Focal seizures

Focal seizures are a type of epileptic seizure that start on one side of the brain. They used to be called partial seizures.

Find out more about focal seizures, including types of focal seizure, auras, and how to help someone who is having a focal seizure.

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Key points

  • Focal seizures are a common type of seizure in epilepsy
  • Some people stay fully aware, or conscious, during a focal seizure. For other people, their awareness is affected by the seizure
  • Some common symptoms for focal seizures can include repeated small or large movements. Other symptoms include feeling strange sensations and emotions
  • Most focal seizures are short. They usually last from a few seconds to a few minutes
  • If a person is having a focal seizure, stay calm and reassuring. Stay with the person to ensure they are safe
  • Many people recover without needing medical help after a focal seizure. But there are some occasions when you may need to call an ambulance

What are focal seizures?

Focal seizures are a type of seizure that start on one side of the brain. They are a common type of seizure. About 6 in 10 people with epilepsy have focal seizures. Some people with epilepsy only have focal seizures. Others will have different types of seizure too.

 

Types of focal seizures

Focal seizures have different names. The name depends on whether you are able to respond well during the seizure, and remember what happened.

 

Focal preserved consciousness (FPC) seizure

A focal seizure with preserved consciousness is when you can remember what happens during the seizure. You can also respond well to people and things around you.

This type of seizure used to be called a focal aware seizure, or a simple partial seizure.

 

“[I have] tingling in my face and hands, feeling like going up a big rollercoaster then coming down, feeling clammy and then muscle jerks and spasms on my left hand side. I am aware during my seizures then afterwards I struggle to speak and I am confused and extremely fatigued.”

 

Focal impaired consciousness (FIC) seizure

A focal impaired consciousness seizure is when you cannot remember what happened during all of the seizure. Or, you cannot react appropriately, or with your usual speed. For example, you may not respond to a spoken instruction given to you by a family member in your usual way.

This type of seizure used to be called a focal impaired awareness seizure, or a complex partial seizure.

 

“I have focal impaired awareness seizures and, as I live alone, I don’t always immediately know that I’ve had one. Often, it will be the case that I become extremely fatigued and have an ‘unexplained’ headache.”

 

 

Focal seizure symptoms overview

Focal seizure symptoms that can be seen

Some focal seizure symptoms can be noticed by other people. Healthcare professionals call these visible signs ‘observable manifestations’.

These can include:

  • Jerking
  • Muscles becoming limp (loss of muscle tone)
  • Repeated movements
  • Difficulty speaking (aphasia)
  • Flushing (sudden increase of blood flow to the skin)

 

Focal seizure symptoms that cannot be seen

Some focal seizure symptoms can’t be seen by others. Healthcare professionals call these focal seizures ‘without observable manifestations’.

These can include things like:

  • Changes in emotions. For example, a feeling of fear
  • Changes in thinking
  • Changes in sensations. For example, a rising feeling in the tummy

 

 

 

Man looking scared and saying it was really helpful to talk to someone.

 

Different types of focal seizure symptoms

Focal seizure symptoms can be different for everybody. What you experience can depend on which area (lobe) of the brain is affected. It also depends on whether the seizure spreads to affect other areas of the brain. Some people experience one symptom during a focal seizure, while others have several.

  • Temporal lobe focal seizures

    ‘Temporal’ sounds like this: tem-per-uhl or tem-pruhl

    Focal seizures most commonly start in the temporal lobes. The temporal lobes are responsible for things like memory, hearing and understanding language.

    Seizures starting in the temporal lobes are usually focal impaired consciousness seizures. You might remember what happens at the beginning and respond normally at first, but as the seizure continues, you may no longer be able to do so.

     

    Symptoms during a temporal lobe seizure

    Here are some symptoms that might happen during a temporal lobe focal seizure:

    • Feeling frightened
    • Feeling like what’s happening has happened before (déjà vu)
    • Hearing things that aren’t there
    • Experiencing an unpleasant taste or smell
    • Having a rising sensation in your stomach
    • Lip smacking, repeated swallowing or chewing
    • Changes to your skin colour or heart rate
    • Automatic behaviours such as fidgeting, undressing, running or walking

    You may feel confused or find it hard to speak for a short time after a temporal lobe seizure.

