Pre PACES Podcast #39 Partial seizures
Jul 17, 2022
Dr. Hamish Morrison, a neurology registrar specializing in seizures and epilepsy, joins to shed light on partial or focal seizures. He explains the critical distinction between focal and generalized seizures, emphasizing the role of brain regions in symptoms. The conversation highlights how focal seizures can mimic migraines and TIAs, making accurate diagnosis essential for medical exams. Hamish also discusses preferred medications for treatment, like lamotrigine and levetiracetam, ensuring listeners grasp the complexities of these conditions.
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Definitions Of Seizures And Convulsions
- A seizure is an abnormal excessive neuronal discharge and a convulsion is the physical manifestation from muscle contraction.
- Epilepsy means recurrent seizures and focal seizures involve a localized neuronal discharge.
Focal Vs Generalized Seizures
- Focal (partial) seizures start locally and may remain limited or spread, unlike generalized seizures that affect the whole brain.
- They are classified as focal aware (conscious) or focal unaware (impaired consciousness).
Symptoms Reflect Brain Region
- Clinical features reflect the cortical area involved: occipital causes visual phenomena, parietal causes sensory symptoms, frontal causes hyperkinetic movements, temporal causes epigastric rising and emotions.
- Temporal seizures can produce déjà vu/jamais vu, gustatory or olfactory hallucinations, or intense emotions like fear.