Complex partial seizures definition

[masterjen]

The traditional definition of complex partial seizures seems to imply loss of consciousness. I have nocturnal partial seizures diagnosed as complex by an experienced and well respected epileptologist so I don't question the diagnosis. But if anything the seizures will wake me at night. Very occasionally I think I have passed out during them but not typically. Can someone help me understand this diagnosis or "label"?

 

[Nakamova]

Complex partial seizures don't involved full loss of consciousness, just what is called "impaired" awareness or consciousness. This means that you could be almost fully conscious, but unable to speak, or unable to understand what someone is saying to you. You might make sounds, or have automatic movements. There tends to be little or zero memory of what has happened.

 

[Sparkles]

What is the difference, then, between "complex partial seizure disorder" and "epilepsy" as a diagnosis? Does loss of consciousness or semi consciousness have anything to do with it? Or EEG findings? Also, I had thought the difference between "simple" and "complex" partial seizures had to do with the seizures "hitting" one versus more than one areas of the brain. But from what I've read here, it has to do with losing consciousness (or partially losing consciousness)? Thanks so much. Sorry for all the questions, I'm feeling pretty confused about all of the terms.

Patty

 

[pita300]

When I had complex partial seizures I would not lose consciousness but would definatly become unaware of my surrondings. I would not remember what happend I only remembered coming out of the seizure as I was usually confused asking what day or what time is it. I would also do strange things like shooting green men at the grocery store and I cussed my mother out at a fast food resturant during lunch. I don't remember doing any of this only remember coming out of the seizure.

 

[pita300]

I was first diagnosed with epilepsy at 18 and I was having complex partial seizures. I had a right temporal lobe ectomy to control thoses seizures. My epilepsy diagnosis came after an abnormal eeg and an MRI scan showing scar tissue in the right temporal lobe. I'm not a doctor but epilepsy is a disorder and I don't know what the difference between epilepsy and complex partial seizure disorder. I would ask your doctor to explain this further.

 

[Nakamova]

"Seizure disorder" and "epilepsy" are basically interchangeable blanket terms for the same thing. "Complex partial seizure disorder" describes a particular form or stage of epilepsy.

It's complicated because seizures are essentially categorized/named in multiple ways. Some terms (such as "tonic-clonic" or "absence") refer to the particular symptom/activity that occurs during that part of the seizure. Some, like "partial seizure" or "focal seizure" indicate that the seizure has discreet points of origin. There can be more than discreet point of origin within the brain. Some terms (like Temporal Lobe Epilepsy) designate a particular spot in the brain as the area of origin. Some, such as "Generalized Seizure" refers to the fact that it spreads. Some terms (such as Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy) refer to a particular syndrome.

So...a Partial Seizure is partial because it starts in a focused (partial section) of the brain. It is characterized by odd sensory symptoms and full consciousness. It can generalize (spread) to somewhat larger part of the brain, becoming a Complex Partial. Because of the spreading, the symptoms then feature semi-impaired consciousness. The seizure may then generalize to the entire brain resulting in full loss of consciousness and a tonic-clonic seizure.

 

[masterjen]

Your explanation is helpful, Nakamova. So from what you say, my level of awareness only needs to be partially impaired for a partial complex diagnosis? Mine occur at night, sometimes but not always fully wake me, and I can remember some details which is why I'm thrown by the diagnosis. If it means anything, my 1-hour E E G has been normal (still waiting for extended stay E E G) but M R I was abnormal.

 

[Ruth]

An EEG is only reliable only if you have a seizure during it otherwise it shows up as normal. A Video-EEG is more accurate.

 

[pita300]

An EEG is only reliable only if you have a seizure during it otherwise it shows up as normal. A Video-EEG is more accurate.

Hi Ruth

I have to agree and disagree with you. Out of the 4 EEG's I had last year all showed seizure activity on both sides of my brain with out having a seizure. My problem was During the VEEG my seizures did not coincide with the seizure activity on the EEG. It was only after the ambulatory EEG back in November that the video caught the seizure and was when the epiletolgist finally agreed that my seizures were consistent with focal seizures. So to agree with you the seizure was in a point in my brain where the activity did not show on the EEG. Now the problem is the only 2 places with a scan that will detect the focal seizures are located a Mayo in Rochester MN or at the Cleveland Clinic.

 

[Sparkles]

Thanks so much. As for me, very confused. It seems the more I understand, the less I understand.

 

[Cint]

"Seizure disorder" and "epilepsy" are basically interchangeable blanket terms for the same thing. "Complex partial seizure disorder" describes a particular form or stage of epilepsy.

It's complicated because seizures are essentially categorized/named in multiple ways. Some terms (such as "tonic-clonic" or "absence") refer to the particular symptom/activity that occurs during that part of the seizure. Some, like "partial seizure" or "focal seizure" indicate that the seizure has discreet points of origin. There can be more than discreet point of origin within the brain. Some terms (like Temporal Lobe Epilepsy) designate a particular spot in the brain as the area of origin.

:agree: It seems that lately some rather use the term "seizure disorder" rather than epilepsy to soften the blow. But they are one in the same. I'd rather use epilepsy myself.

I have Temporal Lobe Epilepsy that originate in my left temporal lobe. I've had complex partial seizures that may or may not go into a generalized seizure, or tonic/clonic seizure (grand mal). For me they start out as a weird feeling of faintness and then others say I just freeze and sit and stare into space. They will speak to me and I look at them with such a spaced out look and may or may not answer them. But it's all jibberish. It lasts maybe a minute. When I come out of it, I am confused for 15-20 minutes and unable to speak for a bit. And I don't remember a word that was just spoken to me.

For more info on seizures check this out:
http://www.epilepsy.com/epilepsy/seizure_complexpartial

 

[Nakamova]

An EEG is only reliable only if you have a seizure during it otherwise it shows up as normal. A Video-EEG is more accurate.

You don't necessarily have to have a seizure during an EEG for it to register positive for epilepsy. There are abnormal brainwave patterns that can show up "interictally" -- between seizures -- that are diagnostic for epilepsy. That is the case for me. I've never had a seizure during an EEG, but my diagnosis was quite clear from the patterns that showed up.