  • Frontal lobe focal seizures

    The frontal lobes in the brain are the largest lobes.

    They are responsible for things like:

    • Personality
    • Emotions
    • Planning and decision-making
    • Body movements

    Some people who have frontal lobe seizures only have them in their sleep. They are sometimes mistaken for ‘parasomnias‘. These are sleep disorders where you have unusual behaviour or experiences during your sleep.

    Frontal lobe seizures can also be mistaken for non-epileptic seizures (dissociative seizures).

    Frontal lobe focal seizures don’t usually last long. They can often happen in clusters with several happening in a short space of time. Your level of consciousness may or may not be affected.

     

    Symptoms during a frontal lobe seizure

    Here are some symptoms that might happen during a frontal lobe focal seizure:

    • Pelvic thrusting, kicking, pedalling, thrashing or rocking movements
    • Screaming, swearing or laughing
    • Unintentionally passing urine (urinary incontinence)
    • Your head or eyes turning to one side
    • Having unusual body movements, such as stretching one arm while the other bends
    • Twitching, jerking or stiffening of muscles in one area of your body. The movements may sometimes spread bit by bit to other areas
  • Occipital lobe focal seizures

    ‘Occipital’ sounds like this: ok-sip-i-tl

    The occipital lobes are responsible for processing what we see (visual information).

     

    Symptoms during an occipital lobe seizure

    Seizures starting in the occipital lobe often spread to involve other lobes. Here are some symptoms that can happen during an occipital lobe focal seizure:

    • Seeing flashing lights, colours or simple patterns
    • Seeing more complex images, such as pictures of people, animals or scenes
    • Not being able to see as well as usual, or not being able to see at all
    • Eye movements you can’t control. These might be your eyes closing, moving to one side, or moving quickly from side-to-side
    • Repeated blinking
  • Parietal lobe focal seizures

    ‘Parietal’ sounds like this: puh-RIGH-uh-tuhl

    The parietal lobes help us to understand things like:

    • Space and distance (spatial perception)
    • Language
    • Interpret the signals from our senses, like touch, pressure, and temperature

     

    Symptoms during a parietal lobe seizure

    Seizures starting in the parietal lobes often spread to involve other lobes. Here are some things that might happen during a parietal lobe focal seizure:

    • Having feelings of numbness or tingling
    • Prickling, crawling or electric-shock sensations. These may spread along the affected body part
    • Sensations of burning, cold or pain
    • Feeling like part or all of your body is moving or floating
    • Feeling like a body part has shrunk, become bigger or is missing
    • Sexual sensations
    • Difficulty understanding language, reading, writing or doing simple maths
    • Seeing things as bigger or smaller than they really are or seeing things that aren’t there. These types of symptoms can sometimes be called Alice in Wonderland syndrome

What people say about their focal seizures

“I can feel like I’m going over a bump in the road or the top of a roller coaster.

I can also giggle, move my arms about or walk off. I’m not aware of doing this.”

“A feeling of déjà vu that’s really intense, sometimes like a flashback.

A sense of rising anxiety and nausea – leaving me feeling shaky and like I need to take some deep breaths and feeling absolutely exhausted afterwards.”

“The aware ones feel like a feeling of dread rising from the tummy. Lasts approximately 30 seconds.

Unaware: I do a lot of lip smacking, staring into space. Although they are very short, and as far as I know, happen at home, I generally tell someone as I feel a bit ‘off’ for a few hours and my brain feels like it needs a rest.”

“I go hot, feel sick and “headachey”.

I start lip smacking and sometimes feel light headed and I get a strong metallic/blood smell and taste.

I have no idea what causes them, but I always sit/lay down in case they escalate into a tonic-clonic.”

“I only know I’m having my focal seizures when I hear the same voice in my head having the same repeated conversation.

After I come around I get confused and find answering any questions can be really difficult for a while.”

“When reading or writing anything – including the blackboard at school, everything shrunk in size.

