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obsolete partial epilepsy with impairment of consciousness

Description

Based on the provided context, it appears that there are different types of seizures that involve impaired awareness or consciousness.

  • Complex Partial Seizures (also known as Focal Impaired Awareness Seizures): These seizures involve partially impaired awareness and can manifest in various ways, such as staring into space, confusion, or being "out of touch" [7]. They are characterized by a disruption of consciousness that interrupts memory and learning [8].
  • Focal Impaired Awareness Seizure: This type of seizure is similar to complex partial seizures but may be more brief and can involve a range of symptoms, including impaired awareness, confusion, or staring into space [4].

It's worth noting that the classification of seizure types has evolved over time. In 2017, the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) released a new classification system that includes impairment of consciousness as a criterion for epilepsy [11]. This highlights the importance of considering impaired awareness in the diagnosis and classification of seizures.

In terms of description, it's clear that complex partial seizures or focal impaired awareness seizures can be described as involving partially impaired awareness, confusion, or being "out of touch" with one's surroundings. However, a more detailed description would require specific information about the individual case, such as the duration and characteristics of the seizure.

References:

[4] 4. by CP Panayiotopoulos · 2005 · Cited by 19 — Simple focal seizures manifest with subjective symptoms of illusions, hallucinations or both (also called auras). These last from a few seconds to 1–2 min. They ... [7] 7. by SR Benbadis · Cited by 4 — • Complex partial seizures, by definition, include impairment of awareness. Patients seem to be “out of touch,” “out of it” or “star- ing into space” or “in ... [8] 8. Repeated disruption of consciousness interrupts memory and learning. This is a particular problem in 'absence' seizures, where the seizures are brief and may be ... [11] 11. On this matter, a new classification of seizure types was released in 2017 by the ILAE, which includes the impairment of consciousness as a distinction criterion for epilepsy [30,31]. Awareness and its impairment (i.e., a surrogate marker of consciousness) has been introduced as a fundamental feature to classify focal onset seizures . Together ...

Signs and Symptoms

Based on the provided context, it appears that you are referring to Complex Partial Seizures or Focal Impaired Awareness Seizures, which were previously known as Complex Partial Epilepsy with Impairment of Consciousness.

Characteristics:

  • Fluctuating impairment of consciousness often with other ictal symptoms [1]
  • Confused behavior and wandering [4]
  • Repeated series of tonic or atonic posturing [3]
  • Automatisms, such as lip smacking, picking at clothes, fumbling [13]

Symptoms:

  • Blank stare or a “staring into space” [15]
  • Repetitive movements like eye blinking, lip-smacking or chewing motion, hand rubbing or finger movement [15]
  • Confused behavior and wandering [4]
  • Fluctuating impairment of consciousness often with other ictal symptoms [1]

Duration:

  • Typically lasting 1-2 minutes [13]

It's worth noting that the term "obsolete partial epilepsy" is not a standard medical term, and it seems to be a mix-up with Complex Partial Seizures or Focal Impaired Awareness Seizures. The correct terminology has been updated in recent years.

References: [1] - Context result 2 [3] - Context result 3 [4] - Context result 4 [13] - Context result 13 [15] - Context result 15

Additional Symptoms

  • Fluctuating impairment of consciousness often with other ictal symptoms
  • Confused behavior and wandering
  • Repeated series of tonic or atonic posturing
  • Automatisms, such as lip smacking, picking at clothes, fumbling
  • Blank stare or a “staring into space”
  • Repetitive movements like eye blinking, lip-smacking or chewing motion, hand rubbing or finger movement

Diagnostic Tests

Diagnostic Tests for Obsolete Partial Epilepsy with Impaired Consciousness

Partial epilepsy, also known as focal epilepsy, is a type of epilepsy that affects one part of the brain and can cause impaired consciousness. Diagnostic tests play a crucial role in identifying this condition. Here are some diagnostic tests used to diagnose obsolete partial epilepsy with impaired consciousness:

  • Electroencephalography (EEG): An EEG is a non-invasive test that records the electrical activity of the brain. It is often used as the first-line diagnostic evaluation for identifying the focus of origin and type of seizure [4]. In patients with partial epilepsy, EEG can detect abnormal electrical activity in the affected area of the brain.
  • Brain MRI: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive test that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of the brain. It is the most important diagnostic test for temporal lobe epilepsy [1]. In patients with partial epilepsy, MRI can help identify structural abnormalities in the affected area of the brain.
  • Video-EEG (vEEG) recording: A vEEG recording involves simultaneous video and EEG monitoring to capture seizures as they occur. This test is particularly useful in identifying the focus of origin and type of seizure [8].
  • Computed Tomography (CT): CT scans use X-rays to produce detailed images of the brain. However, they have low sensitivity for detecting seizure foci, with a detection rate of only 17% [7].

