During a simple partial seizure, the person experiencing the seizure is conscious throughout. Symptoms of a simple partial seizure may include the twitching of an arm or leg, a funny taste, or an unusual feeling, such as pins and needles.
With symptoms related to movement of the muscles (motor signs), there may be movement at a certain site—the jerking of a limb, for example—that can spread to other areas. Other possible signs include a change in posture, trouble speaking, or making sounds or noises without meaning to.
Symptoms involving the senses may include feelings of tingling or numbness, which can spread to various parts of the body. They also include unusual sights or sounds and hallucinations like flashing lights, buzzing noises, bad smells, or metallic tastes. Often, people experience vomiting, paleness in their face, sweating, or difficulty going to the bathroom.
Seizures that involve psychic symptoms are caused by electrical disturbances that affect higher brain function. Symptoms may include problems with speech, language and memory, feelings of strangeness, visual illusions, and sound distortions.
Learning to understand and live with seizures is an ongoing process; from diagnosis to finding the best treatment to achieving seizure control, there are significant day-to-day concerns. Get tips for living with epilepsy.
See how others with epilepsy are making the most of treatment and living well with epilepsy on their terms. Visit EpilepsyAdvocate.com for inspiring stories, practical advice, and to connect with other people with epilepsy through L.I.V.E. speaking events, monthly e-mails, a magazine, and videos.
It’s a good idea to have medical information available in case you have a seizure when you’re not accompanied by a friend or family member who knows you have epilepsy. With our Identification and Emergency Wallet Card (PDF 70 KB), you can fill in all of the appropriate information, and carry it with you everywhere.
Next: Complex Partial Seizures
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Keppra XR® is a prescription medicine that is used with other medicines to treat partial onset seizures in people 16 years of age and older with epilepsy.
Keppra XR® is generally well-tolerated, but may not be for everyone. Ask your doctor if Keppra XR® is right for you. Like other antiepileptic drugs, Keppra XR® may cause suicidal thoughts or actions in a very small number of people, about 1 in 500 people taking it. Patients should call their healthcare provider right away if they have depression, mood problems, or suicidal thoughts or behavior while taking Keppra XR®. Keppra XR® may cause extreme sleepiness, tiredness, and weakness, and problems with muscle coordination. Keppra XR® may also cause mood and behavior changes including psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and unusual behavior. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these symptoms. The most common side effects seen with Keppra XR® and other formulations of Keppra® include sleepiness, weakness, dizziness, and infection. Do not stop taking Keppra XR® unless instructed by your healthcare provider. Stopping a seizure medication all at once can cause seizures that will not stop, a very serious problem.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may also report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or go to www.fda.gov/medwatch or contact UCB, Inc. at 1-866-822-0068.
Please see Keppra XR® Medication Guide and Full Prescribing Information for additional important patient information.
*With this coupon, you pay the first $25 of your Keppra XR® or Keppra® co-pay and we pay your remaining out-of-pocket expense up to a maximum of $30. This coupon may not be reproduced and must accompany a valid, signed Keppra XR® prescription. No cash value. Offer not valid for prescriptions reimbursed or paid under any government health insurance program (e.g., Medicaid, Medicare) or any private payer in Massachusetts or where otherwise prohibited by law. Patients are responsible for reporting this rebate to any private insurer that covers any part of the prescription. Offer expires on 12/31/12. UCB may cancel or alter this program at any time without notice.