If I was writing, as I continued, when I came back to normal vision, everything was all the same size.”

“[I have] déjà vu that lasts up to 5 minutes sometimes.

A sinking feeling/ dread that takes over.

Very nauseous resulting in sickness straight afterwards, and then a very foggy state of mind.”

“I have focal seizures which always start with a really powerful sense of déjà vu which lasts for a couple of minutes, followed by a strange feeling in my head, like a wave pulsing through it.”

“I feel very dazed and confused afterwards, and get a monster headache and feel very tired.

They really shake me up. They’re usually followed by a tonic-clonic seizure, but not always.”

What is an aura in epilepsy?

Some people with epilepsy use the word ‘aura’ to describe a particular feeling or symptom they have before the main onset of their seizure. For example, they may have:

  • A feeling that what’s happening now has happened before (déjà vu)
  • Hearing changes
  • Strange tastes or smells

An aura is actually a type of focal seizure that begins in just one part of the brain.

 

“I have focal impaired awareness seizures. I have a déjà vu aura that lasts up to around 5 seconds tops which gives me time to make sure everything is out of my hands.”

 

Focal seizures that turn into other seizures

Sometimes a focal seizure can spread to both sides of the brain, leading to a generalised seizure. When this happens it is called a focal to bilateral tonic-clonic seizure. Some people call the focal seizure that comes before a generalised seizure an aura.

How long do focal seizures last?

Most focal seizures are short, usually lasting between a few seconds and a few minutes. But they can be shorter or longer for some people.

One study found that focal seizures with preserved consciousness generally tended to last between 1 second and 3 minutes. The average duration was around 27 seconds.

Focal seizures with impaired consciousness tended to be a little longer. These seizures typically lasted between 10 seconds and 4 ½ minutes, with an average of 43 seconds.

27 seconds
Average length of focal seizure with preserved consciousness
43 seconds
Average length of focal seizure with impaired consciousness

What happens after a focal seizure?

Some people feel fine straight after a focal seizure, while others need time to recover. You might be able to get back to what you were doing straight away. Or you might feel confused or tired for some time afterwards.

This is sometimes called the ‘post-ictal phase’. Some people might need to sleep during this phase. Other people might wander without being aware. This can be more likely with temporal lobe seizures, but it can happen with other types of focal seizure too. It is important to stay with someone if they wander after a seizure, to help guide them from danger.

 

Todd’s paralysis

Some people find they have temporary weakness or can’t move part of their body after they’ve had a seizure. This is called Todd’s paralysis (or Todd’s paresis). It can last from a few minutes up to 36 hours, before going away. Todd’s paralysis is not the same as weakness or difficulty moving caused by an injury during a seizure.

 

 

What can I do if I or my child has focal seizures?

Try to learn as much as possible about your seizures. This includes if anything is likely to trigger them, and what can help you if you have one.

  • Keeping a seizure diary can help you to understand your seizures better. Friends and family may be able to help you spot when you have had one, if you are unaware of having them yourself
  • Speak to our helpline to find out more about focal seizures and how to manage them
  • Find out more on our pages about living with epilepsy
  • Explore resources on our Just for Kids page

What people say helps them during a focal seizure

“Be kind to yourself, rest afterwards and ask friends and family for support if you need it.”

“I do something to try cool down (fan/ice pack), hydrate, loosen my collar and remove any extra layers. I also let someone know if I’m having one in case I need additional help.

Everyone I work with is aware of what happens and have all been very interested in learning a little more about epilepsy.”

“I find that if I ask people to keep talking to me, it lightens the load.”

If this is your first seizure

Many people search for information after a first focal seizure. If you think you have had a focal seizure, here’s what you can do:

  • See your GP. They may offer some tests or a referral to a specialist
  • Take as much information as you can about your seizure to the appointment, including:
    • Where and when it happened
    • What you were doing
    • How long you think it lasted
    • What it felt like before, during, and afterwards- if you have that information
    • Any information from someone who was with you, and who saw you have the seizure, if possible. Or, you may want to bring this person with you to the appointment.

