What is a focal seizure?

One of the most common neurological phenomena in humans is the seizure. In this video, we will explain the basics of what a seizure is and touch upon the causes and triggers. This video will also focus on one type of seizure known as focal seizures. We will first explain what normally happens in the brain and then explain what happens in the brain when someone has a focal seizure. By the end of the video, you will get a scientific understanding on what a focal seizure is. This video was made by McMaster Students: Manpreet Chopra, Jasleen Gill, Zoe Huang, Sriraam Sivachandran, and Melanie Yang in collaboration with the McMaster Demystifying Medicine Program Copyright McMaster University 2021 References Balamurugan, E., Aggarwal, M., Lamba, A., Dang, N., & Tripathi, M. (2013). Perceived trigger factors of seizures in persons with epilepsy. Seizure, 22(9), 743–747. doi.org/10.1016/j.seizure.2013.05.018 Bromfield EB, Cavazos JE, Sirven JI, editors. An Introduction to Epilepsy [Internet]. West Hartford (CT): American Epilepsy Society; 2006. Chapter 1, Basic Mechanisms Underlying Seizures and Epilepsy. Available from: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK2510/?fbclid=IwAR1_Q… 9FBduqVEb2FYPzwJPJmuVzBX9APlx_avBqqpU CDC. (2020a, September 30). Frequently Asked Questions About Epilepsy | CDC. www.cdc.gov/epilepsy/about/faq.htm CDC. (2020b, October 26). Epilepsy | CDC. www.cdc.gov/epilepsy/index.html NINDS. (2015, April). The Epilepsies and Seizures: Hope Through Research | National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Educ… Tortora, G. J., & Derrickson, B. (2014). Principles of anatomy and physiology. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.

• #education
• #mcmaster_university
• #demystifying_medicine
• #seizure
• #focal_seizure
• #epilepsy
• #action_potential
• #depolarization
• #repolarization
• #hyperpolarization
• #ions
• #neurotransmitters
• #channels