What are partial seizures?

Only part of brain: At least at onset these seizures affect only part of the brain. Typically one remains awake - unless generalized to the other hemisphere or occasionally with complex partial seizures. Often confused with panic disorder, migraine headaches, dissociation, amnesia, schizophrenia, bipolar affective disorder, and medication/elicit drug reactions.

Have a focus: The terminology has been established for many decades and throughout the world. Seizures are generalized if they start in a diffuse manner all over the brain. Seizures are partial if they start from a defined focus. Partial seizures are simple if they do not alter consciousness or awareness. They are complex if there is alteration in awareness. They can secondarily generalize.

Start somewhere 1st: Epileptic seizures that start on one side of the brain. Represents excessive abnormal electrical activity. May take different forms depending upon what part of brain is affected. The temporal lobe is the most common area of origin. Seizures may remain localized or may spread throughout the brain.