Focal Seizures with Impaired Awareness

[@BarkinBelieveIt]

When my seizures first started, there were different types, and not everyone told me what they'd witnessed. This was one type I'd have liked to know was happening, so I could report it to the neurologist. I started to wonder about comments in meetings such as, "and she's back. " Nobody told me until years after leaving work that I was having this type of seizure, among others. So if you witness this, please tell the patient.

[@EpilepsyTorontoVideos]

Great point! Thanks so much for sharing.

[@kimadams5880]

I hear you on that. People don’t realize that the person in the seizure has no idea what’s going on with their body at that time.

[@alisonhawkins7878]

Absolutely brilliant presentation especially demonstrating how an adult who has this condition can reassure others & maintain their dignity

[@EpilepsyTorontoVideos]

Thanks Alison, please share it with anyone you think will be interested!

[@duntymolly]

It’s so scary when this happens- hearing, “You are okay” is one of the best things you can hear. Thank you for this video.

[@Tortilla1111]

I like that he didn't say sorry bc it's nothing he could control

[@EpilepsyTorontoVideos]

Great point! ;0)

[@brittanytarrants8812]

I love how she responded to this. I recently had to pull my daughter from regular classes to online because the staff either didn't care or didn't understand. One "administer" clapped in her face and slammed a water bottle on her desk. Another complained she wouldn't finish her work if she had help. Before she was diagnosed last month she was having multiple seizures a day which was greatly impacting her ability to complete tasks. I wish more people were like the lady in this video

[@jacksonkerr2095]

One thing I’ve learned is that sometimes these seizures can affect memory. The person may have a period of time after the seizure (maybe between 10 and 30 minutes) where they will not form new memories. Consequently they may not be aware that they’ve had a seizure at all. It may be useful to record when the seizure happened and how long it lasted. Then check in with them 30-60 minutes later to see whether they know about the seizure.

[@EpilepsyTorontoVideos]

Amazing insights and suggestions - thanks so much for sharing!

[@goddessvibes2345]

This is true. I have like a missed memory, is how I would describe it. Life stands still for a moment almost like I died and woke up. I wonder, we’re did I go

[@EvonZundel]

Follow the advice. Also, when they come out of it, reassure them they are OK. Don’t hold back on telling them what happened. Please. Once, someone refused to tell me what happened and it really got me upset (on top of that all happening).

[@katewilliams1572]

so accurate. This is pretty similar to my focal seizures. I actually showed this video to a colleague recently as a way of preparing them for how to respond.

[@pseudostar432]

Obviously this omission a simulation, but that is almost identical to how my mom reacts and handles my focal point seizures (according to my sister!) I have multiple types of seizure, but for the focal ones, she’s just as calm as encouraging like this, even though I can’t really hear her. Obviously she has to react differently to my Tonic Clonic seizures, but the one thing that doesn’t change (unless it’s a major episode or I’m injured and need emergency care, which is fairly rare) is that when I “come to” (from the focal point seizures) or get more aware after the postictal state after my TCs, she always puts her hand on my cheek, smiles, and says “Hey! Welcome back!” like I just dozed off for a moment. Her being so amazing, strong, and positive is one of the biggest reasons I’m able to handle the fear and stress of intractable and frequent seizures. She’s honestly my angel! On another note, I had a TC seizure while my mom, my little sister, and I were waiting for the bus once. It wasn’t too bad of one (at least compared to some I’ve had) but others waiting nearby kind of freaked out. One woman shrieked (my sister’s words) for someone to call 911, which my mother refuted and calmed the woman down, but my sister absolutely went off on a teenage boy who pulled out his phone and started recording and narrating what was happening; not to help or anything, but as if I was a circus freak and he wanted to post the next viral video! My sister very angrily yelling at him and blocking his camera’s view put an end to the recording, thankfully, but my mom scolding (and slightly shaming) him in front of his friends, thought NOT on video or anything, just a firm “Why would you try to get a video of my daughter sick and hurting? For views? Please, explain why this is funny or cool to see? What would your parents think?” got him to delete the short amount of footage he took and he apologized to me, even though I don’t remember it. I am truly lucky to have such good support during my seizures!

