Simple Focal Seizures in Children

Simple focal seizures, otherwise known as benign focal seizures, account for 25 percent of childhood seizures not related to fevers. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), the seizures are an inherited disorder.

Symptoms

• A typical simple focal seizure includes twitching or abnormal sensation involving the mouth, and sometimes drooling or an inability to speak. After a brief time (seconds to minutes), the child returns to normal without any drowsiness. He may remember events that occurred during his seizure.

Diagnosis

• The doctor will order an electroencephalogram (EEG) to confirm the diagnosis of simple focal seizures.

Treatment

• Not all cases of simple focal seizures require treatment, but some children benefit from a drug called carbamazepine.

Prognosis

• According to the AAFP, a child typically has her first focal seizure between the ages of 3 and 13 years. The seizures typically end when she is 14 to 16 years old.

Considerations

• While simple focal seizures don't involve a loss of consciousness, 1/2 of the children with this type of seizure also have generalized seizures that do alter consciousness and require treatment.