Partial (Focal) Seizure
Alternate Names : Complex Seizure, Jacksonian Seizure, Seizure - Partial (Focal), Simple Seizure
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Partial (Focal) Seizure Diagnosis & Tests
The diagnosis is based on the symptoms, taking into consideration the patient's other history. It is extremely difficult to diagnose a single focal seizure. However, the diagnosis is easier to make in patients who have recurrent, stereotyped episodes --especially if there are risk factors such as a history of head injury.
Some of the tests that may be performed include:
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EEG -- this can show characteristic changes confirming partial (focal) seizures, and may show the focus (the location of the cause). A normal EEG does not rule out seizures.
- EEG monitoring over several days may be necessary in order to record an event while it is occurring.
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Head CT or head MRI scan -- these may show the location and extent of the lesion causing the symptom.
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