[@saketsharma5677]

You are lucky

[@goddessvibes2345]

I didn’t know I was having them until my friend witnessed me having one. I Just thought I was tired and therefore blanking out. I pretty much feel normal after it. It’s before it that I feel strange

[@EpilepsyTorontoVideos]

Thanks for sharing!

[@rorycampbell7360]

So, that's what it looks like. 30 years of the same and I kind of get an idea how, I appear to others. Answers a lot of questions, that friends and family have tried to describe. Thanks.

[@kabilei2260]

I have been dealing with this for a while now, but now as a healthcare worker, it’s even more important that I face my own health problems. This is one of them. Too often do I find myself stumbling for a seat, or a place to lean, my mind a blank as I am struck with a sudden blow of confusion over all senses. No matter what I do, I eat well, sleep well, etc., it creeps up on me and I’m not lost of all sense but I might just as well be. I mean I really am grateful that of all the times, I haven’t fallen and hit my head. I’ve seen the horrible outcomes. It makes me wonder if I’m simply anemic or if it’s something more. The repeated movements, the loss of spacial awareness, the disassociation, the inability to speak. It’s quite jarring, and I hate it

[@TorontoBuskerfest]

Thanks for sharing this experience. If you haven't already, please consider speaking to your healthcare provider. People often think that if they aren't falling to the ground and convulsing, it can't be epilepsy - but tonic clinic seizures are just one type of seizure and there are many others. Focal Seizures with retained awareness, for example, don't involve losing consciousness or awareness. Many people with these types of seizures take years to get a diagnosis as they are easier to ignore. But there is a good chance that they could be managed with medication, as is the case 70% of the time, so it is really worth it to seek a diagnosis. All the best.

[@Yuuujiiii]

After 5 years together, my wife suddenly just started having these. She was having them for two weeks before telling me and today she came clean about. She had one as she was telling me about it and it freaked me completely out.

[@meganwatts9756]

Thank you for these videos. I just found out my son may be prone to focal seizures and it's really important for me to know what signs to look for.

[@jpedfonseca]

I wish there was always someone to help like this. I once fainted because of a seizure. Two or three people helped me up, but before I fully recovered, they were all gone.

[@EpilepsyTorontoVideos]

Ugh - I'm sorry to hear this. But I believe the more people know about seizures and epilepsy, the more people there will be to help. So we keep trying to spread awareness!

[@robhulson]

My girlfriend has seizures similar to these. She can even talk in a very basic way, she can say yes or no, but when asked anything specific like “What day is it?” she’ll just smile and giggle. It’s kind of like a little girl takes over.

[@EpilepsyTorontoVideos]

Just underlines how unique and different seizures can be from one person to another. Thanks for sharing!

[@XantheLees]

I have similar episodes! Sometimes I remember my seizures but it’s like a broken memory

[@chayanaik1164]

We experience it everyday with my sibling.... really pray everyone who goes through this has recovery 🙏🙏

[@Reeltinyphish]

My 4yr old has this :/ so sad and scary to watch.

[@beatyz2]

LOVE IT! So helpful and gives a good idea how to navigate waiting out the post ictal disorientation

[@coffeecat086]

Love it. Lol I do not go back to thinking after mine. Last time I just kinda kept walking into my wall. 😂 my provider was really calm and for the first time I wasn’t terrified after waking.

[@opalescentmica]

Very well done, quick and to the point Thank you

[@cenal1519]

Thank you for this video, I hope it's still the same for us who have no memory of it happening and no memory of the conversations immediately after, my work colleagues have been super supportive since 1 has a daughter and another a sister with a similar condition. For the last 2 years I had no idea what this was and was told stress and anxiety, but after working on these, the fugue states just kept getting worse! Finally have a diagnosis that makes sense and on the right track, thank you.

[@EpilepsyTorontoVideos]

So glad to hear you are feeling 'on the right track' - thanks for sharing!

[@michaeldiehl2458]

Glad I ain't alone in this.

[@pamcourter9186]

My husband had two episodes back to back where he was speaking and he started stuttering and his eyes went unfocused. I put my hand on him to let him know I'm there. He is conscious of them he just can't stop. He had one going down the stairs and luckily didn't fall but it scared me half to death.

