Introduction
Complex partial seizure is the most common type of seizure which is seen in people with epilepsy. Epilepsy is a disorder of the nervous system which leads to abnormal brain activity, episodes of unusual behavior, and loss of awareness of the surroundings. Even though complex partial seizure can occur in anybody, it is more frequently seen in persons with head injuries, brain tumors, or stroke (a life-threatening condition that occurs due to the stoppage of blood supply to the brain). These seizures last only for a short duration of time.
What Are Complex Partial Seizures?
Complex partial seizure is a variant of seizure that occurs only in a specific area of the brain. The temporal lobe of the brain (an area behind the ears located inside the skull) is the most commonly affected area. It is known as “partial” as it affects only a part of the brain. During this seizure, the person becomes unaware of his surroundings and loses control over his movements. The person may become unconscious for a short period. Usually, these seizures are less harmful, but it is difficult for both the patient and the person who is with the patient at that particular time. These seizures last for a very short duration of 30 seconds to two minutes. After the episode of seizure has stopped, the patient may feel tired for 15 to 20 minutes. Later on, the patient does not remember the seizure and becomes completely clueless.
What Are the Causes of Complex Partial Seizures?
Persons with epilepsy are more likely to get this type of seizure. The other factors which make a person more prone to getting this complex partial seizure are as follows:
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Anxiety (feeling of fear which makes a person sweat, restless and increases heartbeat).
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Autism (a disorder of the brain which is present from birth and makes it hard for a person to understand the feelings of other people and their surroundings).
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A person experiencing high amounts of stress in life.
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Any kind of major head injuries.
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Psychological trauma (emotional hurt which a person experiences following a shocking incident of grief).
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Stroke (destruction or death of the brain cells due to inadequate oxygen, which is caused due to disturbances in the blood flow of the brain).
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Tumors (abnormal growth of tissues that present as a bulge or swelling) in the brain.
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Neurofibromatosis (tumors that may develop anywhere in the nervous system, like the brain, spinal cord, and nerves).
What Are the Symptoms of Complex Partial Seizures?
Complex partial seizures can have several symptoms. These may vary from one episode of seizure to another. The common symptoms experienced by patients are as follows:
- Aura - The person may experience an aura before the seizure starts. According to researchers, aura should be considered a warning sign. Examples are some persons may feel strong emotions like fear, strange sensations in the body, see colored lines or spots, experience unpleasant tastes, and may hear some particular sounds which are not present.
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Daydreaming or staring at something without any reason.
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Waking up from sleep suddenly without any reason or disturbance.
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Some may try to hurt themselves by walking in front of a moving car.
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Remove their clothing without being aware of the surroundings.
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Sudden scream, laugh, or cry.
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Moving legs is similar to pedaling a bicycle.
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Climbing the stairs up and down.
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Lip smacking, chewing, or swallowing in the absence of food items.
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Speaking continuously without any reason.
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Rolling the head from left to right and vice versa.
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Acting clumsy.
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Inability to respond to the surroundings and people standing nearby.
How to Diagnose Complex Partial Seizures?
The diagnosis of complex partial seizures is carried out by a doctor by the following methods:
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Medical History:
Since the patient usually does not remember the episodes of seizure, the doctor collects details about the duration and happenings before and after the seizure episode from the person who has been with the patient during the time of the seizure.
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Electroencephalogram (EEG):
This is used to measure the electrical activity of the brain. Small metal discs are fixed to the head of the patient and connected to a computer, and the brain waves are recorded. An electroencephalogram done during the seizure or within twenty-four hours of the seizure episode is found to be more accurate.
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Computed Tomography (CT):
X-rays are taken from various angles and clubbed together to obtain a detailed and complete picture of the brain. It may be used to find out the location of seizure within the brain.
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Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI):
It is a painless procedure that makes use of large magnets, radio waves, and a computer to record detailed images of the brain. It is used to find out the exact cause of the seizure. It also rules out the other causes which might show similar symptoms.
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Laboratory Tests:
Blood and urine samples are taken from the patient and checked. It is done to check the electrolyte (salts and minerals found in the body) levels and concentration of drugs (medicines used in the treatment of epilepsy) in the patient’s body.
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Lumbar Puncture:
This is done by inserting a needle in the lower back region of the patient to collect the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). It is a colorless fluid that surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord. This is often done to rule out other infections of the central nervous system (which consists of the brain and spinal cord).
How Are Complex Partial Seizures Treated?
The treatment for patients with complex partial seizures varies depending on the symptoms. They are as follows:
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Medications
Antiepileptic drugs are the most preferred choice of drug given to patients to control seizures. Sometimes a combination of drugs proves to be more useful than a single drug. After the patient becomes free of seizures for almost two years, the doctor may reduce the dosage of the drug and may eventually ask the patient to discontinue.
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Responsive Neurostimulation (RNS)
This involves the placement of a device in the bone surrounding the brain to detect abnormal activities in the brain waves. Once an abnormality is detected, the device emits pulses to correct the abnormality of the brainwaves, thereby preventing the seizure.
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Vagus Nerve Stimulation
The Vagus nerve is the nerve that supplies the heart, lungs, and other organs of the chest. This method involves the placement of a device in the chest, which is connected to the vagus nerve in the neck. The device transmits energy to the brain, which helps to stop seizures.
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Diet
Along with medications, dietary changes as instructed by the doctor and dietician have been proven to reduce seizures. A ketogenic diet which is a low fat and high-carbohydrate diet is preferred.
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Surgery
It is the last option of treatment in patients who have repeated episodes of seizures despite trying the medications and other modes of treatment. It involves the removal of the brain region which is responsible for the occurrence of seizures. This method is done only if the brain region responsible for the seizures is small and the removal does not affect the functions like hearing, vision, and speech of the person.
Conclusion
As the patient affected by this seizure is unaware of the happenings, it is important for the person accompanying the patient to perform the necessary actions. The most important thing to be done is to make the patient calm and to place something soft under the head to prevent injury to the head. It is important to take the patient to the doctor and give the necessary treatment as early as possible.
