Focal cognitive seizure

What it means

A focal cognitive seizure involves an alteration in a cognitive function (which can be a deficit or a positive phenomenon such as forced thought), which occurs at seizure onset. To be classified as a focal cognitive seizure, the change in cognitive function should be specific and out of proportion to other relatively unimpaired aspects of cognition, because all cognition is impaired in a focal impaired awareness seizure.

In order to characterize focal cognitive seizures, specific testing may be required early during the seizure.

Part of the broader category

Also called: Cognitive aura · Cognitive seizure · Partial cognitive seizure