[@chantalveal6629]

Hi there. Does he feel nauseas after?

[@foxylee]

Thank you for this. Family member has epilepsy after traumatic brain injury, but in denial. Has a lot of focal seizures. Good to know what to look for.

[@EpilepsyTorontoVideos]

Thanks for sharing. I hope your family member gets the support they need. At Epilepsy Toronto, we strive to create a caring community for people living with epilepsy and their family members. I've heard from many of our members that they actually see their epilepsy as a blessing, as it has led them to so many lasting friendships and cherished experiences. 💜

[@smeetyadav9020]

Drugs used to treat "complex partial seizures" (new name:- focal seizures with impaired awareness) Carbamezepine Oxcarbazepine Lamotrigine Topiramate Valproate Gabapentin Refractory cases:- Vigabatrin (only if possible benefits outweighs the vision loss)

[@Csmiles0]

But my mind is trying hard to stay focuse on what im.doing or where I'm at but sometimes I forget

[@ateapachuau4009]

Most of the time when I was about to have focal impaired awareness I got an aura like change in dimension of the room but i can communicate with anyone to tell them that i am about to have seizure and after having seizures I am usually tired and sometimes alert and after and hour or two I usually have postictal headache.. I have taken medication but sometimes I have seizure even with medication. The reason why I have focal impaired awareness seizure is due to Left Mesial Temporal Epidermoid Cyst of about 3cms

[@EpilepsyTorontoVideos]

Thanks so much for sharing this Atea. Everyone's experience of epilepsy is unique, and yet there are things shared too, so it is helpful to hear what others experience.

[@Csmiles0]

I'm trying to understand mine I just started having focal seizures with syncope

[@robinmenikoff586]

This is a really good video! The acting is very good.

[@youssefnasrallah1660]

It's really useful presentation Thank you

[@hollyfortman9550]

I have complex partial seizures and I did share of my symptoms to my family so they would know how to deal with me it’s scary and scares my family no history having this just started last month a full blow anyway it’s good to have awareness to share . Thank you for sharing ❤

[@TheWTFMatt]

Similar story for me, started a week ago been non stop. We'll make it through you're not alone🙏🙏

[@filledwithvariousknowledge2747]

I have this but mine are much milder and only last 20 seconds. The only way I know if I’ve had one, except when told, is if I can feel a memory gap is missing as 0 memory of anything I do or say is ‘logged’

[@GØDDESS1111MYNAMEISMATRIX]

My dad always tries to stop the convulsions with force and he has no idea how painful that is for me. Idc if he just puts his hands where I’m hitting/punching but literally restraining me is soooo painful and makes it last longer than it should. I know he means well, but god that hurts.

[@EpilepsyTorontoVideos]

I'm sorry to hear this Sage - maybe you could share this video with him, that mentions to 'not restrain' a person while having a convulsive seizure. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fHOom2x-aZeZl5Y. All the best to you.

[@GØDDESS1111MYNAMEISMATRIX]

@@EpilepsyTorontoVideos I need to send this to the doctor at the ER now, apparently he doesn’t understand this either. PAINFUL 😠 no help 😣 ugh why do people want to get under my skin so badly? 😠😠😠 (sorry for the negativity, I’m severely exhausted and just fed up)

[@EpilepsyTorontoVideos]

@@GØDDESS1111MYNAMEISMATRIX I'm sorry for your troubles and wish you all the best.

[@nickgeorgoulis4579]

@@GØDDESS1111MYNAMEISMATRIX Sorry to hear that. Some people just won't ever see things from other from their perspective. Surround yourself with positive people who love you for who you are and are willing to help you through your difficuties and cut out the negativity as much as you can. Best regards and wishing you the best.

[@skypie5374]

Off topic but the bald guy is a good actor and handsome

[@Campbejn]

When I first started having seizures…mine were all tonic clonic and then suddenly changed to focal around 2023

[@kimberlywebb8804]

I have these and theyre awful! Prayers for anyone who have these or any type of seizures! They get really serious!

