Partial seizures are a type of seizure that happens in just one part of the brain. These small seizures are often harmless, but can be frightening for people who have them and for those who know someone who does.
Symptoms of partial seizures depend on the part of the brain that is affected by the electrical surge, which is what causes the seizure to happen in the first place. Some of the symptoms may include:
Feelings and sensations that are not normally felt, such as:
Nausea, tingling or numbness.
Tingling or numbness, pain or pressure in a body part that is not normal (such as the arms, legs, nose or tongue).
Hearing sounds and noises that are not normal or unexpected.
Smells and tastes that are not normal or are very strong or unpleasant.
These feelings can also be caused by other things, like psychiatric illness or certain drugs.
Seeing and hearing things that are not normal, such as:
Tripping or falling.
Seizures that start while you are driving a car, operating machinery or working on a construction site can be dangerous.
If you or someone you know is having a seizure, you should call 911 immediately.
You should also try to keep the person safe by removing anything that could hurt them, such as sharp or hot objects.
It is best to stay with the person during a partial seizure, so that you can guide them away from any hazards that they might encounter.
The doctor will help you decide the best course of action to take and may prescribe medicines to treat a partial seizure and prevent future seizures. These medications can be given long-term, so you need to follow your doctor’s instructions closely and monitor your symptoms.
Taking medicine can reduce the number of seizures you have and help to prevent other health problems.
There are many different kinds of anti-seizure medicines available. Some are stronger than others, so you should ask your doctor about the right medication for you.
Some of the most common medicines used for partial seizures are carbamazepine, lamotrigine and valproate.
Other types of medications, such as oxcarbazepine, topiramate and gabapentin, can be used for partial seizures.
Simple partial seizures and complex partial seizures are two of the most common types of seizures.
A simple partial seizure is a mild, brief and usually undetectable seizure that is usually caused by epilepsy.
It may also be a warning sign of an upcoming bigger seizure that could be even more serious or life-threatening.
If you or someone you know has a simple partial seizure, you should try to find a safe place to sit or lie down that is away from anything that could hurt them.
Then, you should try to talk with the person about what is going on, how they are feeling and what happened during the seizure.
You should tell the person to be sure they are safe during the seizure and that you will be with them, if possible. You should also tell other people that the person has a seizure, so they can be prepared.
