Saturday July 19, 2008

Q: What is Jacksonian seizure?


A: Jacksonian seizure is an unique type of simple partial seizures in which symptoms start in one part of the body, then spread to another - "epileptic march". Abnormal movements may occur in the hand or foot, then move up the limb as the electrical activity spreads in the brain. People are completely aware of what is occurring during the seizure.

Jacksonian seizures are extremely varied and may involve, for example, apparently purposeful movements such as turning the head, eye movements, smacking the lips, mouth movements, drooling, rhythmic muscle contractions in a part of the body, abnormal numbness, tingling, and a crawling sensation over the skin. These motor symptoms spread slowly from one part of the body to another.

(These seizures are named after an english neurologist, John Hughlings Jackson who described it in 1863)