By: Shaun Kim
What are Jacksonian Seizures?
Jacksonian seizures, also known as focal motor seizures, are a type of partial seizure that originates in a localized area of the brain. Jacksonian seizures are a common symptom of epilepsy, a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures.
In the case of Jacksonian seizures, abnormal electrical activity originates in the motor cortex, which is part of the brain responsible for controlling movement. As a result, the seizures typically begin with a twitch or a jerk in a specific muscle group, such as the hand or foot. The twitch or jerk then spreads to adjacent muscle groups, often resulting in a convulsive seizure involving one side of the body.
Jacksonian seizures can vary in severity, with some patients experiencing mild, isolated twitches or jerks, while others may have more severe, convulsive seizures. In some cases, Jacksonian seizures may progress to involve the entire body, resulting in a generalized seizure.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing Jacksonian seizures due to epilepsy typically involves a comprehensive medical evaluation by a neurologist or epileptologist, who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy.
The first step in the evaluation process is to obtain a detailed medical history, including the nature and frequency of the seizures, any triggers that may be associated with the seizures, and any family history of epilepsy or other neurological disorders.
The next step is to perform a physical and neurological examination to assess the patient’s overall health and any neurological abnormalities. This may include an assessment of the patient’s reflexes, muscle strength, and coordination.
In addition, a variety of diagnostic tests may be ordered to confirm the diagnosis of Jacksonian seizures due to epilepsy, including:
- Electroencephalogram (EEG): This test measures the electrical activity in the brain and can detect abnormal patterns of electrical activity that may be associated with seizures.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): This test uses powerful magnets and radio waves to produce detailed images of the brain, which can help identify any structural abnormalities that may be contributing to the seizures.
- Blood tests: Blood tests can help identify any underlying medical conditions that may be causing the seizures, such as infections, metabolic disorders, or drug toxicity.
- Video monitoring: This involves the patient staying in a hospital or specialized epilepsy monitoring unit, where they are monitored 24/7 with video and EEG recording. This can help capture and classify the seizures and determine the best course of treatment.
Diagnosing Jacksonian seizures due to epilepsy can be a complex process, and it may require multiple tests and evaluations over time to arrive at an accurate diagnosis. However, with an accurate diagnosis, patients can receive the appropriate treatment to help control their seizures and improve their quality of life.
Treatment
Jacksonian seizures that are caused by epilepsy can be treated with medications that are designed to prevent seizures. These medications work by stabilizing the electrical activity in the brain and preventing abnormal electrical discharges that can cause seizures.
There are several types of medications that can be used to treat Jacksonian seizures due to epilepsy, including:
- Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs): These medications are the most common treatment for epilepsy and are designed to prevent seizures from occurring. Some common AEDs include phenytoin, carbamazepine, valproic acid, and lamotrigine.
- Benzodiazepines: These medications are often used in emergency situations to stop a seizure that is already in progress. Diazepam and lorazepam are two examples of benzodiazepines that may be used to treat Jacksonian seizures.
- Other medications: In some cases, other medications may be used to treat Jacksonian seizures due to epilepsy, such as topiramate, gabapentin, and levetiracetam.
It is important to work closely with a neurologist to determine the best treatment plan for Jacksonian seizures due to epilepsy. The goal of treatment is to prevent seizures from occurring while minimizing side effects from the medication. Aside from medications for epilepsy, making dietary modifications like the Keto diet can also be considered. In some cases, surgical options may be considered if medications are not effective in controlling seizures.
References
Articles. Cedars. (n.d.). Retrieved March 21, 2023, from https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/j/jacksonian-seizures.html#:~:text=A%20Jacksonian%20seizure%20is%20a,known%20as%20a%20Jacksonian%20march
Do you know what a jacksonian march is? Epilepsy Foundation. (n.d.). Retrieved March 21, 2023, from https://www.epilepsy.com/stories/do-you-know-what-jacksonian-march
Focal seizure: What it is, causes, symptoms & treatment. Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Retrieved March 21, 2023, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22893-focal-seizure
Johannessen, S. I., & Ben-Menachem, E. (2006). Management of focal-onset seizures. Drugs, 66(13), 1701–1725. https://doi.org/10.2165/00003495-200666130-00004
Kienitz, R., Kay, L., Beuchat, I., Gelhard, S., von Brauchitsch, S., Mann, C., Lucaciu, A., Schäfer, J.-H., Siebenbrodt, K., Zöllner, J.-P., Schubert-Bast, S., Rosenow, F., Strzelczyk, A., & Willems, L. M. (2022). Benzodiazepines in the management of seizures and status epilepticus: A review of routes of delivery, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and tolerability. CNS Drugs, 36(9), 951–975. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40263-022-00940-2
Kiriakopoulos, E., & Fisher, R. (n.d.). Focal onset aware seizures (simple partial seizures). Epilepsy Foundation. Retrieved March 21, 2023, from https://www.epilepsy.com/what-is-epilepsy/seizure-types/focal-onset-aware-seizures
