Temporal lobe seizure

Alternative names:

psychomotor seizure; seizure - psychomotor; seizure - temporal lobe

Definition:

A temporary change in movement, sensation, or autonomic function caused by abnormal electrical activity in the temporal lobe(s) of the brain, with or without changes in alertness and awareness.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Temporal lobe seizures are simple or complex seizures that originate in the temporal lobe(s) of the brain. Temporal lobe seizures may occur in persons of any age, as a single episode, or as a repeated, chronic condition (seizure disorder, epilepsy).

Transmission of information from nerve cell to nerve cell occurs by an electrochemical process. This process can be detected as electrical activity by an electroencephalograph (EEG). Abnormal patterns of electrical activity are associated with seizures. Given sufficient circumstances, any person will have a seizure.

Specific causes of temporal lobe seizures most commonly include localized areas of damage in the temporal lobe of the brain. This may include traumatic injury, damage to a portion of the temporal lobe from lack of oxygen (ischemia and/or infarction), brain tumors, or discrete lesions of any sort.