Simple partial epilepsy - Simple partial seizures (Pediatrics - PEDS)

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It is a type of seizure triggered by abnormal electrical activity focused in a small area of the brain.  

In some cases, the cause is unknown but it has been described in association with trauma, infections, neoplasms, genetic alterations and toxins.

Symptoms depend on the area of the brain affected: repetitive movements of an area of the body, nausea, behavioral alterations, alterations of the senses, a sensation of movement or fall, sensation that the environment is not real, sensations of distortion of space, false sensation that the moment has been lived and sudden difficulty in speech. It differs from complex partial seizures because it does not cause loss of consciousness. 

It is diagnosed by clinical questioning, complete physical examination and electroencephalogram. 

The cause should be treated early, in addition to using specific epileptic treatment. Sometimes childhood epilepsies are cured spontaneously at puberty.

Bibliographic references
  1. Angus Wilfong, MD. Seizures and epilepsy in children: Classification, etiology, and clinical features. UpToDate. Sep 30, 2016.
  2. Fisher RS, Acevedo C, Arzimanoglou A, et al. ILAE official report: a practical clinical definition of epilepsy. Epilepsia 2014; 55:475.
  3. Korff C, Nordli DR Jr. Do generalized tonic-clonic seizures in infancy exist? Neurology 2005; 65:1750.
  4. Selim R Benbadis, MD. Localization-related (focal) epilepsy: Causes and clinical features. UpToDate. Apr 01, 2016.
  5. Lowenstein Dh. Convulsiones y Epilepsia. Harrison. Principios de Medicina Interna. Volumen 2. 19º Edición: 2542-2559.
Author
Dr. Sara Vitoria
Copyright
© TeckelMedical 2026

Symptoms

    Feeling of unreality of own body


    Change in mood and/or behavior


    Hallucinations


    Convulsions in a limb


    Involuntary sucking movements

Pre-hospital care recommendations

Keep calm.