Seizures are sudden, uncontrolled disturbances in the brain’s electrical activity. They can lead to symptoms ranging from brief staring spells to dramatic convulsions. A psychomotor seizure is a specific neurological event affecting behavior and consciousness.
What a Psychomotor Seizure Is
A psychomotor seizure is a type of focal seizure, originating most commonly in a temporal lobe. This brain region processes emotions, memories, and language. Historically, these seizures were called “temporal lobe seizures” or “complex partial seizures” because of their origin and altered awareness.
During a psychomotor seizure, individuals often exhibit repetitive, involuntary movements known as automatisms. These include lip-smacking, chewing motions, fumbling with clothes, or picking at objects. The person’s consciousness is impaired, making them appear dazed, confused, or unresponsive to their surroundings.
They may stare blankly, have difficulty speaking, or even cry or scream suddenly. Individuals experiencing these seizures often have no memory of the event afterward. The seizure usually lasts from a few seconds to several minutes.
Underlying Causes
Psychomotor seizures can develop from disruptions in the brain’s normal function. Common causes include structural abnormalities like tumors, lesions, or malformations that interfere with electrical signaling. Brain injuries, such as head trauma or strokes, can also form scar tissue that becomes a source of abnormal electrical activity.
Brain infections, like meningitis or encephalitis, can cause inflammation and damage that predispose individuals to seizures. Genetic predispositions can also increase susceptibility. While many causes are identifiable, sometimes the reason for psychomotor seizures remains unknown, a situation referred to as idiopathic.
How Psychomotor Seizures Are Diagnosed
Diagnosing psychomotor seizures begins with a medical history, gathering information about symptoms and witnessed events. Descriptions from family members or observers are especially helpful since the person may not remember the seizure. A physical examination also assesses overall neurological function.
Electroencephalography (EEG) is a primary diagnostic tool, measuring the brain’s electrical activity through electrodes placed on the scalp. This test detects abnormal brain wave patterns characteristic of seizures. Imaging scans, such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) or Computed Tomography (CT) scans, often identify structural abnormalities causing seizures. In complex cases, video-EEG monitoring may be used, recording brain activity and video simultaneously over an extended period to capture and analyze events.
Managing Psychomotor Seizures
The primary approach to managing psychomotor seizures involves medication, specifically anti-seizure (anti-epileptic) drugs. These medications stabilize electrical activity in the brain, aiming to reduce seizure frequency and severity. The specific medication prescribed depends on the individual’s symptoms and medical history.
For individuals whose seizures are not adequately controlled by medication, other treatment options may be considered. Surgical intervention, such as resective surgery, involves carefully removing the specific part of the brain where seizures originate. Other options include vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), an implanted device sending electrical pulses to the vagus nerve, or dietary therapies like the ketogenic diet, which can help control seizures.
Providing Assistance During a Seizure
Witnessing a psychomotor seizure can be unsettling, but knowing how to respond helps ensure the person’s safety. Remain calm and gently guide the person away from hazardous objects or areas to prevent injury. Do not attempt to restrain the person or stop their movements, as this can lead to injuries.
Do not place anything in their mouth, as this can cause harm. Stay with the individual until the seizure subsides and they begin to recover awareness. Call emergency services if the seizure lasts longer than five minutes, if it is the person’s first seizure, if they have repeated seizures without regaining consciousness, or if they sustain an injury.