The structure of the brain

To understand epileptic seizures, it’s useful to know a little about the structure of the brain.

The largest part of the brain is called the cerebrum, and this is divided into two halves, called hemispheres. Epileptic seizures can start in one hemisphere, or affect both hemispheres from the start. Where a seizure starts is known as the seizure onset.

Focal onset

Focal seizures (also called focal onset seizures) start in one hemisphere of the brain. Sometimes, a focal seizure can start in one hemisphere and then spread to involve both hemispheres of the brain.

Generalised onset

Generalised seizures (also called generalised onset seizures) affect both hemispheres of the brain from the start.

The lobes of the brain

Each hemisphere of the brain has four parts, called lobes, and each lobe is responsible for different functions.

Frontal lobes

• Personality, behaviour and emotions
• Judgement, planning and problem solving
• Body movement
• Intelligence, concentration and self-awareness

Parietal lobes

• Processing language
• Interpreting the signals from our senses of touch, vision and hearing
• Understanding space and distance (spatial perception)

Occipital lobes

• Processing visual information

Temporal lobes

• Understanding language
• Memory
• Hearing

Find out more about focal seizures in different lobes.

See this information with references

If you would like to see this information with references, visit the Advice and Information references section of our website. If you are unable to access the internet, please contact our Epilepsy Action Helpline freephone on 0808 800 5050.