[@EpilepsyTorontoVideos]

Thanks for sharing. 💜

[@thesmallblondeone1128]

Rly interesting to see this actually. My seizures have jus been straight out me staring, then I'm unconscious shaking and foaming from my mouth.

[@Clm76]

Great video this is one type of seizures I have know I know the name of it. just had one a coupe days ago why I was at the table eating.

[@SaltyMouse10]

Is it possible for them to last longer?

[@EpilepsyTorontoVideos]

These seizures usually last 1 - 2 minutes, but they can last longer.

[@HawkSea]

I hate biting my lips and destroying them. Hard to eat for a couple weeks.

[@EpilepsyTorontoVideos]

Ugg - that does sound awful. But thanks for sharing. 💜

[@Byou1168]

So did he know he was having that ? Is there rapid heart to this ?

[@petuniahead9982]

My friend has woken up on the floor in different rooms of his house. No memory of how he got there. I believe he had noctural focal seizures.

[@EpilepsyTorontoVideos]

Thanks for sharing. I hope your friend seeks a medical diagnosis for this, as in 70% of cases, people with epilepsy can manage their seizures with medication.

[@KoshVader]

This looks similar to those episodes I have. I feel dizzy and as a teenager I ran out the classroom. I know what's happening though and can talk but it's scary because it feels I'm not in my body.

[@EpilepsyTorontoVideos]

If you haven't yet, please tell your doctor about this. It sounds like you might be experiencing seizures, and if so, the sooner you are able to get a diagnosis and hopefully find a medication that can help you, the better.

[@KoshVader]

@@EpilepsyTorontoVideos I told a doctor a few years ago and he said they couldn't do anything. I was meant to be referred to neurology by my optician but my doctor cancelled it. I've got a new doctor now. I just hope they can do something. I'm just so scared when I get them and angry at the doctor who said they couldn't do anything.

[@EpilepsyTorontoVideos]

@@KoshVader I'm so sorry this has been your experience. I hope you feel more supported by your new doctor. Best of luck with your journey.

[@KoshVader]

@@EpilepsyTorontoVideos thanks. It's just so difficult. I had to push to get physio for knee pain, turns out I had hEDS although my GP said I didn't. It feels like I have to battle to get treatment and my energy is limited.

[@loopdiditydoop1926]

I get complex focal seizures, but at least once every one/two weeks the amnesia continues as a postictal effect, so it feels like I’m having the seizure for 30 minutes 😭

[@rorycampbell7360]

Same here. Weird experiences that, I can't fully describe to those who witness, my 'moment.' This video gives me an idea what I must look like, during a seizure. Do you think sometimes, that nobody notices. For me, it has reached the stage where it has become, the norm.

[@loopdiditydoop1926]

@@rorycampbell7360 I have had several seizures where no one has noticed. I had a really really bad focal seizure at a party back in February, and all of my friends just left me on the ground having it. They said they thought I was just upset or something.

[@bsirherc]

My focal awareness seizures are very violent

[@aliyahrashid7084]

I had an avm and had seizures since I was 18. I was put on both of medication. But after alot or reading and research. I stopped my medicine years ago. I only have water therapy. But I don't take room temperature water. I take near to hot water. I am seizure free for every 2 years. My seizures can't go because my brain has scarring. But still I'm happy and living a normal life. I advise you all to do this too. It's also beneficial for ther diseases ans illnesses. Good luck all❤ Read tonic clonic vide messages from me for mote guidance. Good luck all

[@hadders7729]

I hold my head as if to protect it from the outside. I feel immense fear and a weird terror of deja vu

[@EpilepsyTorontoVideos]

Thanks for sharing. Everyone's seizures are so unique. 💜

[@ابوسرنجة]

Can I translate it into Arabic?

[@skypie5374]

Yes

[@ѕтявєяяу-з7е]

This happens to me every day

[@bkh5746]

It's psuedo clouded if anything.like hang over from pills

[@bkh5746]

I can drink 4 beers I feel like shit for week.i smoke 1/4 meth feel bad for day,smoke a joint feel bad till I eat.and smoke another joint😂

[@bkh5746]

Take prescription my mind stays clouded. No wires on my dick nerve

[@hectorcaro3346]

You must never have experienced one. This isn't a hangover from pills.