Find more information on our diagnosis page.

Focal seizure first aid: How to help someone

Someone having a focal seizure may, or may not, be aware of what is happening. Focal seizures can be frightening and disorientating for the person having the seizure. Being kind, calm and reassuring can really help.

 

“The best thing is for people to stay with me and make sure I’m safe. It’s horrible coming around and being confused about where I am or not remembering how I’ve hurt myself.”

 

Try to avoid doing anything that might frighten the person having a seizure. Don’t make any sudden movements, shake them, or shout. Even if the person is aware, they could feel confused and unsteady for a while after the seizure. They may feel tired, and need time to rest and recover.

 

 

Take a look at our quick tips for focal seizure first aid below.

First aid for a person having a focal seizure:

  • Stay with the person and ensure they are safe
  • Guide the person away from any danger
  • Stay calm and reassuring
  • Time how long the seizure lasts

It’s important that you don’t hold the person down or move them unless they are in danger. You shouldn’t try to bring them round and never give them anything to eat or drink until they recover.

 

After the focal seizure

  • Stay with the person until they are fully recovered
  • Check how they are feeling afterwards and explain anything they might have missed

When to call for an ambulance

Call for an ambulance if:

  • You know it is their first seizure
  • The seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes
  • The person has one seizure after another without regaining awareness between seizures. This is called status epilepticus
  • You think the person needs medical help. For example, if they are injured during their seizure

Sometimes a focal seizure can progress into another type of seizure, such as a tonic-clonic seizure. Find out more about tonic-clonic first aid.

We have more information about other seizure types and how to help someone from our main first aid page.

Frequently asked questions

  • Why are there so many different names for focal seizures?

    There are at least 21 types of epileptic seizures, each with its own name. The International League Against Epilepsy is the main organisation for epilepsy healthcare professionals. It recommends naming seizures as accurately as possible so people get the right support and treatment.

    As we learn more about seizures, their names have changed over time. You may also have your own names for your seizures. You can use whatever name you are comfortable with for your seizure type.

    The International League Against Epilepsy published the latest seizure classification in 2025. Read the paper for free.

     

  • How are focal seizures treated?

    The main treatment for epilepsy is taking epilepsy medicines. They don’t cure epilepsy, but they can help to prevent focal seizures from happening. Find out more about epilepsy medicines.

  • Are focal seizures a disability?

    If you have epilepsy, the law can protect you from disability discrimination in certain circumstances. This is true whether you feel that you have a disability or not. Find out more here.

    If your seizures affect your ability to do day-to-day activities, you may be eligible for certain disability benefits. Find out more here.

     

  • Can I drive with focal seizures?

    There are different rules for driving with epilepsy. These rules depend on the type of seizures you have, when they happen and what type of vehicle you want to drive.

    If you have seizures that affect your consciousness, you must be seizure free for at least 12 months, before you’re allowed to drive.

    If your seizures never affect your consciousness, the DVLA may allow you to drive without being seizure free. This is only if you meet certain conditions. Find out more on our driving rules page or speak to our helpline on 0808 800 5050.

  • Is an aura a type of focal seizure?

    Some people with epilepsy use the word aura to describe symptoms that come before a full seizure. These symptoms are sometimes a focal seizure starting on one side of the brain. This can then spread to both sides of the brain and turn into a different type of seizure.

  • How can you help me with my focal seizures?

    We can help you adjust to living with focal seizures. Call our helpline on 0808 8005050 to ask about the support that we offer.

We're here to help

Got more questions? 

Our expert advisors can help you with any questions you might have about focal seizures or anything else related to living with epilepsy.

Contact the helpline

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More information

About seizures Common seizure triggers Getting a diagnosis Status epilepticus and emergency treatment Epilepsy syndromes Living with epilepsy
This information has been produced under the terms of the PIF TICK. The PIF TICK is the UK-wide Quality Mark for Health Information. Please contact website@epilepsy.org.uk if you would like a reference list for this information.
Published: August 2022
Last modified: December 2025
To be reviewed: December 2028
Tracking: A007.07 (previously B037)
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