Excess electrical activity generally begins in the temporal lobe - the part of the brain, which receives sounds and smells, controls speech, registers and remembers information, and controls sexual feelings and other emotions. Complex partial seizures are sometimes referred to as 'temporal lobe seizures'. It is thought that the most common cause of epilepsy originating in the temporal lobe is scarring of the brain because of a head injury, infection or oxygen deprivation.

what are the symptoms of complex partial seizures?

Complex partial seizures involve an impairment of consciousness - that is, you will not be aware of what you are doing or your memory will be distorted. During the seizure, you may appear dazed and confused. Purposeless behaviour, such as random walking, mumbling, lip-smacking, blinking, swallowing, repeated movements, head turning, clinging to other people or pulling at clothing may be observed. Vague, unusual feelings, which are difficult to describe may be experienced. You may see life-like dream pictures or be aware of stronger feelings of anxiety or exhilaration. Familiar things may seem strange or vice versa. Time may appear to pass very quickly or very slowly. Surroundings may seem very large, very small, distorted, or bizarre. Well-known things may take on frightening forms and you may experience strange tastes or smells. You may wander off, be unable to remember anything and recover full awareness minutes, or even hours, later.

Each affected individual feels something different. Two people with the same type of seizure can have dramatically different experiences. Even within the same person, symptoms can differ from seizure type to seizure type.

Complex partial seizures may spread to the rest of the brain leading to a generalised seizure. Sometimes this can happen so quickly that the parson may appear to have a straightforward tonic clonic seizure - the fall down and convulse type.

is it more than just epilepsy?

Some people worry that the behaviour they exhibit during complex partial seizures can be confused with psychiatric problems. When a person has epilepsy, these behaviour disturbances tend to be brief, occurring suddenly, and stopping just as suddenly. Sometimes, due to the temporal lobe, people may have both epilepsy and a psychiatric problem. Any concerns of this nature are best to be discussed with you doctor.

how is it treated?

Generally, ant-epileptic drugs are used to control seizures and, in the majority of cases, they are successful. Many different types of drugs are available. The most usual drugs used in the treatment of complex partial seizures are carbamazepine, sodium valproate, and lamotrigine, but many of the other anti-epileptic drugs can also be used. The drugs need to be taken regularly to ensure the best possible seizure control.

A small number of people who do not respond to drug treatment may be suitable candidates for surgery or complementary therapies, which have proved successful in a number of individual cases. Advice on these different treatments can be sought from your doctor.

how long will seizures last?

A seizure may last a few seconds or a few minutes, sometimes up to 20 minutes or more. Most people with epilepsy establish a pattern to their seizures.

how can i help myself?

You can adopt a healthy lifestyle of regular eating habits, safe exercise, regular sleep and intake of medication and learn to manage anxiety/stress effectively. Simple relaxation techniques can also help.

Finding out what pattern your seizures take will enable you to tell others what is likely to occur when you have a seizure. This will help them understand the behaviour that is cause by seizures and develop a tolerant and positive attitude towards people who experience them. You should also find out about making your home safe.

It may also be advisable to carry identification, which may allow others to help if you are having a seizure.

what should i do to help someone having a complex partial seizure?

Do not try to stop the seizure by controlling any movements or making the parson 'some to their senses'. You should talk to them reassuring them and, if necessary, gently guide them away from danger. You should stay with the person until they regain awareness of their surroundings.

After the seizure the person may need to rest or sleep. Your account and description of their seizure can be very helpful for the person to gain more understanding of his/her epilepsy.

Complex partial seizures can be frightening, undermine self-confidence, and lead to increasing isolation and depression, but you are not alone.