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Focal Seizure Research Paper

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A seizure is an instantaneous change in behavior provoked by electrical hyper synchronization of neuronal networks in the cerebral cortex. Most seizures can be categorized as either focal or generalized according to whether the onset of electrical activity involves a focal region of the brain or both sides of the brain simultaneously. The clinical manifestations of seizures vary based on the location of the seizure in the brain and the amount of cortex that is involved. Focal seizures are further classified by whether consciousness is altered or not during the event. Types of seizures include, focal seizures with retained awareness: This vary from one person to another, it’s dependent entirely on the part of the cortex that is disrupted at the commencement of the seizure; a seizure that begins in the occipital cortex may result in flashing lights, while a seizure that affects the motor cortex will result in rhythmic jerking movements of the face, arm, or leg on the side of the body opposite to the involved cortex also called Jacksonian seizure, a seizure that begins in the parietal cortex may cause distortion of spatial perception, and a seizure that begins in the dominant frontal lobe may cause sudden speech difficulties. The symptoms …show more content…

These seizures, previously called complex partial seizures, are the most common type of seizure in adults with epilepsy. During a typical focal seizure with impaired awareness, patients appear to be awake but are not in contact with others in their environment and do not respond normally to instructions or questions. They may stare into space and either remain motionless or engage in repetitive behaviors, called automatisms, such as facial grimacing, gesturing, chewing, lip smacking, or repeating words or phrases. Some patients may become hostile or aggressive if physically

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