Complex partial epilepsy - Complex partial seizures

It is a type of seizure started in a region of the brain (partial focus) and is then generalized to the rest.

Often the cause is unknown, but they have also been described linked to: trauma, infections, cancer, genetic and toxic alterarions.

The symptoms are first localized in a region of the body (e.g. repeated movements of one arm) and become generalized (e.g. loss of consciousness and generalised convulsions) afterwards. Automatisms such as suckling, chewing, coughing are common, as well as complex gestures: fixing one's clothes, moving furniture, automatic speech.

The diagnosis is clinical, through questioning and physical examination. An electroencephalography may be performed to confirm the diagnosis. Other imaging tests may be necessary to study the cause.

In some instances, childhood epilepsy may be cured spontaneously when reaching puberty. In the meantime, episodes will be managed with antiepilepsy drugs.