[@amandaroberts9445]

❤❤

[@XantheLees]

I get so fatigued after having a seizure like this

[@Kez_abi]

Great video thankyou but I would add "call the ambulance if you have any doubt about the person and /or this is their first sezuire"

[@THE-michaelmyers]

This is what somebody with no training or experience would also do, they would err to the side of caution and call. It's best to wait to within maybe 5 to 10 minutes then call. Almost all the time it's over within 2 to 3 minutes. I have these, my friends handle them much as the lady did in this video. They know to keep me out of danger, clear my path and reassure onlookers I am OK, just having a non-emergency seizure.

[@seth124100]

You sent a chill up my spine when you said "call the ambulance!" I've had some horrible experiences with paramedics, ambulance rides and emergency rooms. I finally got a medical bracelet that says "Don't call an ambulance! Let me rest and recover for a few minutes. Contact person is XXX." I appreciate the important work done by paramedics, nurses and doctors, but in my experience, the "care" has just made things worse. Here's why: During my seizures, I'm awake and aware of my surroundings, but when my body collapses, I can't speak or see anything (I squeeze my eyes shut to block out visual stressors). So the sound of an ambulance sends my brain into panic mode, made worse by emergency personnel who holler questions at me, drag me from the premises, plop me on a stretcher, threaten to cut off my clothes unless I remove them on my own (?), and talk about me as if I'm not there (such as the old "Oh, she's conscious. She can move. She just won't. ")

[@THE-michaelmyers]

@@seth124100 It's interesting you made that comment. I had a rather serious Tonic-Clonic seizure at a local grocery store last week. It also became status epilepticus as well and to be honest, had the store manager not called 911 I would have died, no one currently shopping had any experience dealing with epilepsy. The person I was with had no instructions on managing this. So while it sucks, I do think strictly from a health safety perspective, it's better to have people err to the side of caution and make that call. Had the manager no made that call I was gone. I was in the hospital for 2 days before my neurologist would even talk about releasing me.

[@bsirherc]

This looks more like a absent seizure

[@EpilepsyTorontoVideos]

Everyone's seizures are unique, and absence seizures and focal Seizures with impaired awareness do have some similar characteristics. Here is a video depicting an Absence Seizure: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gGLCcmlme8yjo6csi=jjHG9KDQdmaYtIWa

[@wendellkwang3724]

I need to learn this to get away from my work

[@Major003]

You're disgusting.

[@Whoopdido777]

I assume you’re just joking but epilepsy is pure Hell. I don’t even know how many tonic clonic (Grand Mal) seizures I’ve had and I’ve had numerous focal seizures too. I actually had to spend about 3 months at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN and it took them forever to figure out what was wrong with me and develop some kind of a treatment plan. Almost 5 years later I’m pretty much normal as long as I take my medication, but I wouldn’t wish what I went through on my worst enemy. I don’t even really remember about 1-1.5 years of my life. Only bits and pieces of it. Kind of like a dream.

[@skypie5374]

not funny at all

[@tomcruise9317]

Is he need drugs ..

[@EpilepsyTorontoVideos]

Medication helps many people with epilepsy to manage, reduce and sometimes even prevent their seizures from happening. But for 30% of people with epilepsy, their seizures are drug-resistant and they are not able to manage them through medication. For those people, there are other treatment options to consider, but there is no fail-proof way to stop seizures from happening that works for everyone.

[@tomcruise9317]

@@EpilepsyTorontoVideos so thers absent seizure or focal seizue look binign simple ..and no daily life problem fast recovery ..so what happens if the dont take drugs ...

[@EpilepsyTorontoVideos]

@@tomcruise9317 I'm sorry I can't give advice about medication; this is something that needs to be discussed with a medical professional. Best of luck!

[@brittanytarrants8812]

​@@tomcruise9317they may look benign, but my daughter had to be pulled from school because of focal seizures. She was having them often and was unable to complete her work in the time given. With online school she's doing much better because if she has a seizure she can still pick up where she left off instead of missing important information