Temporal lobe seizure

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Definition Symptoms Causes When to seek medical advice

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Definition

A temporal lobe seizure starts in the part of the brain that processes emotions. Many people who have these seizures experience odd feelings — ranging from euphoria to fear — at the onset of their seizures.

Because it's typically localized to one part of the brain, temporal lobe seizure is classified as a type of complex partial seizure.

The temporal lobes lie along the sides of your head, just above your ears. Seizures that begin in those lobes often stem from an anatomical defect or scar. But many temporal lobe seizures have an undetermined cause.

These types of seizures affect all age groups. People who have temporal lobe seizures usually remain conscious during a seizure, but they lose awareness of their surroundings and rarely remember what happened. Signs can include lip-smacking or picking at clothes.

Temporal lobe seizures are particularly resistant to anti-seizure medications. Surgery may be a good option for many people, especially if their seizures consistently begin in the same location within the temporal lobe. Many people become seizure-free when the affected portion of the lobe is removed.

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Symptoms