Temporal lobe epilepsy


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Temporal lobe epilepsy


Temporal lobe epilepsy involves the portions of the brain that control emotions and memory. The temporal lobes are located on each side of the head just above the ears at the temples. Temporal lobe epilepsy can cause both partial and generalized seizures.

Temporal lobe seizures cause behaviors such as smacking of the lips or rubbing the hands together. Other features of the seizures may include emotional or thought disturbances and hallucinations involving sounds, smells, or tastes.

Treatment with medication controls seizures in many people who have temporal lobe epilepsy. A type of brain surgery called anterior temporal lobectomy is another treatment option for people with this type of epilepsy.

Credits


Author Monica Rhodes
Editor Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Associate Editor Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics
Specialist Medical Reviewer Theresa O'Young, PharmD - Clinical Pharmacist
Specialist Medical Reviewer Steven C. Schachter, MD - Neurology
Last Updated October 29, 2007

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Last updated: October 29, 2007
Author: Monica Rhodes
Reviewed By: Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics, Steven C. Schachter, MD - Neurology
Editors: Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman, MATC

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