Archive for the 'Epilepsy' Category
THE KINDS OF SEIZURE: GENERALIZED SEIZURES – SEIZURES THAT BEGIN IN THE TEMPORAL LOBESSeizures that begin in the temporal lobes may remain focal or may spread slowly or rapidly. For example, seizures starting in the uncus may initially just consist of a peculiar smell (such as burning rubber). This may be the only thing that happens during a seizure, or the seizure may spread to the hippocampus (1) and be followed by a sensation of fear. The spread may be to the insula (2) and cause a rising sensation in the abdomen and chest or abdominal discomfort. Further spread to area 3 may lead to loss of awareness with staring, often accompanied by automatic, unconsciously repeated movements, such as lip smacking, picking at one’s clothes, and wandering around aimless and confused. These movements are called automatisms. Spread of the discharge from the temporal lobe in a different direction (4) may lead to a focal motor seizure, a seizure affecting one side of the body (unilateral seizure), or a seizure spreading throughout the brain (a generalized seizure).Since there are so many diverse functions either in or closely connected to the temporal lobe, seizures coming from this area can have a variety of manifestations and appearances. For example, the focal seizures (partial seizures) that alter consciousness (a blank look or stare) are, therefore, more complex; thus complex partial seizures are differentiated from simple partial seizures that tend to cause sensation or movement.Consciousness, or awareness, is not located in any single area of the brain. A surgeon can remove half of the brain (either half) and consciousness remains intact. Loss of consciousness is experienced when either both sides of the cortex dysfunction simultaneously or when there is an interruption of the communication between the cortex and the more centrally located parts of the brain. Alterations in consciousness can be seen naturally during sleep when the electrical activity of the cortex changes. During seizures that involve alterations in consciousness, the electrical activity of the cortex as a whole is always altered.*66\208\8*
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