Partial onset seizures (also called focal seizures) start in one area of the brain.

They can be short and subtle or longer and dramatic. Knowing how they look, what triggers them, and how to treat them helps you stay safer and get the right care quickly.

A typical sign is a change in movement, feelings, or awareness that affects only part of the body. You might notice staring spells, lip smacking, sudden jerking of an arm or leg, odd smells, or a rising feeling in your stomach. Sometimes the person stays aware and can describe what happened; other times awareness is lost. That difference matters for treatment and driving rules.

What causes focal seizures? Common reasons are scar tissue from head injury, stroke, brain infections, tumors, and genetic tendencies. For some people no clear cause appears. Tests that help find the cause include EEG to measure brain waves and MRI to look for structural problems. Your doctor may also order blood tests and a detailed history from witnesses who saw the event.

Treatment usually starts with antiepileptic drugs. For partial onset seizures typical choices include carbamazepine, lamotrigine, levetiracetam, and oxcarbazepine. Each drug has pros and side effects. Finding the right medicine and dose often takes time. If medications don’t control seizures, other options include epilepsy surgery to remove the seizure focus, vagus nerve stimulation, or responsive neurostimulation. A neurologist or epileptologist can explain the pros and risks for your case.

Practical steps to manage seizures: keep a daily medication routine, avoid missing doses, track seizure patterns in a diary or app, and identify triggers like poor sleep, alcohol, and stress. Wear medical ID if you have frequent seizures. Tell family, friends, and coworkers what to do during a seizure: support the person, keep them safe from nearby hazards, turn them on their side if breathing is affected, and call emergency services if the seizure lasts more than five minutes or repeated seizures occur without recovery.

First aid is simple and effective. Don’t put anything in the mouth. Don’t restrain movement unless the person is in danger. Time the seizure and stay until they are fully alert. After a seizure, expect confusion or tiredness; give calm reassurance and time to recover.

Driving, work, and lifestyle rules vary by country and by seizure control. Many places require no seizures for a fixed period before driving is allowed. Talk with your doctor about safety measures that fit your life. Emotional support matters too—living with seizures can cause anxiety or depression. Support groups and counseling help people cope and plan.

Women who plan pregnancy should talk to their neurologist because some drugs carry risks and may need adjustment. Children with focal seizures often show subtle signs; school staff should know seizure first aid. Keep regular follow-ups and ask questions—small changes can make a big difference in seizure control and hope.