Partial (focal) seizure

Death or permanent brain damage from seizures is rare, but either can occur if the seizure is prolonged or if many seizures occur in close proximity (status epilepticus).

Serious injury can occur if the seizure happens while the person is driving or operating dangerous equipment. These activities may be restricted for people with poorly controlled seizure disorders.

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Infrequent seizures, however, need not severely restrict lifestyle. Work, school, and recreation do not necessarily need to be restricted, but precautions should be taken to reduce risks if a seizure should occur.

Complications:

progression to generalized seizures
epilepsy (recurrent seizures)
prolonged or closely occurring seizures (status epilepticus)
injury from falls, bumps, biting self
injury caused by a seizure during driving/operating machinery
aspiration pneumonia
permanent brain damage (stroke or other damage)
side effects of medications (with or without observable symptoms)
complications of surgery
women who choose to get pregnant should inform their doctor in advance for appropriate adjustments in medications (many of the anti-epileptic medications can cause birth defects)

Calling your health care provider:

Call your local emergency number (911) if this the first time a person has had a seizure or a seizure is occuring in someone without a medical ID bracelet (instructions explaining what to do). In the case of someone who has had seizures before, call the ambulance for any of these emergency situations:

This is a longer seizure than the person normally has, or an unusual number of seizures for the person
Repeated seizures over a few minutes
Repeated seizures where consciousness or normal behavior is not regained between them (status epilepticus)

Call your health care provider if any new symptoms occur (including possible side effects of medications):