Seizure Semiology in Focal and Generalized Epilepsies: Distinctive and Overlapping Features

Abstract

Studying seizure semiology is the first step in evaluating any patient with epilepsy which leads the way to further investigations and management, particularly in differentiating focal and generalized epilepsies. While the usefulness of semiological analysis has been confirmed through decades' worth of research and clinical practice, there remains some instances when the line between focal and generalized semiological features is blurred leading to difficulties identifying the type of epilepsy at hand. This in turn can lead to delayed or wrong diagnoses with significant implications.In this review article, we explain the role of semiology in epilepsy, specifically in differentiating focal versus generalized epilepsies and cover the semiological features for both groups. We also discuss the occasional overlapping semiology between the two groups and provide case examples.