Other Diagnostic Procedures

In addition to these tests, other diagnostic procedures may be used to evaluate patients with partial epilepsy. These include:

  • Seizure history: A thorough review of the patient's seizure history is essential in diagnosing partial epilepsy.
  • Antiseizure drug history: The patient's history of antiseizure medication use can also provide valuable information.
  • Past medical history: A comprehensive past medical history, including any previous neurological conditions or injuries, should be taken into account.
  • Family history: A family history of epilepsy or other neurological conditions may also be relevant.

References

[1] CP Panayiotopoulos. (2005). Diagnostic Procedures. [2] Sep 6, 2024. An EEG is a noninvasive brainwave test that is used to evaluate and diagnose epilepsy, sleep disorders, and changes in consciousness. [3] Chapter 12 discusses diagnostic evaluation, and covers seizure history, antiseizure drug history, past medical history, family history, and psychosocial history. [4] May 5, 2023. Electroencephalography (EEG) should be the first-line diagnostic evaluation to identify the focus of origin and type of seizure. Imaging is...

Treatment

Treatment Options for Obsolete Partial Epilepsy with Impaired Awareness

Partial epilepsy with impaired awareness, also known as complex partial seizures or focal onset impaired awareness seizures, is a type of epilepsy where the seizure starts in a single area of the brain and can affect various parts of the body. While the term "obsolete" is not typically used to describe this condition, it's clear that you're referring to the treatment options for this specific type of epilepsy.

Medications Used to Treat Partial Epilepsy with Impaired Awareness

Several medications are effective in treating partial epilepsy with impaired awareness. Some of these include:

  • Phenobarbital: This medication is often used to treat seizures that occur in neonates and in the first year of life, but it's also effective for generalized tonic-clonic seizures and partial seizures in patients of all ages [1].
  • Carbamazepine: This medication has been shown to be effective in treating complex partial seizures by reducing polysynaptic responses and blocking abnormal electrical activity in the brain [3].
  • Other anticonvulsant medications: Various other medications, such as intravenous (IV) medications and daily pills, may also be used to treat seizures as they happen or to prevent future episodes [7].

Treatment Strategy

The mainstay treatment strategy for partial epilepsy with impaired awareness is medication management. This involves choosing the most effective medication for each individual patient, taking into account factors such as age, sex, comorbidities, and potential side effects [14]. In some cases, a combination of medications may be used to achieve optimal results.

Important Considerations

When treating partial epilepsy with impaired awareness, it's essential to balance efficacy with adverse events and consider factors such as cost, drug interactions, patient preference, and availability. This ensures that the chosen medication is effective while minimizing potential risks [14].

References:

[1] Context result 2 [3] Context result 3 [7] Context result 7 [14] Context result 14

💊 Drug information is sourced from ChEBI (Chemical Entities of Biological Interest) database. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any medication. Click on any medication name for detailed information.

Differential Diagnosis

The differential diagnosis for obsolete partial epilepsy with impairment of consciousness involves considering various conditions that can present with similar symptoms. According to the available information, some of these conditions include:

  • Syncope: This is a condition characterized by stereotyped recurrent attacks of impaired consciousness with loss of motor tone [6]. Syncope can be misdiagnosed as epilepsy due to its similar presentation.
  • Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES): These are episodes that resemble epileptic seizures but are not caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. PNES can present with impaired consciousness and may be mistaken for epilepsy [4].
  • Reflex syncope: This is a condition where syncope occurs in response to specific triggers, such as emotional or physical stimuli. Reflex syncope can mimic the presentation of partial epilepsy with impairment of consciousness [13].

It's essential to note that differential diagnosis requires careful evaluation and consideration of various factors, including the patient's medical history, clinical presentation, and diagnostic test results.

In terms of obsolete partial epilepsy specifically, it refers to a type of seizure disorder that was previously recognized but is no longer considered a distinct entity. The 2017 classification by the International League Against Epilepsy has categorized seizures based on three key features: the location of seizure onset, level of awareness during a seizure, and other features of seizures [12]. Focal impaired awareness seizures refer to focal seizures that start in one hemisphere of the brain and are associated with impairment in consciousness. However, it's worth noting that obsolete partial epilepsy is no longer considered a valid diagnosis.

References:

[4] [6] [12] [13]

Note: The numbers in square brackets refer to the corresponding search results provided in the context.

Additional Information

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