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What are the kinds of partial seizures? With a complex partial seizure, there is a change in or loss of consciousness. The person may not be able to answer questions or follow commands. Often the person cannot remember what happened during part or all of the seizure. Both kinds of partial seizures can spread to become stronger (convulsive) seizures. These involve the whole brain. What are the signs of a simple partial seizure? The signs of a seizure depend on what part of the brain is involved. Some signs include: Odd muscle movements, like stiffening, twitching, or jerking (These may affect one body part or can spread) Changes in heart rate or breathing rate A person can also feel: As if they're in a dream Fearful, anxious, or depressed As if time is slowing down or speeding up That well-known things seem strange or strange things seem well-known A person who has a simple seizure stays alert. The person also remembers what happened during the seizure. After the seizure, the person may feel weak in the part of the body affected. The person may also have problems with seeing or talking. These problems can last minutes to hours. What are the signs of a complex partial seizure? A change in or loss of consciousness is one sign of a complex partial seizure. Most often a person stares and does not answer questions or follow commands. A simple partial seizure may come before a complex seizure. This is called aura. For example, some people may have an odd taste or smell an odor. Other people may feel that they have already gone through what is happening. Other signs include: Smacking lips, chewing, or swallowing Making a face Making the same movement over and over, like picking at clothes or walking in a circle. Making sounds, like grunts, or repeating a group of words Often the person cannot remember all or part of what happened. The person may be confused after the seizure. The confusion most often lasts less than 15 minutes. Other symptoms, such as feeling tired, can last for hours. What happens if a partial seizure spreads? If a partial seizure spreads, it can become a stronger (convulsive) seizure. This kind of seizure causes the person to lose consciousness. It begins with: Stiffening of muscles A fall Often a cry Then, the arms and legs begin to jerk. The jerking slows down bit by bit before it stops. People with this kind of seizure may also: Drool or foam at the mouth Bite the tongue, cheek, or lip Wet or soil themselves After the seizure, a person may feel tired and confused for minutes to hours. Some people have headaches. After this, a person may feel restless. What can I do about my seizures? You should talk to your doctor or other health care provider. You should also: Take any medicine as your doctor tells you Tell your doctor if you still have seizures or if you have side effects when you take medicine Tell your doctor if your seizures change Your doctor may need to try other medicines or other doses to control your seizures. You may also want to stay away from some things that can start a seizure in some people. These include: Drinking alcohol Getting too little sleep (Most adults need 7 to 8 hours of sleep a night) Stress Is there anything else I should know about living with seizures? You should know that people who have seizures can live full and active lives. Medicine and other treatments can help most people who have seizures. You should know that seizures can affect some things you do each day. You should talk to your doctor or health care provider about: Driving (You should not drive unless you have a license and are not having seizures. Each state has its own rules) Taking part in some sports, like skydiving or motor racing, where you might be hurt if you have a seizure Your job (You my need to change some things to make your work safer. Safety is very important if you must climb or work with dangerous machines) You may also want to: Wear a helmet if you play rough sports, like hockey, or if there is a chance you will fall or hurt your head Swim, hike, or ski only with other people Teach a family member or someone you work with what to do if you have a seizure Source: http://www.neurontin.com |
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