When a seizure only impacts a specific area of the brain, it’s known as a focal or partial seizure. Finding the right treatment for these seizures is crucial to preventing unwanted physical effects and maintaining a good quality of life.
Seizures are caused by increases in the electrical activity in the brain. With focal seizures, increases in electrical activity only occur in one hemisphere of the brain. As a result, only one side of the body will experience symptoms. On the other hand, generalized seizures occur in both hemispheres of the brain and cause symptoms on both sides of the body.
Focal seizures can cause many symptoms, including:
People experiencing focal seizures may see flashing lights or hear startling sounds. They may also smell or taste something strange or feel odd sensations. Physical and emotional effects, such as drooling and anxiety, can also occur.
Medical practitioners frequently used anti-epileptic medications to treat seizures and seizure disorders. With focal seizures, doctors are most likely to recommend narrow-spectrum medication, which is most effective on seizures that regularly occur in specific areas of the brain. If a person experiences focal seizures along with other types of seizures, their doctor may prescribe broad-spectrum medications.
Keep in mind that there are numerous anti-epileptic drugs on the market. Also, individuals may respond differently to these medications, which is why monitoring is so important. In the event that side effects are significant, or the medication isn’t having the intended effect, a doctor may switch the patient to another drug.