal behavior is NOT regained between them. (This is called status epilepticus.)Prevention Return to top
Treatment of any underlying disorders may reduce the risk of developing seizures. In many cases, however, the seizures may not be preventable. Update Date: 11/17/2002 Updated by: Galit Kleiner-Fisman, MD, Beth-Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |