What Is a Partial Seizure?

Have you or someone else noticed part of your body tensing up or jerking on occasion? Do you have short periods when you feel confused, have memory loss, or appear to act unusual? Are you sometimes unaware of your actions or do you even pass out for a few moments? If so, you may be experiencing partial seizures. These occur when you have a condition called epilepsy. Partial seizures can be scary and frustrating. The good news is that they can usually be controlled.

How the Brain Works

Your brain uses short bursts of electricity as signals. These signals allow areas of the brain to communicate with each other. These signals also travel from the brain to the rest of your body.

When Part of the Brain “Overloads”

Sometimes the signals become excessive. When this happens in one area of the brain, it is called a partial seizure. The excessive signals cause part of the body to shut down. Then you may twitch, feel confused, or pass out for a moment. Partial seizures can present in many ways. Simple partial seizures often have only a few minor symptoms, such as hand twitching or smelling an unusual odor. Complex partial seizures are often associated with more abnormal behavior. They may also affect your mental functioning to some degree. You may have a lowered level of consciousness or loss of memory.

Partial Seizures Can Be Controlled

Seizures can be caused by irritation or damage to the brain from trauma, scar formation, tumors, stroke, or infection. Usually the cause is unknown. However, most partial seizures can be successfully treated. With treatment, most people with seizures lead normal, fulfilling lives.