Partial seizures (simple)

In a simple partial seizure the awareness is preserved. The EEG shows unilateral paroxysmal activity during the attack.

Some examples of patterns of simple partial epileptic seizures:

• motor - causes contralateral movement of the face and limbs. Often movement begins at the angle of the finger and then spreads progressively to the arm, trunk, and then leg and foot - termed Jacksonian epilepsy.
  
  
• versive - seizures arising in the contralateral frontal lobe, affecting the frontal eye field, and causing turning of eyes to the contralateral side.
  
  
• visual - occipital foci may cause crude visual images, for example, balls of light.
  
  
• temporal foci - associated with olfactory hallucinations, for example, burning rubber and feelings of unreality. Autonomic activity, for example, flushing, and sexual sensations may occur.