Thursday 27 February 2014

Temporal Lobe Seizures in Epileptics

Temporal lobe seizures are classified as a type of partial seizure usually relating to individuals who have epilepsy. The known and common causes relating to this disorder are either from a head injury or meningitis. The seizure is located deep in a part of what is known as the temporal lobe, this area of the brain handles memory and emotional aspects.

Temporal lobe seizures are categorized as a type of epilepsy that is either a complex or simple partial seizure. The simple seizures the individual will still be aware of his or her surrounding environment, but can experience other types of symptoms such as the olfactory sense. Complex type seizures will cause the individual to become disabled. The individual will not be aware of his or her surroundings and may seem to be in a type of daze. In many cases this type of seizure will cause the individual to perform repetitive movements such as continuous scratching or licking lips.

The intensity levels of temporal lobe seizures will differ in each individual. The individual will run through a range of experiences and emotions lasting either a couple of seconds or even minutes, this is known as "auras".

MRI (Magnetic Resource Imaging) is one of the only effective methods used today to study the temporal lobe and identify lesions. This method has proved to increase the rate of success in surgeries. The use of EEG is not a useful method in order to diagnose this particular epilepsy.

Anti-seizure medication is prescribed in treating temporal lobe seizures, and is effective in assisting complete or near complete control over seizure attacks. Alternative treatments for the disorder will include Nerve Stimulation (Vagus) or surgical procedures.

New Method in Surgery

The standard procedure relating to surgery for the temporal lobe would be to remove the hippocampus. However, this is not a desirable option due to the fact that the hippocampus relates to a source of stem cells which play an important role in healing the brain after an injury or minor stroke. In addition disruptions in the way these cells function can contribute to symptoms of Alzheimer's disease and depression.

Patients who pose a high risk in memory loss are not candidates for this type of procedure. However, a procedure known as MHT (Multiple Hippocampal Transection) is new way for doctors to treat temporal lobe seizures. This procedure is a far better  option for individuals who suffer from these seizures.

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