Partial seizures may be categorized as either complex or simple. They are then further characterized according to the area of the brain that is primarily affected.

Complex partial seizures usually originate in the temporal lobe of the brain. This area of the brain is associated with some aspects of memory, speech, emotions and the sensations of sound and smell. Although seizures may vary widely between individuals, most complex partial seizures last from 30 seconds to up to two minutes. During this time, the following sequence of events may take place:

• Some people experience an aura directly before the complex partial seizure occurs. The exact nature of the aura is often unique to each individual. It may include noticing a strange taste in the mouth, a rising sensation in the chest, an odd smell, the twitching of a limb that may or may not spread, or an inexplicable feeling of fear or apprehension.
  
  
• A person may stare into space or directly at another person or object, although the patient does not recognize the object of the stare. People experiencing a complex partial seizure will not be able to hear or respond to questions or requests, even though it may appear as if they are aware of their surroundings.
  
  
• During a seizure, a person may perform complex actions that appear purposeful. These are called automatisms. They range from lip-smacking, teeth-sucking or picking at clothes to more complex movements such as undressing or searching for something.
  
  
• After the complex partial seizure, most people have no memory of the seizure or what actions they may have performed during the seizure. They may be confused, tired or otherwise disoriented. These feelings may last for a few hours following the seizure.

The main difference between a complex and simple partial seizure is that people who only have a simple partial seizure do not lose consciousness and are usually aware that they are having a seizure. People with complex seizures lose awareness during the seizure and may lose consciousness. However, like any other type of seizure, people who have partial seizures of either type are not in control of their actions during the seizure.

There are numerous types of simple partial seizures. They rarely last for more than two minutes and may be so short that a person is not aware that a seizure took place. Simple partial seizures can affect any area of the brain and cause various symptoms. These localized seizures may be categorized by the area of the brain affected, such as:

• Temporal lobe seizures. Simple temporal lobe seizures can vary in type and intensity.  Because the temporal lobe is responsible for many aspects of sensation and behavior, people who have a simple temporal lobe seizure may experience intense feelings or emotions (e.g. elation, anger, fear). They may also have vivid memory flashbacks or feelings of déjà vu. This is because the temporal lobe is associated with aspects of memory. These occurrences are similar to the auras that are sometimes experienced prior to complex partial seizures or generalized seizures. Simple temporal lobe seizures can be very mild and, in some cases, are mistaken for ordinary emotional responses or memory “tricks.”
  
  
• Frontal lobe seizures. The frontal lobe controls many aspects of motor function and some parts of speech. Seizures that involve this area of the brain are sometimes called motor seizures and may involve tonic (stiffening of the muscles) movements in just one arm or leg. This is sometimes followed by clonic (rapid contraction and release of muscles) movements in the same body part. People who have a frontal lobe seizure may also experience disturbances in their ability to speak or be understood. These brief seizures are usually followed by a period of weakness.
  
  
• Parietal lobe seizures. These simple partial seizures are sometimes called sensory seizures because they involve alterations in physical sensations. This may be no more severe than a numbness or tingling sensation in an area of the body. People who have a parietal lobe seizure may also experience motor function abnormalities during the seizure because the parietal lobe is closely associated with the frontal lobe.
  
  
• Occipital lobe seizures. The occipital lobe of the brain is associated with vision, and people who have this type of simple partial seizure may experience hallucinations or other vision disturbances.