Focal Preserved Consciousness Seizures (Simple Partial Seizures)
What is a focal preserved consciousness seizure?
When the seizure begins in one side of the brain, and during it the person is responsive, has no confusion or loss of consciousness of their surroundings, it is called a focal preserved consciousness seizure.
This type of seizure was previously called a partial seizure or focal aware seizure.
Learn about focal seizures with loss of consciousness (previously complex partial seizures or focal impaired awareness seizures). It is possible for a person who has focal seizures to experience both types of focal seizures; ones in which they are aware and responsive during the seizure and others in which their awareness or responsiveness is impaired either partially or completely.
Who is at risk?
Anybody can get focal preserved consciousness seizures. They may be more likely to occur in people who have had a head injury, brain infection, stroke, or brain tumor. However, this seizure type can also be caused by genetic changes, a developmental abnormality in the structure of the brain, or may have an unknown cause.
Learn More:
Contact Our HelplineWhat is it like to have a focal preserved consciousness seizure?
When people have focal preserved consciousness seizures, they are fully awake, alert, and able to recall events during the seizure. Overall, these seizures are brief, usually lasting less than 2 minutes.
The symptoms vary depending on what part of the brain they come from. For example, symptoms can involve shaking of one part of the body, an abnormal sensation in one part of the body, sudden onset of nausea, seeing flashing lights or other visual symptoms, experiencing unusual smells, etc. In most people, the symptoms are very similar from seizure to seizure.
Can other health conditions look like focal preserved consciousness seizures?
Yes, some symptoms of focal preserved consciousness seizures are similar to other health conditions, such as:
- Health symptoms or problems such as nausea or pain from stomach disorders or tingling and numbness from a pinched nerve, can be mistaken for focal seizures.
- Hallucinations (smells, tastes, sounds, visions) can accompany psychiatric illness or the use of certain drugs.
- Some symptoms (such as déja vu) are experienced by almost everyone at some time.
- Temporary numbness or weakness in a limb or the face sometimes occurs from a transient ischemic attack (TIA), which can be a serious warning sign for a future stroke.
- Migraines, with or without a significant headache, can produce visual, tingling, or other symptoms that can be confused with a seizure.
Your healthcare provider can help determine whether your symptoms may be focal preserved consciousness seizures or some other condition. Your provider will consider:
- How often the symptoms occur?
- Are they similar event-to-event?
- What other symptoms happen?
- Do you have other seizure types?
Learn More:
Diagnosing SeizuresWhat happens after a focal preserved consciousness seizure?
When a focal preserved consciousness seizure ends, the person usually continues doing whatever they were doing before it started. This type of seizure can be a warning or aura before a stronger seizure with loss of consciousness. Care and comfort first aid is all that is needed when a person has a focal preserved consciousness seizure.
How often will they occur?
It depends. Focal preserved consciousness seizures vary a lot in how often they occur – some people can have them daily while in others they may be much less frequent.
How can I tell if someone is having a focal preserved consciousness seizure?
You may not be able to tell because the person is fully alert and able to interact. The person may need to tell you what is happening.
How are they diagnosed?
A complete medical history and physical examination can help rule out other possible causes of the symptoms and assess the likelihood of epilepsy.
Although electroencephalograms (EEGs) are also helpful, they may not always show seizure discharges during a focal preserved consciousness seizure. EEG shows abnormal electrical discharges if present at the time of the EEG. However, absence of EEG changes does not rule out seizures.
A brain MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) or CT (computed tomography) scan may show an underlying cause for seizures. MRI and CT show structural problems in the brain, which would be present even between seizures.
How are they treated?
Several treatment options are available that can help prevent further focal preserved consciousness seizures from occurring, including:
If your seizures are not controlled, ask for a consult from neurologist that specializes in epilepsy (called an epileptologist). An evaluation at a comprehensive epilepsy center can help you access all available treatment options.
What should I do if I think my loved one or myself may have focal preserved consciousness seizures?
If you think that you or loved one may have focal preserved consciousness seizures, it is important to let your doctor know right away. Seek help to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
Learn More:
Find Your Local Epilepsy FoundationResources
Epilepsy Centers
Epilepsy centers provide you with a team of specialists to help you diagnose your epilepsy and explore treatment options.
Epilepsy Medication
Find in-depth information on anti-seizure medications so you know what to ask your doctor.
Epilepsy and Seizures Helpline
Call our Epilepsy and Seizures Helpline and talk with an epilepsy information specialist or submit a question online.
Tools & Resources
Get information, tips, and more to help you manage your epilepsy.
Related Stories
Press Releases
Joyce A. Cramer to Receive Lifetime Accelerator Award for Transformative Contributions to Clinical Research and Epilepsy Innovation
Read Story
