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Real members of MyEpilepsyTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Anyone know if this would count as a complex partial seizure? A sort of jolt (although more a feeling in the chest than physical), partially aware and CAN move head after a few seconds but can’t answer if someone is talking to me, sometimes completely blank for a few seconds but apparently whatever I’m doing at the time (stirring tea, scanning groceries as a cashier, scrolling on the phone, etc) will keep going and I have no say in the matter or control, even if I notice I’m doing it. It takes… read more

September 19, 2025
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MyEpilepsyTeam

Based on the symptoms described, this appears consistent with what is now called a "focal impaired awareness seizure" (previously known as complex partial seizure). The key characteristics match, including:

• Impaired awareness during the event
• Automatic movements continuing without control (automatisms)
• Brief duration Show Full Answer

Based on the symptoms described, this appears consistent with what is now called a "focal impaired awareness seizure" (previously known as complex partial seizure). The key characteristics match, including:

• Impaired awareness during the event
• Automatic movements continuing without control (automatisms)
• Brief duration (typically 1-2 minutes)
• Post-ictal symptoms like difficulty speaking
• Emotional responses afterward (like laughing) It's important to track these episodes and discuss them with your healthcare provider, as they can help confirm the specific type of seizure and develop an appropriate treatment plan. The emotional responses and embarrassment you're experiencing are completely normal. Many people with epilepsy experience similar feelings after seizures.

Remember that while these symptoms align with focal impaired awareness seizures, only a medical professional can provide a definitive diagnosis.

September 19, 2025

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