Complex Partial Seizures Differential Diagnoses

  • Author: Elizabeth Carroll, DO; Chief Editor: Selim R Benbadis, MD   more...
 
Updated: Jun 16, 2011
 
 

Diagnostic Considerations

Because the term “complex partial seizure” includes any partial seizure with impairment of awareness, it has become something of a wastebasket term. Most people with epilepsy have received a diagnosis of complex partial seizure, even when there is little evidence that the seizures are complex or partial.

Psychoemotional behaviors may be demonstrative of seizures but also must be differentiated from psychiatric disorders and should be considered when emotions are paroxysmal and spontaneous. These behaviors include déjà vu, jamais vu, depression, anger, pleasure, laughter, crying, fear, or depression.

Differential Diagnoses

Proceed to Workup
 
 
Contributor Information and Disclosures
Author

Elizabeth Carroll, DO  Resident Physician, Department of Neurology, University of South Florida College of Medicine

Elizabeth Carroll, DO is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Neurology, American Osteopathic Association, and Florida Osteopathic Medical Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Coauthor(s)

Selim R Benbadis, MD  Professor, Director of Comprehensive Epilepsy Program, Departments of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Tampa General Hospital, University of South Florida College of Medicine

Selim R Benbadis, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Neurology, American Academy of Sleep Medicine, American Clinical Neurophysiology Society, American Epilepsy Society, and American Medical Association

Disclosure: UCB Pharma Honoraria Speaking, consulting; Lundbeck Honoraria Speaking, consulting; Cyberonics Honoraria Speaking, consulting; Glaxo Smith Kline Honoraria Speaking, consulting; Pfizer Honoraria Speaking, consulting; Sleepmed/DigiTrace Honoraria Speaking, consulting

Specialty Editor Board

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD  Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy; Editor-in-Chief, Medscape Drug Reference

Disclosure: Medscape Salary Employment

Chief Editor

Selim R Benbadis, MD  Professor, Director of Comprehensive Epilepsy Program, Departments of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Tampa General Hospital, University of South Florida College of Medicine

Selim R Benbadis, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Neurology, American Academy of Sleep Medicine, American Clinical Neurophysiology Society, American Epilepsy Society, and American Medical Association

Disclosure: UCB Pharma Honoraria Speaking, consulting; Lundbeck Honoraria Speaking, consulting; Cyberonics Honoraria Speaking, consulting; Glaxo Smith Kline Honoraria Speaking, consulting; Pfizer Honoraria Speaking, consulting; Sleepmed/DigiTrace Honoraria Speaking, consulting

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Note oral and hand automatisms at initiation of event. Patient is not following commands or answering questions during the event.
Left temporal sharp wave.
Left temporal lobe seizure.
 
 
 
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