Should consciousness be included in the classification of focal (partial) seizures?

Abstract

The ILAE 2010 report does not classify focal seizures and instead uses “descriptors” to distinguish focal seizures with versus without impaired consciousness. Below, we recall a recent informal conversation that took place while traveling a back road in Australia (true story), discussing problems with the old terms as well as new biological and practical evidence separating events formerly known as complex partial versus simple partial seizures. Impaired level of consciousness is a core distinguishing feature of focal seizures, which arises from established physiological mechanisms and can be readily determined based on behavior in most cases. After some debate, we arrive at succinct terms c..