|
|
Temporal Lobe Seizure
Alternate Names : Seizure - Temporal Lobe, TLE
DefinitionThis type of seizure involves a temporary change in movement, sensation, or autonomic function caused by abnormal electrical activity in the temporal lobe on either one or both sides of the brain.
Pictures & Images
 See all Pictures & Images
Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Temporal lobe seizures originate in the temporal lobe(s) of the brain. A seizure is an episode of abnormal electrical activity in the brain that can involve loss of consciousness or reduction of consciousness and/or involuntary movements and overwhelming sensations.
Temporal lobe seizures can affect people of any age, and can occur as a single episode or can be repeated as part of a chronic condition (See seizure disorder - epilepsy).
Transmission of information from nerve cell to nerve cell occurs by an electrochemical process. This process can be detected as electrical activity by an electroencephalograph (EEG).
Certain patterns of electrical activity can cause seizures, which are episodes when electrical signals spread in abnormal patterns within the brain. Given sufficient circumstances (such as exposure to certain drugs, high fever, or electrical stimulation), anyone can have a seizure.
Specific causes of temporal lobe seizures most commonly include localized areas of damage in the temporal lobe of the brain. This may result in scarring called mesial temporal sclerosis.
Causes can include traumatic injury, infection, damage to a portion of the temporal lobe due to lack of oxygen (ischemia or infarction), brain tumors, genetic syndromes, and discrete lesions of any sort.
As the temporal lobe is involved in processing emotion and sensations, seizures in this area may begin with feelings of fear, feelings of joy (sometimes with religious associations and the sensation of a "presence"), recall of certain music, or smells and other unusual symptoms.
Today's Top News Stories | • | FDA Touts Efforts to Enhance Food Safety - Dec 01, 2008, 17:00
Critics see problems with the agency's goals, commitment and resources. | • | Clinical Trials Update: Dec. 1, 2008 - Dec 01, 2008, 10:54
- Cervical Cancer
- Migraine and Cluster Headaches
- Hot Flashes
| • | Few Young Adults Seek Treatment for Psych Disorders - Dec 01, 2008, 17:00
Alcohol, nicotine use, personality illnesses common, study shows. | • | Antibiotics Largest Cause of Drug-Induced Liver Damage - Dec 01, 2008, 16:00
Prescription meds, supplements can also trigger acute organ failure, study says. | • | Hopes for AIDS Vaccine Still Alive Despite Setbacks - Dec 01, 2008, 09:00
The lesson from 2 failed trials: The science must be more vigorous, experts say. |
|
Jump to another section
• Definition
• Temporal Lobe Seizure Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
• Temporal Lobe Seizure Symptoms & Signs
• Temporal Lobe Seizure Prevention
• Temporal Lobe Seizure Diagnosis & Tests
• Temporal Lobe Seizure Treatment
• Temporal Lobe Seizure Prognosis
• Temporal Lobe Seizure Complications
• Calling Your Health Care Provider
• Pictures & Images
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
• Epilepsy
• Pneumonia
• Stroke
• Tremor
Tests & Exams
• Cranial CT Scan
• EEG
• MRI of the Head
Other Topics
• Abdominal Pain
• Acute
• Agitation
• Aspiration
• Chronic
• Confusion
• Drowsiness
• Hair Loss
• Hallucinations
• Head Injury
• Memory Loss
• Muscle Cramps
• Nausea and Vomiting
• Numbness and Tingling
• Physical Examination
• Pulse - Bounding
• Rashes
• Seizures
• Skin Blushing/Flushing
• Sweating - Excessive
• Vision Problems
Review Date : 7/28/2002
Reviewed By : Elaine T. Kiriakopoulos, M.D., MSc, Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard University, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
|
|
