What Is a Temporal Lobe Seizure?
Temporal lobe, or psychomotor, seizures are caused by abnormal electrical activity in an area of the brain known as the temporal lobe. They result in temporary changes in movement, sensation, or autonomic function (such as heart rate and salivation). The victim may remain alert (simple seizure) or lose consciousness (complex seizure) during a seizure. These incidents can be brought on by any number of factors, from head trauma to high fever. Often no identifiable cause can be found. A person may experience a single, isolated seizure or a cluster of seizures during or following an illness or injury, without any further episodes. When seizures recur, the chronic condition is known as epilepsy. Medically reviewed by Tracy Shuman, MD, August 2005. SOURCES: The Mayo Clinic. US National Library of Health and National Institutes of Health.
