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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffEpilepsy symptoms can vary, depending on where the seizures originate in the brain. Seizures that begin in the front of the brain (frontal lobe seizures) may produce unusual symptoms that can appear to be related to a psychiatric problem or a sleep disorder.
Frontal lobe seizures often occur during sleep and may feature bicycle pedaling motions and pelvic thrusting. Some people scream profanities or laugh during frontal lobe seizures.
In many cases of frontal lobe epilepsy, brain wave tests (electroencephalograms) may not show the changes characteristic of epileptic seizures. Medications usually can control frontal lobe seizures, but surgery is an option if anti-seizure drugs aren't effective.
- Seizures and epilepsy: Hope through research. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/epilepsy/detail_epilepsy.htm. Accessed July 25, 2008.
- Benbadis SR. Localization-related epilepsy: Causes and clinical features. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed July 25, 2008.
- Tinuper P, et al. Movement disorders in sleep: Guidelines for differentiating epileptic from non-epileptic motor phenomena arising from sleep. Sleep Medicine Reviews. 2007;11(4):255-267. Accessed July 25, 2008.
- Spencer SS. Seizures and Epilepsy. In: Goldman L, et al. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/100381093-11/729142684/1492/1429.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2805-5..50431-6--cesec5_18072. Accessed July 25, 2008.
- Epilepsies and Epilepsy Syndromes. In: Goetz CG. Textbook of Clinical Neurology. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/100601158-3/729786871/1488/445.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-3618-0..10052-9--s0170_4555. Accessed July 28, 2008.
- Neurological diagnostic tests and procedures. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/misc/diagnostic_tests.htm. Accessed July 28, 2008.
- Schuele SU, et al. Intractable epilepsy: Management and therapeutic alternatives. Lancet Neurology. 2008;7(6):514-524.
- Schachter SC. Surgical therapy of epilepsy in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed July 28, 2008.
- Schachter SC, et al. Vagus nerve stimulation therapy. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed July 28, 2008.
- Cascino G (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Aug. 26, 2008.
