How can focal seizures with behavioral arrest (focal dyscognitive or complex partial seizures) and absence seizures be differentiated clinically
Three main features may help to differentiate complex partial from absence seizures:
- 1. Complex partial seizures, unlike absence seizures, may be preceded by a well-defined aura.
- 2. On average, complex partial seizures last 60 to 90 seconds, whereas absence seizures usually last no more than 30 seconds.
- 3. After a complex partial seizure, the patient is usually confused or has some postictal cognitive problem. Absence seizures are not associated with a postictal state, and patients return to their baseline cognitive state at the end of the seizure.
- 4. Absence seizures are generally induced by hyperventilation while complex partial seizures are not.
Note : Automatisms can occur with both absence and complex partial seizures.
