Frontal Lobe Epilepsy & Seizures

A seizure is an episode of involuntary contractions of muscles and an alteration of the state of consciousness that occurs suddenly. There are several different types of epilepsy and seizures, and the symptoms can vary depending upon the type.

Significance

Seizures associated with frontal lobe epilepsy fall into the partial seizure classification, which is characterized by an abnormal electrical charge isolated to one area of the brain, in this case the frontal lobe.

Causes

The electrical discharge that causes a seizure originating in the frontal lobe is most often attributed to hereditary factors. It is the second most common form of epilepsy, following temporal lobe epilepsy.

Occurrence

Most frequently, patients with frontal lobe epilepsy suffer partial seizures during periods of sleep. During the seizure, a person may exhibit a lack of muscle control, such as bicycle movements or thrusting. Some reports also indicate that patients laugh uncontrollably or scream during a partial seizure in the frontal lobe.

Symptoms

The symptoms can vary significantly, depending upon the specific location of the seizure. The symptoms may range from motor or tonic changes to behavioral adjustments. Sometimes, the symptoms may not even be evident unless the signal spreads to other areas of the brain, causing a different type of seizure.

Treatment

Frontal lobe epilepsy is treated with medication for partial seizures or via nerve stimulation. In severe cases, surgery can be a treatment option if anti-seizure medications and nerve stimulation are not effective.

References

• Mayo Clinic Definition