Focal aware seizure

What it means

A type of focal-onset seizure in which awareness is preserved. Awareness during a seizure is defined as the patient being fully aware of themself and their environment throughout the seizure, even if immobile.

In the previous (1981) ILAE classification of seizure types, the term 'simple partial seizure' was used to denote a focal aware seizure. Awareness during a seizure is defined as the patient being fully aware of themself and their environment throughout the seizure, even if immobile. If awareness is preserved throughout, then the seizure is a focal aware seizure. Previously the terms simple partial was used to describe focal aware seizures.

Rare diseases that can present with this7

The range is how often this sign appears among people diagnosed with each disease — it is not a probability of having any of them. Many of these signs also occur in common, non-rare conditions. A sign on this page is a conversation to have with a clinician, not a conclusion.

Part of the broader category

Also called: Focal aware seizures · Focal seizure with retained awareness · Focal seizure without impairment of awareness · Focal seizure without impairment of consciousness or awareness · Focal seizures without impairment of consciousness or awareness · Partial seizure with retained awareness · Partial seizure without impairment of awareness · Simple partial seizure