Not every seizure looks like full-body convulsions. Partial onset seizures — now often called focal seizures — start in one area of the brain, so symptoms depend on where they begin. That makes them tricky to spot, but knowing the typical signs and what to do can really help.
Partial onset seizures can be tiny and short or obvious and disruptive. Simple focal seizures don’t affect awareness: someone might feel a sudden tingling in a hand, hear a buzzing, or have a weird taste. Complex focal seizures change awareness — the person may stare blankly, perform repeated movements like lip-smacking, or act confused for a minute or two. Some focal seizures spread and turn into a generalized tonic-clonic seizure (the stiff-and-jerk type).
Lots of things can trigger focal seizures. Think stroke, head injury, brain tumor, infections (like encephalitis), long-standing epilepsy, or developmental problems. Sometimes there’s no clear cause. Doctors use EEG tests to look for abnormal brain activity and MRI scans to spot structural problems. If seizures are rare or subtle, ambulatory EEG or video EEG monitoring helps catch events that don’t show up during a short clinic test.
Treatment usually starts with anti-seizure medication. Common choices for focal seizures include carbamazepine, lamotrigine, levetiracetam, and oxcarbazepine — the exact drug and dose depend on age, side effects, and other health issues. If meds don’t control seizures, options include epilepsy surgery (removing the problem area), responsive neurostimulation, or vagus nerve stimulation. Lifestyle steps — regular sleep, limiting alcohol, and managing stress — also lower seizure risk.
What should you do if someone has a focal seizure? If it’s a simple focal event and they’re fully aware, stay calm and ask if they’re okay. If awareness is impaired or they’re making odd movements, keep them safe: clear hard objects away, cushion their head if they fall, and time the event. Don’t put anything in their mouth. Roll them on their side only if they are at risk of choking or if they have vomited.
Call emergency services if the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes, if seizures come one after another without recovery, if the person is injured, pregnant, or having trouble breathing, or if it’s the first seizure. After a seizure, people often feel tired, confused, or sore — offer a quiet place to rest and stay until they recover.
Driving, work, and daily activities may need adjustment after diagnosis — rules vary by country, so talk with your neurologist and local licensing agency. If you or someone you care for has new or changing seizure patterns, see a neurologist promptly. With the right plan, many people with focal seizures live active, full lives.
Creating a seizure action plan for partial onset seizures involves preparation, communication, and knowledge of the condition. A well-designed plan ensures safety and quick response during a seizure event. This article guides you through the necessary steps to develop an effective and personalized seizure action plan.
Health and Wellness