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Simple partial seizures

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

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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.

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