Description This type of seizur...
Description
This type of seizure arises from abnormal electrical activity in the temporal lobe on one or both sides of the brain. The manifestations of the seizures often have unusual characteristics. The seizures may have been caused by damage to the temporal lobe of the brain, perhaps from trauma, infection, tumor, or stroke. Sometimes the reason for the scarring is unknown.
Symptoms
An aura consisting of a warning sensation, such as a strange smell or taste, or feeling of deja vu may occur before the seizure. The aura may be followed by lip smacking, loss of sense of surroundings, blank starring, swallowing, or strange finger movements. In some people with temporal lobe seizures the above symptoms will be followed by shaking of the arms and legs and loss of consciousness. Most patients will have no memory of the seizure.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Tests performed often include an electroencephalogram (EEG) and brain imaging, such as head CT scan or brain MRI.
Tests:
CT Scan, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Other Specific Tests: EEG, lumbar puncture
Specialists:
Neurology, Pediatric Neurology
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Tests performed often include an electroencephalogram (EEG) and brain imaging, such as head CT scan or brain MRI.
Tests:
CT Scan, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Other Specific Tests: EEG, lumbar puncture
Specialists:
Neurology, Pediatric Neurology
Treatment
Most often a seizure stops without any specific medical therapy. The main goals are to prevent a person from harming themselves during a seizure and to prevent future seizures with daily medication. For people with frequent seizures despite multiple trials of medication, vagus nerve stimulation or brain surgery may be considered.