Focal Impaired Awareness Seizure Summary 1

FOCAL IMPAIRED AWARENESS SEIZURE SUMMARY

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Focal impaired awareness seizures can often be confused with repetitive behavioral tics, daydreaming, or altered awareness as a side effect of medication.1,2

LENGTH

Focal impaired awareness seizures normally last 1 to 2 minutes, but can be several minutes long.1,3,4

EYE MOVEMENT

The individual's eyes and head may drift upwards or to one side.1,3

UNCONTROLLABLE, REPETITIVE MOVEMENTS

The individual may repeat behaviors in a way that seems intentional, but isn't (ex. chewing or smacking their lips or picking at their hair or clothes).1

AFTER THE SEIZURE (POSTICTAL)

The individual returns to normal but looks confused or tired.1

REFERENCES

1. Kiriakopoulos E, Shafer PO. Epilepsy Foundation. Updated March 23, 2017. Accessed October 28, 2025. https://www.epilepsy.com/what-is-epilepsy/seizure-types/focal-onset-impaired-awareness-seizures 2. Kaplan PW. Dialogues Clin Neurosci. 2003;5(2)187-200. 3. Kumar A, Ighodaro ET, Sharma S. In: StatPearls [Internet]. StatPearls Publishing. Updated March 19, 2024. Accessed October 28, 2025. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519030/ 4. Epilepsy Foundation New England. Accessed October 28, 2025. https://epilepsynewengland.org/knowledge-center/types-of-seizures/focal-impaired-awareness-seizures