It is a type of seizure that starts with a focus on one area of the brain and generalizes to the rest of the brain.
In many occasions the cause that triggers the abnormal electrical activity of the brain is unknown. It has been described in association with trauma, infections and toxic substances.
Symptoms are initially localized in one area of the body, for example, repetitive movements of an arm, and later become generalized causing loss of consciousness and seizures.
Diagnosis is clinical, by interrogation and physical examination. To confirm it, an electroencephalogram should be performed. It may be necessary to perform other imaging tests to study the cause.
Sometimes childhood epilepsies are cured spontaneously at puberty. In the meantime, the episodes will be controlled with antiepileptic drugs.
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