Partial complex seizure

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Central nervous system

Partial complex seizure

Alternative Names:

Seizure - complex; Complex seizure
Treatment:

You should write down details of the seizure so you can report them to the health care provider. Include the date and time of the seizure, how long it lasted, which body parts were affected, the type of movements or other symptoms, possible causes, and other factors noted.

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Emergency treatment may not be required unless the seizure becomes generalized or consciousness is lost -- call an emerency number (such as 911) if you have any questions. First-aid measures should be performed as appropriate, including protecting the patient from injury during the seizure, preventing the patient from inhaling vomit or mucus into the lungs, protecting the patient's airway, or assistance with breathing.

Complex partial status epilepticus is a condition in which partial complex seizures recur frequently in minutes. It is characterized by changes in mental status, decreased alertness, confusion, decreased responsiveness, and automatic behaviors. It may be very difficult to diagnose and may require and EEG to confirm.

Diazepam (Valium) given intravenously is the primary treatment for status epilepticus of any type. Other medications may be given (as with the status epilepticus of a generalized tonic-clonic seizure).

Treatment of the causes may stop the seizures from recurring in the future. This may include medication, surgical repair of tumors or brain lesions, or other treatments.

An isolated seizure with an obvious avoidable trigger (such as fever or toxic reactions) is treated by removing or treating the precipitating factor.

An isolated seizure without an obvious cause (examination and EEG are normal, and no abnormalities appear on other testing) may not require treatment.

Oral anticonvulsants (anti-seizure medications) may prevent or reduce the number of future seizures. Response varies, and medication and dosage may have to be adjusted repeatedly.

An isolated seizure with abnormal findings on an EEG or other tests is treated with anticonvulsant medications such as phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, or valproic acid. Multiple, repeated seizures are often treated with phenytoin or carbamazepine for long-term, preventive use. Other medications include levetiracetam, oxcarbazepine, gabapentin, lamotrigine, topiramate, and Gabitril.