What You Need to Know About Adulthood Uncontrolled Partial-Onset Seizures

A partial-onset seizure usually only occurs in one part of your brain. Nearly 60 percent of those with seizures have the partial-onset type. For some, these seizures are uncontrolled. If you experience uncontrolled partial-onset seizures it is important to inform yourself so you know how to help yourself.

Complex Versus Simple

If you have the simple type, your seizure may cause abnormal sensations, but you generally do not experience loss of awareness. The complex type generally causes loss of awareness, staring, confusion and certain movements, such as lip smacking, uncontrolled swallowing or shouting, arm positioning or hand rubbing.

Treatment Effectiveness

Partial-onset seizures are generally controlled using anti-epileptic or anticonvulsant drugs. However, approximately 40 percent of patients will still experience some seizures even with treatment, resulting in uncontrollable partial-onset seizures. In this case, your doctor may recommend adding a second medication to your therapy to help control your seizures.

Surgery

There actually is surgery available, called corpus callosotomy, that may help to completely stop or significantly reduce how many partial-onset seizures you experience. Your doctor will identify the area of the brain the seizures are stemming from and then remove it. This is just a small area. If the area cannot be removed, your doctor will perform a multiple sub-pial transection to sever specific connections between nerve cells. You will likely still have to take medication after surgery to make sure your seizures stay under control.

Tell Those Close to You

Let those close to you know about your seizures and what they can do to help you when you are having one. Tell them about making sure to move hazards out of your way and to help you gently get to the ground. Keep in mind that those unfamiliar with seizures are likely to be afraid so when you start to get your awareness back be as helpful and reassuring as you can be. You are likely to not be yourself before you return to normal so let them know this so they know what to expect. Let them know that confusion, agitation, belligerence, depression, irritability and drowsiness are all possible.

Are These Seizures an Emergency?

In some cases, you may need medical help. The majority of these seizures will last for one to two minutes. However, the confusion may last for as long as 30 minutes following the procedure. If the confusion lasts longer this could mean that the seizure activity is lingering. You would need medical attention in this instance. Also, if you are ever unsure, get medical attention.

Resources

Epilepsy Foundation: Medical Aspects