If a person experiences a partial seizure, a physician may conduct a series of tests to identify the cause of the seizure. This usually includes imaging tests, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed axial tomography (CAT) scans to look for signs of brain damage or tumors. Additionally, a physician may recommend an electroencephalogram (EEG), which involves electrodes being placed on the scalp to measure brain activity. Blood tests may also be performed to rule out metabolic disorders or infections.

Many patients who experience a single partial seizure may not need any type of treatment. However, it is recommended that patients who experience a seizure for the first time consult a physician to identify any existing condition that may have caused the seizure and may require treatment.

Treatment of partial seizures may vary, depending on its cause. Treatment may include surgery in some cases of head injury or brain tumors. Medications may be used if metabolic disorders are associated with a patient’s seizures. Seizure medications may be used for patients with recurrent partial seizures who have been diagnosed with epilepsy. This medication helps to prevent recurring seizures, but must be taken daily to be effective.

Surgery may be recommended for patients with recurrent partial seizures for whom medication does not work. Brain surgery may be effective for patients in which abnormal electrical activity occurs within a clearly defined area of the brain. Surgery may not be recommended when abnormal activity occurs in an area of the brain essential for language or motor (movement) functioning.

Risks of brain surgery include personality changes or increased seizure frequency. Most people who undergo brain surgery for recurrent seizures are advised to continue taking seizure medications for a period of time following surgery to allow the brain to adapt. The patient may then be tapered off the medication.

Another treatment option for people with recurrent partial seizures that are poorly controlled with medication is vagus nerve stimulation. The vagus nerve travels from the brain to the abdomen and controls many aspects of body function. People with recurrent partial seizures may have a device (similar to a pacemaker) surgically implanted into the skin that stimulates the vagus nerve through a series of small electric shocks. These shocks can reduce seizure frequency in people with epilepsy by 20 to 40 percent, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). This treatment method is FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approved and mainly used to treat partial seizures. However, some studies have shown that it may be used to treat generalized seizures that have not responded well to medications.

Most partial seizures have no known cause, making them difficult to prevent. Because some partial seizures may be caused by head injuries, wearing appropriate head protection when riding bicycles or motorcycles, or when playing contact sports is important. People can also reduce the risk of stroke, which can be a cause of seizures, by eating a healthy diet, quitting smoking and controlling high blood pressure. Binge drinking (consuming large amounts of alcohol in a short amount of time) and illegal drug use should also be avoided.