Complex Partial Seizures
What is a "complex partial" seizure?
The complex partial seizures are a lot different than the simple partial seizures. The complex really arise principally in temporal lobe structures, but they're different in that the person is actually unconscious. Now, these complex partials may just be a loss of consciousness or they could also generalize and become a generalized type of seizure.
What triggers a complex partial seizure?
Complex partial seizures arise and are triggered from temporal lobe structions. As I indicated earlier about the amygdala and the hippocampus, both of these structures are part of limbic circuitry in the brain that deals with emotions. There are other functions as well. Stress could be a role in triggering this type of complex partial seizure. It should be noted that the complex partial seizures are characterized by an aura. As mentioned earlier, an aura is some kind of a warning sign that occurs prior to the actual seizure. So, this is something like a very strong smell of smoke, fire, or burning. Someone gets this olefactory aura prior to the seizure. Then of course in this type of complex partial seizure, the person becomes unconscious, not remembering anything about the actual seizure. However, some people remember the aura that occurred before the seizure started.
What happens to the brain and body during a complex partial seizure?
Complex partial seizures may actually start out first with some automatisms. Automatisms are uncontrolled, automatic movements. Lip smacking is one of them, as is moving the hand in a very funny manner. These automatisms often occur at the beginning of the complex partial seizure, and then usually the complex partial seizures will generalize. We'll have tonic and clonic aspects to the seizure that we discussed for some of the other seizures early on.
What are the dangers of complex partial seizures?
The danger of complex partial seizures, or having this type of epilepsy, is the fact that it's unpredictable when they are going to hit. One never knows. It's very hard to hold down a job when you suffer from complex partial seizures. It's very hard to control these seizures. As I mentioned, one of the surgical procedures for epilepsy, specifically this type of epilepsy, is the temporal lobectomy. I think it's very hard to live with this kind of epilepsy, and I would suggest getting physician care and medicines, and seeing if there are medicines that will be effective to try to control these complex partial seizures.
What treatments are available to a person who has complex partial seizures?
Complex partial seizures include those seizures where there is a loss of conscious. The common drugs, the first line of treatment involve Tegretol and Dilantin. However there are many new drugs that out there for people suffering from complex partial seizures. They can be used together with one of these or substitute for one these that are initially used. Lamictal is one of the drugs that have been useful.
What do I do if I feel I'm going to have a complex partial seizure?
If you feel you are going to have a complex partial seizure, there's very little that you can do. If you're having a complex partial seizure, you're going to be unconscious, so there's hardly anything that you'll be aware of until you actually regain consciousness. Hopefully you'll remember the aura, and the aura may give you or the doctor a clue as to where in the brain the seizures are arising from. For the most part though, you won't remember much.
What do I do if I see someone having a complex partial seizure?
If you see someone having a complex partial seizure they will start displaying these automatisms initially. I think it's at this point that you should realize a seizure is about; a generalized seizure may come very quickly on the heels of these automatisms. If that's the case, and usually it is, then you should clear the area. Try and make the person as comfortable as possible. If you have a pillow, put it under the head, and basically, clear the area. Do the things that you did for a person who had a generalized seizure.
