Frontal lobe seizures

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Definition

Epilepsy symptoms can vary, depending on where the seizures originate in the brain. Seizures that begin in the front of the brain (frontal lobe seizures) may produce unusual symptoms that can appear to be related to a psychiatric problem or a sleep disorder.

Frontal lobe seizures often occur during sleep and may feature bicycle pedaling motions and pelvic thrusting. Some people scream profanities or laugh during frontal lobe seizures.

In many cases of frontal lobe epilepsy, brain wave tests (electroencephalograms) may not show the changes characteristic of epileptic seizures. Medications usually can control frontal lobe seizures, but surgery is an option if anti-seizure drugs aren't effective.

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Symptoms