Phantom Seizures

Phantom seizures, a subtype of partial seizure disorder, cause distortion in the senses of vision, hearing, taste, smell and touch. Some people are born with phantom seizure disorder, while others develop it at later stages in life. Sometimes referred to as sensory seizures, phantom seizures typically only last several seconds and often lack convulsions and other visible symptoms, making them difficult to detect.

Types

• Phantom seizures are different from one person to another, and there are many types. During visual seizures, patients may see flashes of light, experience vivid hallucinations, or lose vision for a short period. Vertiginous seizures cause dizziness and unsteadiness. Olfactory seizures cause patients to smell phantom odors, such as smoke or a metallic smell. A patient having an auditory seizure hears sounds, even music, not detectable by others. Somatosensory seizures, characterized by a tingling or warm sensation throughout the body, are the most commonly reported phantom seizures.

Diagnosis

• There is no single test in diagnosing phantom seizures. A complete examination by a neurologist is necessary in suspected seizure disorders. Phantom seizures are difficult to diagnose and are easily confused with other medical conditions, especially psychiatric disorders. Ruling out other disorders is the first step of diagnosis. MRIs and EEGs can show brain activity indicative of phantom seizures, but "normal" results do not necessarily rule out seizure disorders. The patient's description of symptoms is often the most valuable asset in diagnosing phantom seizure disorders.

Causes

• Phantom seizures are symptoms of malfunctioning brain activity. Young children and elderly patients being the exceptions, the causes of seizures are usually not identifiable. Physicians seek underlying causes of seizures in determining the best course of treatment. Genetic abnormalities, brain disorders and damage may be factors in some cases of phantom seizures.

Treatment

• Medication is usually successful in treating phantom seizure disorders. Treatment of any underlying disorder is usually successful in controlling seizures. Alternative treatments include nerve stimulation therapy, a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet and, in rare instances, surgery. Isolated seizures may not require any treatment.

Warning

• Many people with phantom seizure disorder are unaware that they have this condition. It is not uncommon for a phantom seizure to be an aura--warning--for a more significant seizure. Although the medical community generally views phantom seizures as benign, seek medical attention if you think you have had any type of seizure.