Epilepsyis a neurological condition characterized by seizures.
But seizures don’t always manifest themselves as the jerking or stiffening movements most people think of.
Researchers wanted to explore the repercussions of that delayed diagnosis.
KATERYNA KON/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY/Getty Images
Of the 447 patients in the study, 246 showed early signs of nonmotor seizures.
Despite having symptoms, it took these patients up to six years to be diagnosed with epilepsy.
By comparison, the 201 patients with motor seizures only experienced a two-month delay in diagnosis.
Nineteen of the patients had non-motor seizures, while only four had motor seizures.
Patients with focal seizures may not remember having the seizure.
What Is a Focal Seizure?
In focal impaired awareness seizures, the person loses awareness of their surroundings.
Nonmotor vs. Motor Seizures
There are several types of seizures.
Each key in is classified by the area of the brain that is affected.
The classes that are referenced most often are nonmotor (focal seizures) and motor (generalized seizures).
They can be mistaken for a number of different conditions.
Robert E. Hogan, MD
Focal seizures are treatable, but the biggest obstacle is diagnosis.
Unless they are falling down and convulsing then some doctors dont think of symptoms being a seizure.
But in fact, [the person] is experiencing a seizure, Fisher says.
Focal seizures can get worse if they are not treated, allowing for more serious symptoms to develop.
These injuries could potentially be prevented if the seizures were recognized earlier.
Diagnosis and Treatment
It can be difficult to diagnose a seizure disorder.
The diagnosis relies on a complete medical history and an accurate account of signs and symptoms.
The Epilepsy Foundation states that the main goal of seizure treatment is No seizures, no side effects.
Focal seizures are treatable, but the biggest obstacle is diagnosis.
doi.org/10.1111/epi.16707
Epilepsy Foundation.Types of seizures.
Epilepsy Foundation.Focal onset impaired awareness seizures (complex partial seizures).
International League Against Epilepsy.Focal onset seizure.
International League Against Epilepsy.Epilepsy imitators.
Epilepsy Foundation.Treating seizures and epilepsy.
