Parietal Lobe Seizures

Diagnosis

Like other types of focal epilepsies, the following tests may be requested:

• Electroencephalogram (EEG) – a test where electrodes are placed on the scalp to record brain activity during a seizure
• Imaging studies such as CT scan or MRI – to show anatomic abnormalities, lesions, or scarring
• Blood tests
• Intracranial EEG – the surgical application of electrodes to the surface of the brain to determine the exact location from which seizures originate

Treatment

Medicines

Like other types of epileptic seizures, treatment for parietal lobe seizures depends on the cause. Anti-epileptic medications are a common starting point. Some examples are:

• Carbamazepine
• Lamotrigine
• Levetiracetam

Surgery

In patients with a lesion or tumour in the brain causing the seizures, surgery may be recommended. In treatment-resistant forms of epilepsy, the treatment team may suggest surgical removal of the area of the brain where the seizures start.

Devices

• Vagus nerve stimulation – For people who do not respond to medication alone or are not able to undergo surgery, vagus nerve stimulation may be suggested. This is a surgical procedure where a device called a vagus nerve stimulator is implanted into the chest. The device is placed near where the vagus nerve runs up the neck into the brain. The stimulator works by sending regular, mild pulses of electricity up to the brain via the vagus nerve. Usually, the patient is not aware this is happening. However, with some types of devices, the patient has the option of alerting the device if they feel a seizure coming. This may prevent the seizure.
• Deep brain stimulation – Another type of device sometimes used in treatment-resistant parietal lobe epilepsy is deep brain stimulation. With this option, a device is surgically placed inside the skull in the brain. The device gives off regular, mild electrical impulses. The patient does not feel it working. There is no option for the patient to alert the device if they feel a seizure coming.
• Responsive neurostimulation – This device is implanted in the skull near the area of the brain where the patient’s seizures start. It monitors brain waves and detects when abnormalities which may signal the start of a seizure are occurring. It then stimulates the area with gentle electrical impulses to prevent the seizure before it occurs. The patient cannot feel the device working. There is no option to alert the device if the patient feels a seizure coming.