What is focal epilepsy? It is epilepsy in which seizures start in one small region of the brain, rather than across both sides at once. About 60% of people with epilepsy have focal seizures, according to Epilepsy Action Australia.
For the basics, start with the definition of epilepsy. This guide explains focal seizure types, the older names you may still hear, how children are affected, and where to find support in Australia.
In 2017 the International League Against Epilepsy revised its classification into three groups: focal, generalised and unknown onset. Focal means the seizure starts in one small region of the brain.
Ask your neurologist which type applies to you.
Focal seizures are one kind of seizure that can be part of epilepsy, and your doctor decides whether a person has epilepsy.
For other seizure and epilepsy types, see the different types of epilepsy.
Partial is the older word for focal, and you will still see it in books, websites and medical letters.
We provide reliable, caring support workers for people with disability in Sydney and Melbourne. Send us a referral to talk about the support you need.
Make a referral →Some names for focal epilepsy refer to where in the brain seizures begin. Your specialist can tell you which, if any, applies.
Children can have focal seizures too, and a paediatrician or paediatric neurologist usually leads their assessment.
Doctors look for a cause in each person, but causes vary and are not always found.
Treatment is decided by your doctor, based on your situation, so this section describes support rather than recommending any option.
Practical routines make a difference, and they work best when the person leads decisions about their own life.
NDIS funding is only available if you meet the NDIS access requirements, and each plan is individual.
Talk to a doctor soon about any of the following, and call 000 in an emergency.
We provide reliable, caring support workers for people with disability in Sydney and Melbourne. Send us a referral to talk about the support you need.
Make a referral →Living well with epilepsy often means having the right people around you. TQN Care’s high-care and complex support workers help people across Sydney, Melbourne and surrounding areas (NSW & VIC) with everyday life at home and in the community. Our workers do not provide medical treatment. If you would like to talk about support, send us a referral and we will take it from there.
Focal epilepsy is epilepsy in which seizures start in one small region of the brain. In the 2017 classification, focal is one of three groups, alongside generalised and unknown onset. A person may stay fully aware or have changes in awareness, and your GP or specialist can explain what it means for you.
Focal seizures can be part of epilepsy. They start in one small region of the brain, and about 60% of people with epilepsy have them. A doctor needs to assess whether a person has epilepsy, so see your GP or specialist if you are worried.
Partial epilepsy is an older term for epilepsy with focal seizures, which start in one region of the brain. Focal is the current term in the 2017 classification. If your records use the old term, ask your specialist to explain the current wording.
Complex partial was an older label for seizures that affect awareness, now usually described as focal impaired awareness seizures. The wording has changed over time, so ask your neurologist what your diagnosis means today. Your seizure plan matters more than the label.
Yes. Epilepsy Action Australia states that a focal seizure may progress to a tonic-clonic seizure. Follow the person’s own seizure management plan, and call 000 if you are worried or the plan says to. Talk to your specialist about what applies to you.