If a SPS affects alertness, it is called a Complex Partial Seizure (CPS). CPS’s are the most common manifestation of epilepsy. Both SPS’s and CPS’s can propagate to involve the whole brain and cause a generalized seizure, also known as a “Grand mal” seizure.

Most types of seizures do not cause damage to the brain. However, having a prolonged, uncontrolled seizure can cause harm. Because of this, treat any seizure lasting over 5 minutes as a medical emergency.

Seizures are brought on by surges of electrical energy in your brain. With a complex partial seizure, the surge happens only on one side and in a specific area. It’s called “partial” because only one part of your brain is affected. During this type of seizure, you may not be able to control your movements or talk.

Once diagnosed, seizures — including complex partial seizures — can be managed through a variety of treatment options. In some cases, children will outgrow the seizures. If you think that you or someone you know is having seizures, it’s important to talk to a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Focal Onset Impaired Awareness Seizures (complex partial seizures) content highlights. A seizure that starts in one area or side of the brain and the person is not aware of their surroundings during it is called focal (onset) impaired awareness seizure.

Two of the most commonly used medicines to treat partial seizures are carbamazepine (Tegretol and other brand names) and lamotrigine (Lamictal). Other choices include valproate (Depakote), oxcarbazepine (Trileptal), gabapentin (Neurontin) and topiramate (Topamax).

Complex partial seizures that begin in the frontal lobe tend to be shorter than seizures originating in the temporal lobe. After the seizure, the person will be fatigued, disoriented, and confused.

Areas of the brain important for some types of seizures, for example partial seizures, are the same areas of the brain involved in emotions and responding to stress. Stress can cause problems sleeping which is also a seizure trigger.

Some states will license people with seizure disorders if they only have seizures during sleep (nocturnal epilepsy), or if they have simple partial seizures in which they remain aware and able to drive safely. Some people have a long aura (or warning) before a seizure, allowing them to pull safely off the road.

Focal seizures can get worse if they are not treated, allowing for more serious symptoms to develop.

A simple partial seizure can cause: a general strange feeling that’s hard to describe. a “rising” feeling in your tummy – like the sensation in your stomach when on a fairground ride. a feeling that events have happened before (déjà vu)

Complex partial seizures refer to focal seizures that start in one hemisphere of the brain and are associated with impairment in consciousness. Complex partial seizures are now preferably called “focal impaired awareness seizure” or “focal onset impaired awareness seizure.”

Focal Onset Impaired Awareness Seizures (complex partial seizures) Many treatment options are available, including medications, diet, surgery, and devices.

Complex partial status epilepticus (CPSE) implies impairment of consciousness caused by seizures with a focal cortical origin. Nonconvulsive SE (NCSE) consists of absence SE (ASE) or complex partial SE (CPSE). Both present with a clear change in consciousness.

International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) 2017 classification has categorized seizures based on three key features: the location of seizure onset, level of awareness during a seizure, and other features of seizures. Focal seizures refer to epileptiform activity starting in one area on one side of the brain.