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