Occipital lobe seizures

The occipital lobes are responsible for your vision. Partial seizures happening in this part of the brain affect the way you see things.

Typical symptoms include seeing flashing or balls of light or experiencing brief loss of vision.

 

Back to partial seizures

 


We can provide references and information on the source material we use to write our epilepsy advice and information pages. Please contact our Epilepsy Helpline by email at helpline@epilepsy.org.uk.

Comments

My complex partial epilepsy is in the occipital region. I have had epilepsy since childhood. The above description is fairly accurate. The best way I can explain what I see/experience during a siezure is:

A feeling of lightheadedness precedes the siezure (also known as an aura, where you feel the siezure coming on).

Vision becomes impaired, I see flashing lights for example, or the footpath seems 'wonky', or the kerb looks deeper than it is, which is disorientating. It's strange, knowing your environment for what it is, but not being able to see it. I tend to move my head and blink frequently (to the right) to try to adjust my field of vision). If I am exercising or riding a bicycle, walking quickly I am more likely to have a siezure, compared to being stationary.

Bright flashing lights such as special effects in movies and games can trigger siezures.
I tend not to use the word 'siezure' when discussing them. "Blur" is more suitable to the experience. If someone says 'are you alright' while having a siezure, I absently reply "I'm having a blur."

I can be led to sit down, but need some air or physical space around me and don't like being touched during a blur, especially if I don't know or trust a person.
Generally, after an hour or so, I might ask "did I have a blur" as though it was a distant memory, or not remember at all. After a blur, I tend to be easily irritated.

I have been advised that as the scar is in the occipital region, surgery is not an option as it would take my vision as well.
I have lived with epilepsy for 35years and am used to the blurs, the medication, certain lifestyle limitations such as not driving. I accept it as part of who I am, and feel that I am fortunate to have good doctors, reliable medications (through trial and error). and a manageable condition.

i am currently having test to diagnose if i have epilepsy i have seizures in my sleep i also have problems with my vision that i have just been told that this could be partial seizures.

The way of describing this is my vision blurred then dark circles appear then everything goes black.
looking at this website has helped me understand this better and know what to expect and helped informing my family what to do the next time i have a seizure