Seizures and Epilepsy: Lateral Temporal Lobe

The 2 subtypes of temporal lobe seizures are mesial temporal lobe seizures including the hippocampus and lateral / neocortical temporal lobe seizures.

Mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) involves the medial or internal structures of the temporal lobe. Seizures often begin in the hippocampus or surrounding area. MTLE accounts for almost 80% of all temporal lobe seizures. Seizures that arise in the mesial temporal lobe may be characterized by distinctive seizure onset features. Autonomic (epigastric sensation/abdominal discomfort), cognitive (deja vu/jamais vu), emotional (fear) or sensory (unpleasant olfactory/gustatory) focal seizures can occur in isolation or followed by onset of behavior arrest with progressed impaired awareness. Automatisms can be oral including chewing, lip smacking, swallowing, and tongue movements. Manual automatisms can also be a feature of these focal seizures. Autonomic phenomena (pallor, flushing, tachycardia) are also common.