Temporal-lobe epilepsy
Epilepsy that is characterized by abnormal electrical activity in the temporal lobe of the brain. This activity does not cause grand mal seizures; rather, it causes unusual behaviors and patterns of cognition. Temporal lobe epilepsy may, for example, cause sudden outbursts of unexpected aggression or agitation, or it may be characterized by aura-like phenomena. The seizures of temporal-lobe epilepsy often start in childhood. Temporal lobe epilepsy is difficult to diagnose because temporal lobe seizures may not show up on an EEG. The diagnosis may instead be made through observation of symptoms or the use of brain imaging technology. Temporal lobe epilepsy may be treated with the same antiseizure medications that are used for other forms of epilepsy. Surgery is also an option to control seizures and preclude unnecessary disability.
Temporal-lobe epilepsy is usually classified as simple or complex partial seizures. Simple partial seizures are characterized by a preserved awareness of self and surroundings (also known as an aura or warning). Patients commonly experience a variety of psychic, gustatory, olfactory, and autonomic symptoms.
Complex partial seizures are characterized by impaired awareness. Patients are disabled. They lose awareness and tend to have a motionless stare accompanied by automatisms — stereotyped, repetitive, involuntary movements such as lip smacking, chewing, picking at objects, scratching, and gesturing.
Read Also:
- Temporary loss of consciousness
Abnormal heart rhythms (heart beating too fast or too slow). Abnormalities of the heart valves (aortic stenosis or pulmonic valve stenosis). High blood pressure in the arteries supplying the lungs (pulmonary artery hypertension). Tears in the aorta (aortic dissection). Widespread disease of the heart muscle (cardiomyopathy). To be sure, many of the causes of temporary […]
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ)
The joint that hinges the lower jaw (mandible) to the temporal bone of the skull. It is one of the most frequently used joints in the entire body, moving whenever a person eats, drinks, or talks.
- Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ)
A disorder of the temporomandibular joint(s) that causes pain, usually in front of the ear(s), sometimes in the form of a headache. Pain in the TMJ can be due to trauma, such as a blow to the face; inflammatory or degenerative arthritis, or poor dental work or structural defects that push the mandible back towards […]
- Ten-day measles
An acute highly contagious viral disease with fever, runny nose, cough, red eyes, and a spreading skin rash, the measles (also known as rubeola) is a potentially disastrous disease. It can be complicated by ear infections, pneumonia, encephalitis (that can cause convulsions, mental retardation. and even death), the sudden onset of low blood platelet levels […]
- Tendinitis
Inflammation of a tendon (the tissue by which muscle attaches to bone). Tendinitis most commonly occurs as a result of injury, such as to the tendons around the shoulder or elbow. It can also occur as a result of an underlying inflammatory rheumatic disease, such as reactive arthritis or gout. Tendinitis is synonymous with tendonitis.